Who am I?

As an educational therapist, certified cognitive coach and academic psychologist, I seek opportunities to understand and support educational, social and emotional growth.  I strive to help individuals enhance their self awareness and self efficacy beliefs through cognitive behavioral coaching, psycho-education, mindfulness and qigong training and self development.  

What do I do?

I use cognitive behavioral coaching in my coaching practice as a vehicle for helping my clients understand the relationships between thoughts, emotions and behaviors.   Our sessions are about setting goals for the present and moving away from undesireable behaviors, finding purpose and motivation, and for becoming self regulated.  I have many years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in virtual and face to face settings.  

What is Coaching Psychology?

Coaching is different from medically-based therapeutic services like psychotherapy.  It begins with goal setting to achieve desired educational or psychological outcomes.   Coaching in its many forms is a solution focused approach to meeting goals, changing how we respond to challenges and to achieving desired outcomes.   It is appropriate for individuals who have been formally diagnosed with ADHD or other challenges related to executive functioning. Improving outcomes requires reducing or elminating barreris to success as well as developing effective skills and thinking strategies.  

Education

Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D) – Touro University, 2017  

Master of Arts degree in Education, (M.A.Ed.), Touro University – California, 2008

Graduate Certificate in Educational Therapy, University of California, Berkeley 2006

Multiple Subjects Credential and Education Specialist - Mild/Moderate Disabilities - California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities, New College of California, San Francisco 1991

Allied Health Sciences, Fullerton College, California 1978-1982

Training, Memberships and Professional Affiliations

ACO - ADHD Coaches Association, 2024

AET - Association of Educational Therapists, Professional (ET/P 2006 - 2013)

APA – American Psychological Association, Division 15 – Educational Psychologists - Affiliate

ATI - Arizona Trauma Institute - Certified Trauma Support Specialist (2022)

CalTICA -California Trauma Informed Care Academy - Educators Module

CCAPP - Qualified Mental Health Specialist (NPI #1659171874 - Cognitive Behavioral Psychologist)

CCTC - Education Specialist - California Commission on Teacher Credentialing - 1991- present

CE - Certificate in Meditation Coaching - 2024

CSUF- Certificate in Integrative Behavioral Health - 2024

FSU - Florida State University - Professional Certification in Trauma and Resilience - Level 1 

IBCCES - Certified Cognitive Coach  2022 -  #CCC22817595

ILCT - Institute for Life Coaching Training - Cognitive Behavioral Coaching

ISCP - International Society of Coaching Psychology - Affiliate

NACBT - National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists, Certified Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapist (CBGT)

PESI - Advanced Certificate: Executive Functioning Skills for Children & Adolescents - 2024

PGIM - Post Graduate Institute for Medicine - ACEs Aware in California - 2021

TCH - Certified Qigong Instructor - Tai Chi Healthways 2022

Articles, Publications, Websites

Autonomy and Motivation: The Keys to Successful Learning and Goal Attainment - Medium.com

Mindset Practices for Wellness and Wellbeing - Medium.com

Neuroplasticity - Medium.com

Mindful Breathing Institute - website

Mindful Breathing Institute - YouTube Channel

Mindful Breathing - ebook or paperback

Mindful Self Care - ebook or paperback

Mindfulness for Beginners - website

Metacognitive Thinking - website

Social Emotional Learning - webpage

Metacognitive Thinking Blog - website

Trauma Informed Practices: Teaching Self Regulation through Mindfulness - Medium.com

Trauma Informed Teaching Practices - American Psychological Association - Practice Brief - October 2022

Trauma Informed Practices: Teaching Self Regulation through Mindfulness to Children and Adolescents - 2023 - ebook