Background and training

 Education: I have a Master's of Social Work from San Jose State University (2015) and Licensed in Clinical Social Work in CA (2022) and WA (2024).  I also have degrees in Spanish and Photography.

Experience in Counseling:  My training and internships were in community health mental health organizations in San Jose, Sacramento and Sonoma County, CA.  I have had my private practice since spring of 2024 offering in person therapy to clients in Washington State and telehealth to California clients.  I have also run peer support groups for people experiencing infertility and for intended and recipient parents of donor conceived children and adults. 

Populations I have worked with:   My clients have been from many different countries and backgrounds including all genders, religions, races, and sexualities.  

Post Graduate Training: I have training in somatic, mindfulness-based approach to treating trauma through the Hakomi Institute, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, EMDR standard protocol,  Attachment Focused EMDR, Reproductive Mental Health, and many other modalities including Sandplay, and other trauma-informed practices.  I am currently attending the University of Denver Institute for Human Animal connection as a post master's student in the Equine Interactions in Mental Health Practitioner's Certificate program.  I am also in consultation with several groups continually, including working toward my certification in AF-EMDR which takes a few years of practice and mentoring by therapists certified in that treatment.  

Personal and professional philosophy:  My personal and professional philosophy on healing was profoundly shaped by my upbringing in the eclectic, rural "West Sonoma County" north of San Francisco, CA. It was a place where "back to the earth" traditions and non-mainstream belief systems coexisted with working-class realities and sensibilities.  Much of my childhood was  spent outdoors, playing in the creeks and hills around me with my dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, donkey and horse.  

I am consistently in awe of the strength and courage individuals show, even in the face of immense suffering and challenge. My goal is to create a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients can feel seen, heard, and empowered to navigate their path toward feeling well.

I have lived all over the USA and abroad as an adult and am married and have one child. I love meeting people from all over the world, traveling and hiking.  My idea of a great adventure is flying to a different country and being open to discover all the wonderful people, places, food, art, music, etc. from that part of the world. I also like doing this in the U.S.A. because this country is so vast and different between regions and states.