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.
Experience & Education
Private Practice at Bay Area Psychotherapy Institute
I am a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist currently in private practice training with Bay Area Psychotherapy Institute (BAPTI), where I work with adolescents, families, young adults, and adult clients. I take direct referrals and provide my clients with high quality therapy on a low-fee and sliding-scale basis.
Community Mental Health at Discovery Counseling Center
I also practice therapy at Discovery Counseling Center's main clinic. I see adolescents, adults, and families who experience a range of mental health concerns. Previously I worked in Discovery's School Counseling Intervention Program, where I provided school-based mental health services for middle and elementary students in the local school district.
Public and Private School Educator
My previous professional experiences include teaching middle school English and history, instructing art classes at the elementary school level, and working in summer camps and after school programs.
MS in Counseling, California State University East Bay | MA in Teaching, Saint Mary's College of California