I am a native East Coaster raised in South Florida, and I graduated with my B.A. in Psychology from Brandeis University outside of Boston in 2000. After working for 2 years at a residential treatment program for at-risk youth in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, I moved to San Diego in 2002 to attend graduate school at the California School of Professional Psychology/Alliant International University. During my graduate education, I trained with specialists in child, adolescent, family, and adult psychotherapy and assessment at Rady Children’s Hospital Outpatient Psychiatry, Jewish Family Service, and St. Vincent de Paul Villages.
While working on my doctoral dissertation, I became intrigued by the experiences of women and couples during pregnancy. To delve into the fascinating world of pregnancy and childbirth, I participated in a week-long retreat on Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting through the UCSD Center for Mindfulness. I also joined a monthly doula group at Best Start Birth Center, where I learned about pregnancy and childbirth wellness and preparation alongside doulas, midwives, nurses, acupuncturists, and other birth professionals. These experiences solidified my passion for helping women throughout their perinatal journey to feel empowered in making thoughtful choices, navigating unexpected challenges, and coping with changes in identity and partnership.
In 2012, I attended a 10-day silent Vipassana Meditation course in 29 Palms, California, which both deepened my personal mindfulness practice and also inspired me to incorporate mindfulness tools into my work with clients. Mindfulness is a challenging yet simple practice that can offer tools to decrease suffering and improve quality of life.
For 10 years while growing my private practice, I worked as an independent contractor with an agency providing assessments to active duty military members and U.S. veterans to clarify their mental health diagnoses. In my private practice, I have treated many spouses of active duty military members and U.S. veterans, most of whom have been growing their families while embedded in military culture. I have a deep appreciation for military families and I have enjoyed supporting them in balancing their commitments with their other life passions and values.
In 2019, I started training in Somatic Experiencing, a trauma treatment method that utilizes the wisdom of the nervous system. I am currently in the midst of my Advanced level training, which I will complete in September 2024.
I believe in the benefits of a wholehearted life, embracing vulnerability, humor, and the joy of simple moments. I prioritize self-care, partnership, friendship, and motherhood. I love my work, and I also love to dance, strength train, read, watch movies, cook, and spend quality time with my loved ones.
