Meet Carrie -

Your Courage Coach

Hi there!

I’m Carrie, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and mom of two. I moved to Santa Barbara in 2001, where I earned my B.S. in Psychology from Westmont College, and later completed my Master’s in Special Education with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University.

Over the past twenty years, I've helped countless clients face their fears, build new skills, and move toward fuller, more independent lives. As a BCBA, I have extensive experience supporting individuals ages 2–22 and their families as they navigate autism, anxiety, ADHD, Down syndrome, OCD, and other developmental differences. I also have a heart for supporting those without formal diagnoses who may benefit from additional guidance and care.

I created Courage Coach after recognizing that meaningful progress in overcoming a fear or phobia happens more efficiently when it becomes the primary focus, rather than one of many competing goals. These fears—no matter how small they may seem to others—can significantly impact not only an individual’s quality of life, but their family’s as well. I bring the patience and dedication necessary for supporting people through this process. I have also seen a gap in available services: few opportunities exist for clients, especially neurodiverse individuals, to engage in graduated exposure work in real-world settings.

My approach is compassionate, personalized, and grounded in real-life application. I meet clients where they are and help them take small, meaningful steps toward overcoming fears in everyday situations, while building coping skills, tolerance, and resilience. I partner closely with parents and caregivers, offering tools and strategies that promote consistency and long-term success. I also incorporate elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), and strongly value collaboration with other professionals, including psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, teachers, and physicians.

In my free time I love spending time with family and friends, being active by walking the beach or dancing, and traveling. I look forward to connecting with you and bringing more courage to your life!

The secret to happiness is freedom...

And the secret to freedom is courage.

-Thucydides