About Your Therapist 

I was born and raised in Santa Barbara county, and love living in this beautiful city so much I’ve stayed my whole life. As the only child of a single mother, I learned early on to empathize with the struggles of others. I feel lucky to have had both my mother and grandmother as strong, independent role models to guide me through life. Still, as a child, I became fascinated with learning about different family systems, values, and cultures.   

 

Like many mental health professionals, my journey to becoming a therapist started as a client. While pursuing my undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education at CSU Channel Islands and working to put myself through college, my therapist was instrumental in keeping me grounded and focused. I have been seeing my therapist for 10 years now, and she encouraged me to become a therapist from the start. However, it was several years before I realized that therapy was my true passion. 

 

While in school, I worked in after school programs, taught preschool, nannied, taught swim lessons, and assistant taught for elementary school aged children. After graduating from Antioch University, Santa Barbara with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology in 2021, I have continued to support and advocate for elementary and high school aged children as a school therapist for the Santa Barbara Unified School District.  

 

Through my work with the school district, I have gained firsthand knowledge and experience navigating the educational system, specifically IEP and 504 plans, and am able to work with schools to create the most constructive learning environment for students who face educational and psychological challenges. 

 

In addition to working with children, I also worked for Casa Serena with people struggling with substance abuse and addiction issues, as well as The Pacific Pride Foundation where I have been able to deepen my understanding of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations.