About Me

I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Loyola Marymount University with a minor in theology. I focused on world religions and how they interact with our mental health and wellness practices. I also focused on anxiety as a predictor of athletic success and the many variables that anxiety can present us with in our daily functioning. I am fortunate to have been able to attend graduate school twice. I first earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Saint Joseph’s University. The unique aspect of this part of my educational career is that rather than pursuing a teaching credential, I dove into as many assessment and diagnosis courses as I could. This led me on a journey of working as a behavior specialist for many years, focusing on dual-diagnosis populations as well as people experiencing autism and related differences. Over the years, the clinical side of my professional identity led me to Arizona State University, where I earned a Master of Social Work. Equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as evidence-based practices supporting advocacy and empowerment through sound clinical provision of services, were my primary areas of focus. I specialize in life transitions, anxiety, mood challenges, substance use, chronic illness across the family system, trauma and resilience.