My job is to have hope for people, and I have a passion for assisting others reach their fullest potential in life. I believe all human beings hold inherent worth and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, no matter who you are, where you’ve been, and what you’ve done. You have value, and you matter.

Whatever you’re going through, I am here to support you, without judgment or bias. My approach to therapy is down-to-earth, meeting people where they are through conversation. I view all of my work through a social justice lens. Quality therapy requires full consciousness of the inter-sectional identities and complex stressors that affect our lives.

I may be a trained clinician, but you are the expert on your life. Therapy is a collaborative process in assisting you to find greater peace in life. It can be hard work, but I’ll help to carry the burden. I look forward to hearing your story.

My Professional Background

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am a well-trained and experienced mental health provider. I also have a diverse set of work experiences that have shaped how I approach psychotherapy. I am both a Navy Veteran and a former Peace Corps Volunteer, but I spent the early years of my career as a community organizer in Los Angeles.

I have worked with many different populations in various locations, from New York City to Botswana, and I have a total of 4 years’ experience living and working abroad. While studying mental health and therapy at Columbia University in New York City, I had multiple opportunities that allowed me to learn from the best in the field.

My clinical foundation was built on working with adult survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. I also volunteered my time on a national youth suicide hotline. After New York, I joined the military to serve as a Naval Officer. I worked as an active duty mental health provider at 5 different duty stations, including two tours as the Director of Mental Health Departments on military installations. During those years, I treated nearly every mental health condition but maintained a specialty in treating issues related to trauma and/or sexuality. Today, I work with a variety of populations, including Veterans, refugees, and sex offenders.

Education, Training, and Certifications

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The Ohio State University Honors College
• Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health from Columbia University

Fun Facts

I am a proud Californian. San Diego is home, but I was born and raised in rural Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. I come from a blue-collar, working-class family. A midwesterner at heart, I completed my undergraduate studies in Psychology at The Ohio State University. Early life experiences shaped my values in compassion, honesty, hard work, and empathy.

In my spare time, I like exploring the outdoors–paddleboarding, rollerblading, hiking, camping, and skiing. Nature, from the forest to the beach, always soothes me. I also enjoy anything related to performing arts–theater, dance, and concerts. And I love to travel, especially exploring new places and foreign cultures. When my schedule allows, I like good board games with friends or playing my clarinet.