“Being a therapist is not only an honor but a privilege that I am so grateful to be.”

How I got started:

I've always been drawn to helping people, starting as a kid volunteering in my parents' classrooms (both were teachers!). I especially loved supporting my mom, who worked in special education. That early exposure to care and advocacy sparked something in me.

After graduating from UC Santa Barbara, I began my career supporting children with autism and their families through ABA-based care. I later earned my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Cal State Long Beach. Despite the title, being a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist isn’t just about relationships, it’s about understanding the systems, histories, and patterns that shape how we relate to ourselves and others.

While training at the Long Beach Trauma Recovery Center, I found my passion for trauma work. It was a privilege to witness stories of resilience that continue to influence how I show up. Not just as a therapist, but as a human. Since then, I’ve worked across many levels of care: community mental health, supporting foster youth, IOP/PHP settings, and providing clinical leadership. These experiences ground my holistic and trauma-informed approach to therapy.

A Little Bit About Me

When I’m not in sessions, you can usually find me snapping photos of my two furbabies, Benjamin and Button. I love a good frothy latte, soaking up the sun on a walk, or admiring the cactus and flowers on my patio. I value the small, grounding moments in life and I try to carry that same presence into the therapy room.

Close-up of a domestic short-haired tabby cat with green eyes, lying on a teal blanket.
A white poodle dog wearing a black bow tie, sitting on a teal blanket with a geometric wall shelf in the background.

How I work:

I step into the therapist space wanting to meet you exactly where you are. I’ve worked with individuals from all walks of life, each with their own stories, identities, and challenges. I believe that therapy should feel collaborative, compassionate, and human. Finding the right therapist is like trying on shoes. Some may fit, some may not. I always welcome feedback and recognize that trust takes time.

Therapy can be hard work. At times, it may feel like things get a little worse before they get better and that’s okay. I’m here to offer a steady, nonjudgmental presence while we explore what’s getting in the way and work toward meaningful change. In our sessions, we may explore past experiences, develop new skills (like mindfulness, emotional regulation, or effective communication), and make space for you to feel seen and heard.

I believe goal-setting is a shared process. In our first few sessions, we’ll work together to clarify what you’re hoping for, whether it’s healing, clarity, growth, or something else entirely.

Therapy Types

When choosing the type of therapy to use in treatment I will address your needs as the client and make a collaborative conversation about the different types of therapy. We will choose one that will address your individual needs.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Cognitive Processing (CPT)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

  • Mindfulness & Compassion Based

  • Narrative Exposure

  • Prolonged Exposure (PE)

  • Person Centered

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Strength-Based