About Me
First and foremost, my work focuses on developing a strong therapeutic relationship. While my approach is tailored for each individual, I rely on behavioral techniques to increase coping skills and reduce distress for prompt results. For longer-term work, I rely primarily on psychodynamic techniques to examine early relationships and experiences that may be influencing current behaviors and patterns. Most importantly, I want to know what makes you YOU. How do you see the world? How do others see you? And how does your identity impact your reason for seeking support at this time?
My life experiences founded my core value of social justice — not only recognizing the intersection of privilege and marginalization for individuals, but also working to combat injustice on multiple levels. By embracing the complexity of each client's identity — both visible and invisible aspects — I strive to empower people to make change. Through increasing insight, building resiliency, and fostering self-worth, I work collaboratively with clients to achieve their goals.
A good match between therapist and client is an essential part of the treatment process. Whether you want support during a life transition, want to heal from the past, or need to think through a decision, I can help. Please contact me for a consultation to discuss your specific needs.
Experience
Current Work Experience
CONCERN: EAP
Clinical Program Manager - Mental Health Strategy, at Google
Serve as a consultant & subject matter expert to Google's mental health strategy team to improve assessment of risk, increasing awareness of mental health issues, and improving access to care. Oversee policy & procedures for CONCERN's onsite counseling program as well as other mental wellness initiatives in regards to Google. Work on special projects at Google, including critical incident response support, identifying and developing wellness support plans for at-risk groups, supporting resilience initiatives, and onsite vendor relationship management.
Former Work Experience
CONCERN: EAP
Onsite EAP Clinical Program Manager, at Google
Notre Dame de Namur University
Director of Training | Counseling, Health, & Disability Services
Chair | Staff Professional Development Committee
Santa Clara University
Adjunct Professor | Master’s Program in Counseling Psychology
Staff Psychologist | Cowell Center
Chair | Perspectives Diversity Committee in Student Life
University of San Francisco
Postdoctoral Fellow - Multicultural Focus | Counseling & Psychological Services
Predoctoral Intern | Counseling & Psychological Services
Prior to working in employee assistance and university health, I also trained in community mental health, high school college counseling, social services in Mexico, and as a peer counselor for formerly incarcerated individuals. Before psychology, I worked for 10 years in the customer service industry, primarily in management, training, and supervisory positions.
Education
California Institute of Integral Studies
Psy.D. | Clinical Psychology
M.A. | Clinical Psychology
San Francisco State University
B.A. | Humanities