Hi and welcome!  I'm so glad you're here...

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My journey into helping others began when I was a child and really took flight when, during a dark time in my life, someone showed me kindness and love without conditions.  This person saw my worth when I couldn't and that changed my life.  I learned that we all have worth even when it's hard to get through difficult times and I became so excited to help others.

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Clinical and Addiction Treatment Experience

 

Since 2009, I have consistently worked with people who struggle with addiction in multiple treatment settings and with some who aren't ready for treatment yet.  Treatment settings include; private practice, Prop 36, residential, mothers and children reunification, 28/day co-occurring disorders, and county mental health. In 2013, I broadened my experience to include clinical treatment settings such as private practice, schools, non-profits and county mental health where I help children, teenagers and adults who struggle with emotional health issues and life impairments such as depression, codependency, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, low self-esteem, academic and job decline, family systems and relationship impairments, suicidality, and discontent.  I foster a person-centered approach and believe that each one of us is the expert in his or her life so we take this journey in a collaborative way.  My passion for helping shines bright!

 

I'm a college instructor - Psychology, Addiction Studies and Human Sexuality- and a Prevention Educator - I love it!

Integrated Approach/Orientations 

I personalize my approach with integrated models such as; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused, psycho-dynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gestalt, Brief Therapy, harm-reduction, crisis intervention, mindfulness and meditation.  

 

Education

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In 2010, I completed my education at Allan Hancock College and received certificates in Addiction Studies, Co-Occurring Disorders and Human Services.  In 2011, I received my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies/Applied Psychology and in 2013, I received my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology - both from Antioch University, Santa Barbara. 

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Personal

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​​I love spending time with my wonderful son, his beautiful family, my grandchildren and my amazing friends, going to the movies, watching football, exercising, skiing, traveling, playing the piano and sewing.  

I love the beach.

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I’m also in recovery.

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I'm honored to be a part of your journey!  So enough about me, let's talk about you...