Having come from a family in which compassion and human dignity are strongly held values, the art of healing and psychotherapy was a natural calling for me. My passionate interest in psychology was first sparked by an undergraduate course that examined the intersection of psychology and social justice. I was also enamored with philosophy and anthropology courses. After completing my Bachelors of Science degree in psychology at the University of Oregon in 1998, I worked for 6 years with emotionally and behaviorally disturbed youth in therapeutic day schools, residential facilities, and therapeutic foster homes. This experience motivated me to return to graduate school with hopes of cultivating the art of healing.

My graduate training consisted of treating children, adolescents, families, and adults facing an array of psychiatric and life struggles. In 2006, I earned my terminal Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology - Counseling Specialization from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I then immediately transferred into The Chicago School's clinical PsyD program, where I earned my doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2011. Between 2006 and 2011, I also served as adjunct faculty at The Chicago School's Clinical Counseling MA program where I taught both on-campus and on-line courses in theories of counseling and psychotherapy, including foundational courses in existential-humanistic psychotherapy.

A Bay Area native, I returned to the Bay to complete my pre-doctoral internship at the Family Institute of Pinole. During this time, I worked exclusively with Victims of Crime struggling from traumatic life events and PTSD. Working with children, adolescents, families, and adults in both Pinole and Richmond, I also gained advanced training in narrative, solution focused, strategic, and structural family therapies. I then completed my postdoctoral residency at Kaiser Permanente in 2012, which gave me extensive exposure to a variety of cognitive behavioral therapies.

With over 19 years pre- and post-doctoral experience, I have been afforded the opportunity to be a supportive presence to a diversity of people of all ages and backgrounds contending with an array of emotional, personal, social, and political struggles. I look forward to hearing your unique story and being a meaningfully supportive presence for you.

I am currently accepting referrals for adolescents, adults, and couples. My office is located in Oakland, CA where I offer in-person sessions. I am licensed throughout the State of California and can provide psychotherapy via video sessions to anyone residing in the state.