MY STORY

Like most psychotherapists, I was profoundly impacted by my own work with a wonderful therapist who helped me with much needed healing and growth. I was in my 20’s and decided to commit to a life of helping others find their way instead of pursuing a career in theater. This was one of the greatest choices I’ve made. To earn a living doing something I find great joy and deep meaning in is such a gift. I’m deeply curious about and have an innate desire to connect with and care for others. I believe connection is something we all need to be the best versions of ourselves.

I earned a Masters degree in Social Work from San Jose State University in 2000. Prior to starting my private practice in 2008, I worked in a variety of settings such as outpatient and inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities, schools, community mental health programs, and hospitals.

At the start of my career, I trained with Dr. David Mee-Lee of the American Society of Addiction medicine. I’ve been intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy by Dr. Alan Fruzzeti and Dr. Marsha Linehan. I completed my foundational training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing with Dr. Andrew Leeds at the Sonoma Psychotherapy Institute. I later studied Attachment Based EMDR with Dr. Laurel Parnell. I’m currently finishing my Internal Family Systems Level One training with the IFS Institute. I’m trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Harm Reduction. I’m committed to ongoing training and development so I can bring my best to my practice.

I love spending time with my family and raising my daughter, being active outside or in the gym in any type of group class, being creative, hanging with my two adorable cats,and continuing to learn and grow in my own therapeutic work. I carry a sense of humility knowing there is much more to learn….always.