My career in mental health officially began during my undergraduate work at Sonoma State University where I worked with foster youth in a group home setting. With a Bachelors degree in Psychology I moved forward in my career to become a Program Supervisor for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy programs specializing in working with children with Autism. Here, my passion grew for families affected by mental health challenges and other developmental disabilities. My extensive work with children on the autism spectrum opened my eyes to the idea that individuals are best understood in the context of the family as an emotional unit, rather than in isolation.

I received my Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and graduated from Alliant International University in 2011. My supervised clinical hours were conducted at Rady Children’s Hospital- Outpatient Psychiatry, where I was eventually hired as a full time therapist. This experience provided me with the training and knowledge to treat children, adolescents, young adults and their families with a variety of challenges ranging from developmental disabilities, trauma, anxiety, depressive and mood disorders. I became a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in 2014 and truly feel it is a privelage to be in this field, to guide others in the change process and assist in reconnecting families in times of distress.

My therapeutic areas of interest include children and teenagers struggling with life transitions, bullying, anxiety, depression, social and behavioral challenges, and trauma. My work with adults includes parent education, life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, prenatal and postpartum mental health, and deep self-exploration. I believe that everyone deserves to be heard, and the power of the therapeutic relationship has the potential for immense healing and growth.

I live in San Diego with my husband, where we were both born and raised. We have four young children who give us immense joy and purpose and equally challenge us.