About Me

My commitment to serving others and alleviating suffering is evident in my diverse history within human services. In 2009, while completing my undergraduate education in sociology, I began volunteering weekly at a state correctional facility (prison). Following my graduation four years later, I focused on enhancing food security in low-income neighborhoods of San Diego. Working closely with communities with a high density of refugees and immigrants, I partnered with local farmers' markets to provide financial subsidies to low-income families for purchasing healthy food. After five years dedicated to this community work, I transitioned to behavioral therapy. From 2014 to 2019, I practiced applied behavior analysis (ABA) with children, adults, and their families affected by neurodiversity, aiming to help them achieve therapeutic goals and lead more fulfilling lives.

In 2018, I commenced my formal study of cognitive therapy and increasingly integrated these techniques into my practice. During my internship, I worked with children and families in an outpatient community clinic. Following my graduation from my graduate program in 2020, I transitioned to providing telehealth services at the height of the pandemic. I valued the opportunity to work with a wide variety of individuals presenting with diverse symptoms. Currently, I primarily work with adults and also possess competence and skill in working with adolescents.

Beyond providing individual therapy to adults across California, I am committed to offering therapeutic support to my community. I was among the initial clinicians of San Diego's Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT), which provides 24/7 response for individuals experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis. After several years with MCRT, I transitioned to a management position within the County of San Diego Behavioral Health Services. I had the honor to lead a passionate team of therapists, nurses, psychiatrist and peer support specialists at an outpatient clinic dedicated to treating some of the most complex cases in the northcentral region of San Diego.

Since 2024, I have been addressing the most critical psychological needs within my community. In partnership with the San Diego Sheriff's Office, I accompany deputies in patrol cars to potentially dangerous mental health-related crises. I assist law enforcement in determining whether an incident stems from mental illness or criminal intent. In some instances, the severity of the mental illness necessitates mandatory hospitalization to prevent further harm. In all cases, compassion and connection to appropriate resources are provided.