My Experience 

I obtained my Masters degree with an emphasis in clinical counseling from Columbia University School of Social Work in New York City.  Since then, I have worked in a variety of roles, including as a pediatric social worker at a children’s hospital, a lead clinician and supervisor at a private outpatient for teenagers, young adults, and their families, and most recently as a social worker at the University of California Santa Barbara. I have also sought further educational and training opportunities and obtained certifications in CBT, DBT, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, as well as  a post masters focusing on treating disordered eating. 

  I want to use these experiences and all I have learned to continue to help teenagers and young adults navigate their personal stress, the stressors of today’s world and the lingering impact of the lockdown had on their formative years. I also have vast experience working with parents (both individually and/or along side their high school and college aged children) and helping them navigate their role, improve communication, and nurture their relationships with their children. I enjoy assisting parents in providing techniques to assist and prepare their growing children for their next stage of independence. 

My third focus area includes working with women of all ages who find themselves in transition. This could be a roadblock with their career, with their relationship(s), and/ or while looking to start their family. I have a personal interest in fertility support (see below) and believe all women could benefit from personalized support during these transitional stages. 

 

My Approach 

My personal approach can be described as a combination of psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and skills building. In other words, I find that there is value in exploring the past, but the emphasis always remains in the now and what is next. 

My goal is to help my clients better understand themselves. Whether that’s as simple as identifying their personal likes and dislikes or learning what triggers them and how to anticipate potential distress. It can also mean learning how to cope when things don’t work out as expected and how to move on, redirect, and thrive. 

 

My background

I grew up in San Diego, and despite being a native southern Californian, I feel a strong connection to New York and the years I spent “growing up” there. My husband and I currently live in Carpinteria with our son and our dog, Maverick. 

I underwent years of fertility work and treatment and am grateful beyond words for our healthy son. I feel compelled to share this very personal detail here as I have a passion for working with women going through a similar journey (and other transitions). It can feel isolating and extremely overwhelming, and I have the utmost empathy for all women and families struggling to start or expand their family. 

 

My years in this field have ingrained the need for work / life balance. I love to bake and luckily my son likes to help. I stay very active enjoy the simple time with my family. 

​