I have been a people watcher my entire life. I received my formal education in Philadelphia (University of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University) earning my doctorate specializing in Clinical Psychology. With this foundation combined with years of mentoring by many talented clinicians, I have worked both in community mental health and private practice throughout my career.

My various roles have included running a Domestic Violence Offender Treatment Program, being a therapist at Juvenile Hall, serving as Clinical Director of a Community Mental Health Center and Intern Training Program,  being Clinical Director of a Women’s Shelter and Therapeutic Pre-school, and my current position as Director of Training in the Mental Health Deprtment of a Health Center. Throughout this time, I have also worked with individuals, couples, teens, and children in my own practice. I have been fortunate enough to teach, supervise, and mentor others as well as learn from many clients and interns throughout my 25 years of service. I also teach Health Education Classes through Kaiser Permanente, including helping people quit smoking, manage depression and anxiety, and maintain healthy living. I feel very fortunate to follow a calling that has brought me great personal reward, both in watching people grow and in challenging myself to be a better person.

In addition to my professional career, I live with my husband, two teenagers, cat, and two fish in Northern California. My mother lives in a granny unit behind our house, having moved here in 2014 as she battles a progressive neurological disease. I discovered writing as an amazing outlet for me about eight years ago. I find it a powerful guide to help me clarify what I think and feel, mostly journaling and writing stories no one will ever read but me and sometimes the brave members of my writing group.