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 where I worked primarily with youth and families.  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, Reproductive Mental Health, and many other modalities including Sandplay.  I am certified in Equine Interactions in Mental Health through the University of Denver Institute for Human Animal Connection Post Master's program. 

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 and to experience greater life satisfaction.

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.