Why I do this work.
I’ve always felt like I lived on the edges—labeled “weird,” “too much,” or “not enough.” From as early as I can remember, I experienced severe panic attacks. Crowds, loud noises, even simple outings felt unbearable. I did everything I could to avoid situations that might trigger another episode—school field trips, sleepovers, family gatherings. I was deeply anxious, socially withdrawn, and held back in kindergarten because I was “too shy.”
Then, at age eleven, my world shifted dramatically when I unexpectedly lost my mother. My family decided that I should see a therapist because I wasn't “grieving” in the way they expected me to. I felt awkward, uncomfortable, and unsafe with my childhood therapists. The message I received during that time was: “you're weird and you should not trust yourself.” It was lonely. Confusing. At times, overwhelming.
But it also led me here.
I decided to pursue a Master’s in Counseling Psychology because I wanted to be the therapist I never had—the one who wouldn’t pathologize sensitivity or difference, who would meet someone like me with respect and understanding.
Today, I hold space for people who’ve felt like outsiders, who carry anxiety in their bones, who became caregivers far too young, or who have simply never felt fully seen. In our work together, your “weirdness” is not only welcomed—it’s honored.
I believe in celebrating the unique qualities that make us, us—not contorting ourselves to fit the expectations of others. We’re all human. We all deserve to be seen, heard and respected. I am committed to creating a world in which we are not only allowed but encouraged to show up fully as ourselves.
I might be a good fit if…
You don’t mind purple hair and Halloween tattoos.
You’re cool with occasional swearing.
You don’t mind laughing during therapy.
You want to work with someone who celebrates their quirkiness and invites you to bring yours into our work.
You’d like a therapist who will help you work through the discomfort that comes with dealing with your deep-seated shit.
You’re looking for a therapist who won’t judge you for your size, sexuality, gender expression, or choices.
Professional Information
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Professional Information ✴
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I earned an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from De Anza College. I then earned both a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sociology and a Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University.
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Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California since 2012 (#52107).
Clinical supervisor since 2014.
Brainspotting: Phase 1, 2, 3, and Expansion training
Gottman Level 1 Trained
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Santa Clara Valley chapter.
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT)
GAYLESTA (The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity
WPATH (Word Professional Association for Transgender Health)
I'm certified as a Domestic Violence counselor.
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My earliest forays into the mental health field were teaching neurodivergent adolescents high school English and working with the Support Network for Battered Women (now a division of the YWCA). There, I had the privilege of supporting women and children who had survived significant trauma, including domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault.
From there, I embarked on a 10+ year career in community mental health as a case manager and therapist. For the last 7 years in CMH, I served as the Clinical Manager for the largest outpatient team in Santa Clara County at Momentum for Mental Health. In this role, I worked with adolescents and adults, addressing issues like chronic and severe mental illness, homelessness, mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and complex trauma.
Before opening my private practice in 2023, I worked at Elite Focus, specializing in supporting neurodivergent adults, and at Neurocycles Wellness Center, where I provided therapy to students at Cogswell University as well as adults in the broader community.
Additionally, since 2014, I’ve provided clinical supervision to therapists at various organizations, including Momentum for Health, YWCA, Hope Services, The Brown Therapy Group, Shine a Light Counseling Center, Yes to Therapy, Yes to You, and the E-Clinic at Palo Alto University.
