My approach:

My approach is client-centered—you’re always in the driver’s seat, and I’m here to help along the journey with compassion and curiosity. I meet every client with nonjudgment and authenticity, recognizing that each person’s story is unique. Because of this, I tailor my approach to meet your specific needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model.

In my work, I often draw from mindfulness-based practices, psychodynamic therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). For clients looking to process and heal from trauma, I also incorporate EMDR.

When working with children, my approach remains the same at its core—responsive, compassionate, and creative. A child’s first language is play, and I’m fluent in it. Through play and art, children can express emotions and experiences that are often difficult to put into words.

My background:

Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and chronic illnesses run in my family. I knew from an early age that I wanted to help people, but I didn’t know exactly how I would do it. I began my Master’s program in 2014 and explored many areas of mental health and age groups before discovering the kind of work that truly lights me up.

I got my start in nonprofits in 2015 working with people ages 5-65+ with trauma, anxiety, depression, family systems issues, and more.

Then I started working in high schools and elementary schools pioneering the first “school-based mental health professional” on staff full-time on campus. I helped build a comprehensive program that included counseling, social-emotional classroom interventions, grade-level interventions, and staff training. In between programming, I was also the homeless and foster youth liaison on campus. I became a member of IEP and 504 teams, advocating for student mental health needs. My experience doing this is what led me to the disability world and I never looked back.

In 2021, I transitioned to private practice to support children, teens, and adults impacted by disability or mental illness. Caregivers, neurodivergent folks, and sibs have been my focus since then and I have loved every minute of it.

In addition to private practice, I provide clinical supervision to pre-licensed therapists, offering guidance, support, and feedback as they develop their clinical skills and professional identity.

Outside of Work:

I go for walks nearly every day and they’re my favorite thing to do. I have 2 goofy dogs and 2 sassy cats who keep me very busy! During my free time, I cheer on the Dodgers, Chargers, and McLaren in Formula 1. I make efforts to stay creative by writing, drawing, painting, jewelery making, or any other new creative endeavour that sounds fun.

My education:

• University of Southern California (USC) Master’s of Marriage and Family Therapy, 2016

• University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) BA Psychology & Comparative Literature, 2014

Other Training:

• EMDR Basic Trained by the Trauma Therapist Institute, 2022. I’m pursuing certification in this and receive ongoing EMDR-focused consultation by an EMDRIA-certified consultant.

If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation, please contact me.