About Me

Curiosity | Creativity | Compassion

“A self is not something static, tied up in a pretty parcel and handed to the child, finished and complete. A self is always becoming.”

Madeleine L'Engle

My Story

Ever since I was young, I have always had three main passions in life: learning, creativity, and people. With each area of study or job I've done, my work has combined and centered on these interests. I am someone who loves to learn, and I'm curious about the world and the variety of people in it.

After studying graphic design for my undergraduate degree, I discovered I wanted to utilize my creativity in a career that involved working with and helping people more directly. Thus began the journey to become an art teacher. Over my years in the field of education, I took on many roles as I assisted in after school programs, instructed elementary art classes, and taught middle school English and history.

As a teacher, I had the opportunity to work with hundreds of children and their families. I became familiar with the academic, social, and emotional issues that children face and the challenges of parenting in today's world. I became more interested in interpersonal dynamics as I observed the relationships between students, families, and colleagues. Eventually, it became clear that my professional skills and interests had become further refined and would best serve others in a career as a marriage and family therapist.

My personal and professional experiences have given me humility, grown my compassion, and sparked my inspiration to aid others as they travel on their own journeys through life. As a therapist, I love the work I do. I feel fortunate to continue using my curiosity, creativity, and compassion in my work with others.

Professional Experiences

Private Practice Therapy for Oregon & California Clients

I work mainly with adolescents and adults of all ages, especially people in college and in their 20s. I am affiliated with Bay Area Psychotherapy Institute (BAPTI) in the San Francisco Bay Area (where I used to live and work). At BAPTI, I completed pre-licensed training as an associate therapist and currently serve remotely in the role of Administrative Director. I'm licensed in California and Oregon, and I'm able to work with clients remotely in both states.

Community Mental Health at Discovery Counseling Center

For three years I completed pre-licensed and supervised training at Discovery Counseling Center in Danville, CA. In the main clinic, I treated children, adolescents, adults, and families experiencing a range of concerns. In Discovery's School Counseling Intervention Program, I provided school-based mental health services for middle and elementary students in the local school district.

Public and Private School Educator, Designer

My previous professional experiences include teaching middle school English and history, instructing elementary art classes, and working in camps and after school programs. Prior to this, I worked briefly in the field of graphic design.

Degrees & Certifications

M.S. in Counseling, California State University East Bay

M.A. in Teaching, St. Mary's College of California

California Single Subject Teaching Credential

A few other degrees in fine arts and German. Yep, I love school and I'm kind of a nerd.

Professional Trainings

I have completed continuing education to gain further specialization in:

Suicide assessment and prevention
Non-suicidal self-injury
Treatment of complex trauma
Attachment in relationships
Perfectionism & internal criticism
Therapy for gifted clients
The Enneagram and Myers-Briggs

Professional Affiliations

California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

Bay Area Psychotherapy Institute (BAPTI)

Bay Area Association for Psychological Type (BAAPT)

Reach Out