If I’m being honest, social work wasn’t a childhood dream. My path to this profession was shaped by my own experiences and the things I witnessed growing up. Over time, I realized that those experiences had given me an ability to see situations from multiple perspectives and connect with people through empathy.

I enjoy helping other realize how resilient they can be. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with individuals navigating addiction, mental health crises, trauma, and major life transitions. Watching people rediscover their strength and reclaim their lives has been one of the most meaningful parts of this work.

One thing that might surprise people is that I never originally planned to go into private practice. For most of my career, I worked within hospitals and larger behavioral health systems and assumed that would always be my path.

During the COVID pandemic, I was working in a high-performing corporate environment and experienced burnout myself while trying to keep up with constant change and increasing demands. That experience gave me a new perspective on the kinds of pressures many professionals were facing.

As I began noticing how widespread that stress had become, I realized I wanted to create a space where people could step back from those demands, reflect on their experiences, and reconnect with what matters to them. Starting my private practice wasn’t something I planned, but it quickly became work I felt deeply passionate about.

Right now, I’m especially interested in the role technology plays in mental health care. Technology is rapidly changing how we deliver services, and I believe our profession has an important role in shaping how those tools are used.

I’m currently pursuing a Doctor of Social Work focused on leadership and digital mental health. One of my biggest interests is exploring how tools like artificial intelligence can support clinicians while still honoring the ethical principles that guide our profession. My hope is that we can develop technology that enhances care rather than replacing the human connection that makes therapy meaningful.

As a someone whose own identity includes both LGBTQ+ and multiracial perspectives, I understand that identity, culture, and social context shape how people experience the world. My personal and professional experiences have taught me how important it is for therapy to be a space where people feel respected, seen, and safe to talk openly about their lives.

I believe strongly in the dignity and human rights of all people. In practice, that means creating an affirming environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ communities, immigrants, and people navigating cultural or social stressors. My goal is to approach each client with curiosity, humility, and respect for the experiences that have shaped who they are.

My career has taken me through many different parts of the mental health field, from psychiatric hospitals and substance use treatment programs to healthcare systems and telehealth environments. Across those experiences, I’ve seen people at some of the most difficult moments in their lives, but I’ve also seen how resilient people can be.

One experience that shaped my perspective in a very personal way was navigating burnout myself while working in a high-pressure corporate environment during COVID. Therapy became an important space for me to slow down, reflect on what was happening in my life, and begin building a more balanced and sustainable way of living.

Because of that experience, I approach therapy with a deep respect for the process. I know firsthand how valuable it can be to have a space where you can step back from the pressures around you, make sense of your experiences, and begin creating meaningful change.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my dogs, reading fiction, watching movies, and playing video games. I’m also a big fan of live music and love going to rock, alternative, and rap concerts. I’m someone who enjoys creative expression too, which for me includes collecting tattoos. I also enjoy mentoring social workers who are early in their careers.