Meet the team

As a therapist, I aim to help you uncover what makes your heart sing, sit with you as you explore what shows up when things don’t go the way you hoped, and offer alternative ways of responding, especially when current patterns are no longer serving you.

I specialize in working with adults and young-adults who:

Experience anxiety, including panic disorders, phobias, and OCD

Have a history of trauma, including PTSD, chronic childhood adverse experiences, and intergenerational trauma

Live with feelings of shame related to rigid rule-governed behavior or harmful internalized identities

Struggle with emotional dysregulation, relational difficulties, or people-pleasing patterns

Identify as ethically non-monogamous, kinky, or polyamorous

Care for or live with a loved one experiencing addiction

My approach focuses on cultivating embodied wisdom, increasing present-moment awareness with ourselves and others, and developing more flexible ways of responding to life’s challenges through mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies. 

In our work together, you will learn to better recognize and name your needs, notice early signs of anxiety or emotional overwhelm, and pause before reacting in familiar patterns such as people-pleasing, shutting down, or self-criticism. Over time, many clients find it easier to set boundaries without guilt, communicate more directly in relationships, recover more quickly after emotional setbacks, and make decisions with greater clarity and self-trust.

I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults experiencing anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), trauma, life transitions, and challenges related to self-esteem and identity. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and accepted—because meaningful change begins when we no longer feel like we have to hide who we are.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, trauma-informed, and individualized because no two people have the same story. Rather than focusing on what is "wrong," I believe healing begins by understanding the experiences that have shaped you and recognizing the strengths that have helped you through them. Together, we'll recognize your strengths, develop practical coping skills, explore recurring patterns, and work toward goals that are meaningful to you. I draw from evidence-based approaches to tailor therapy to your unique needs.

Before entering private practice, I worked extensively with high-risk adolescents and families in community mental health, including DCFS-involved families, justice-involved youth, and students with IEPs and 504 Plans. I supported individuals navigating complex trauma, neurodevelopmental differences, substance use, psychosis and other severe mental health conditions, family conflict, and significant life stressors. Those experiences strengthened my commitment to providing compassionate, culturally responsive, strengths-based care.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University.

Outside the therapy room, you'll usually find me with a good book, exploring local coffee shops, spending time with my husband, or hanging out with our sweet little dachshund, Dottie, and our very opinionated African Grey parrot, Tootie. They keep life entertaining and remind me daily to appreciate curiosity, connection, and the little moments of joy.

I know reaching out for therapy can feel vulnerable. Whether this is your first experience with counseling or you're returning after time away, it is a privilege to be part of your journey. My hope is to provide a space where you feel safe enough to explore your story, discover your strengths, and leave with not only new tools for navigating life's challenges, but also a greater understanding of yourself.