With over two decades of training and experience, my professional journey has included working with both adults & youth in interdisciplinary hospital clinics, community mental health programs, and public and private school settings in Oregon and California. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from UCSD in 2001, and my Master’s degree in Social Welfare from UCLA in 2005.

With a non judgmental and compassionate approach, I offer a safe and brave space for my clients to be seen, heard, accepted, and offered unconditional positive regard. As a social worker, I am skilled in identifying resources in the community and connecting clients with supplementary areas of support. I draw upon the empathy-based teachings of Brene Brown, the Self-Compassion resilience tools of Kristin Neff, and the brain science of Dan Siegel’s field of Interpersonal Neurobiology to help our understanding of ourselves and one another. I believe in the deep wisdom within each of us as well as that which is passed on to us by our cultures and traditions, utilizing spirituality as a tool for growth and healing.

Trained by the UCSD Center for Mindfulness in Self-Compassion and Mindfulness Education for Children and Teens, I am experienced in bringing meaningful and accessible practices to youth to encourage the development of self-awareness and emotional regulation. As a trained Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor and through my nine years as a School Counselor,  I have extensive experience educating and empowering adults to understand the mental health challenges facing youth and to build constructive and meaningful communication between parent and child.  

I am married, and the mother of three daughters (middle school and high school aged) and one beloved rescue dog, Kona. I love to read, hike, enjoy the beach and dance to live music.