I decided I wanted to become some sort of mental health professional my Senior year of High School after taking a Psychology Class offered by my favorite teacher (shouts Ms. Thomas!). All throughout my life I had struggled with anxiety, emotional regulation, and, as I grew up, depression. I didn’t have the words for my experience and thus was not able to advocate or ask for what I needed. Taking that psychology class made me feel inspired to not only spread awareness and education, but to feel that I could really make a difference in someone else’s life in the ways I felt like I was lacking.

I managed my own mental health by discovering activities that brought me personal joy and healing including live music/festivals, art, connecting with friends, spending time with animals, mindfulness, writing, reading, and, most significant in my life, nature. I love hiking, mountain biking, camping/backpacking, and kayaking and involving loved ones and my dogs in those activities make it that much better.I try to involve these activities in my life in some shape or form every day and bring them into my practice as a therapist.

My educational journey started at Sierra College in Rocklin, California where I took my time exploring the field of Psychology and contemplating how I wanted to integrate it into my life. I eventually transferred to Sonoma State University where I discovered home in Sonoma County and stayed. I later pursued a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Sonoma State University and went on to obtain licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a Professional Clinical Counselor.

I started working in Crisis Residential in 2014 where I provided counseling services to predominantly houseless individuals suffering from dual occurring substance and mental health disorders. From there I moved into Clinical Case Management providing services for adults being released from California Prisons to aid in their successful integration back into society, while also providing therapy for CPS clients, veterans, teens, couples and adults. Eventually I found. my way to Teen Substance Abuse Residential Treatment where I started as an Associate Therapist and eventually became the Clinical Director providing individual, group, and family therapy for teens ages 12-18 while also managing a program and its staff. Along this journey, I spent 30 days in the Alaskan backcountry training as an Outdoor Leader with NOLS which allows me to bring experiences of resilience, teamwork, leadership, and wisdom of the wilderness into my practice.

All these experiences accompanied by my passion for learning and exploration inform the therapist I am today. I do my best to show up authentic, compassionate, curious, and open to every session.