I entered the field of mental health in 2015 when I began working with foster and transition-age youth in Santa Cruz County, through Encompass Community Services. My hunch that I could be well-suited for counseling seemed accurate, so I pursued my Master’s in Counseling Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute, completing their depth-oriented program in 2019.

Most of my trainee and associate years were spent at Shine a Light Counseling Center, where I learned from skilled supervisors and colleagues. During that time and since, I have focused my studies on Trauma, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Brainspotting, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy. A full list of my education and mental health training can be found below.

Before transitioning into this wonderful career, I had stints as a high school Humanities teacher in both New York and San Francisco. A lifelong learner, I continued taking classes in Spanish, Poetry, Photography, and Filmmaking. In my thirties I pivoted into videography and editing, and enjoyed working in the visual arts— until the healing arts began calling to me. It was my own journey of trauma recovery that inspired me to become a practitioner, and I’m so glad I took the plunge.

Nowadays in my free time, I’m happiest when reading, writing, dancing, swimming, or running on our beautiful local beaches. I cherish my time with family, both its humans and fur babies.