About Me
I was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and have always been drawn to understanding people, systems, and the ways individuals learn, grow, and make meaning. My clinical training has taken me across diverse communities, including completing both my psychology internship and postdoctoral fellowship in Nome, Alaska—an experience that deeply shaped my commitment to accessible, culturally responsive, and community‑centered care.
Within remote Alaskan villages, I provided psychological services in communities with limited access to care. These experiences have strengthened my multicultural competence, deepened my respect for cultural context, and reinforced my belief in meeting people where they are—both literally and therapeutically.
I earned my PhD in Psychology in 2016 with an emphasis in Research and Evaluation, where I focused on translating complex data into practical, real‑world insights. My interest in adult learning and professional development led me to complete an EdD in Adult Education in 2021. That same year, I completed my PsyD in Clinical Psychology and became a Health Service Psychologist, solidifying my clinical foundation and expanding my work with individuals across the lifespan.
As an AuDHD clinician, my lived experience informs my work in meaningful ways. It allows me to approach neurodivergent clients with a depth of understanding, attunement, and authenticity that complements my formal training. My work is firmly neurodiversity‑affirming, and the primary focus of my research has been autism and neurodiversity. I am committed to approaches that honor lived experience, reduce stigma, and support people in understanding themselves without pathologizing difference.
Clinically, I work from a humanistic–existential framework, emphasizing authenticity, personal meaning, and the inherent capacity for growth. I strive to create a therapeutic space where clients feel deeply seen, supported, and empowered to explore their experiences with compassion and curiosity. I hold the Animal‑Assisted Intervention Specialist Certification (C‑AAIS), reflecting my interest in integrating evidence‑based human–animal interaction into therapeutic work when appropriate.
Over the course of my career, I have authored multiple publications and delivered numerous presentations on topics including neurodiversity‑affirming practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and trauma‑informed care. My work consistently centers on making psychological knowledge accessible, actionable, and grounded in real‑world experience.
Today, my practice integrates rigorous clinical training, a strong research background, and a deep appreciation for how adults learn and change. I bring a thoughtful, collaborative, and strengths‑based approach to every client relationship, with an emphasis on clarity, compassion, and practical support.