top of page

ABOUT ME

EDUCATION

  • Pepperdine University, Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology (2006)

  • Pepperdine University, M.A. in Psychology (2001)

  • UCLA, B.A. in Psychology (1999)

​

   Professional Education/Training:​

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

  • Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy

  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples

  • Mindfulness Based Interventions for Children & Teens

  • Certified Family Trauma Professional​

SPECIALTIES

  • Children and Adolescents

  • Family Issues and Parenting

  • ADHD and Behavior Problems

  • Peer Relationships & Social Skills

  • Mood Disorders

  • Anxiety Disorders

  • Trauma

  • Play Therapy

  • Couples Therapy

  • Pregnancy & Postpartum

  • Psychological / Psychoeducational Testing

EXPERIENCE

With almost 20 years of experience working in school-based, outpatient community mental health, inpatient psychiatric, and private practice settings, along with my experiences as a mother, I have evolved as a therapist and grown as a person. Some of the experiences that have shaped my professional growth include:

  • providing school-based individual, group, family counseling and classroom-based interventions in public schools

  • providing individual, family, and couples therapy in outpatient family services clinics

  • conducting neuropsychological & psychoeducational testing in a non-public school 

  • serving as the program supervisor of an outpatient program providing services to a forensic population 

  • teaching undergraduate & graduate psychology courses  

  • providing clinical supervision to psychology interns & trainees

  • being a mom to three amazing, curious, fun, active boys

​

Specializing in children/adolescents & families, I seek ongoing professional training and education in child development and child & family therapy in order to remain current with relevant research & provide quality care with evidence-based practices.

THERAPEUTIC APPROACH

As a licensed clinical psychologist, I am committed to helping others increase self-awareness, build resilience, discover their inner strength, develop meaningful connections, and live a more productive, joyful life. I believe the power of therapy lies in the therapeutic relationship...A safe, non-judgmental, collaborative relationship with the therapist, which sets the stage for healing, learning, and growth.

​

Since each person who steps into my office is unique and in a different place psychologically, I take into account their personal characteristics, strengths, degree of self-awareness, motivation for change, cultural factors, and current needs. Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I have an integrative approach to therapy, combining different therapeutic approaches and evidence-based interventions to fit the specific needs of each individual. In my work with children, I also incorporate play, which is a child's natural way of learning & communicating. Play therapy allows a child to express their inner experiences, resolve problems, and grow, while nurturing healthy development of their brain.

​

As a mother, I understand the day to day challenges of parenthood. As a child & family psychologist, I am passionate about supporting parents through their parenting journey and encouraging them to have a more mindful, compassionate, intentional approach to parenting. Children communicate with us through their behaviors and it is important to understand the meaning & purpose underlying those behaviors. Helping parents shift the focus to connecting with their child and strengthening the parent-child relationship, allows them to find peace & joy in parenting, as well as facilitate the development of a secure, confident, happy child. 

California Board of Psychology License PSY21559

bottom of page