Get to Know Me
My entire left arm tattoo sleeve is an epic supervillain battle with Darth Vader, Harley Quinn, Carnage, The Shredder, and Onyx (from Dragonlance). I’m a natural nerd who loves reading comic books, fantasy novels, and playing Magic: The Gathering. Some of my favorite things include: coffee, my family, rain, Spider-Man, squirrels, community, Cheerios, being a ninong to my goddaughter, leadership, couples therapy.
Passion
I chose to be a couples therapist after reading "Can This Marriage Be Saved?" from my mother's Ladies Home Journal in middle school. I asked to borrow her magazine every month just so I could read that one article. I did that for over ten years, thanks to Mom clipping the article and mailing it to me when I was in undergrad (the internet was new back then!). I was drawn to the relationship dynamics and hopeful outcomes described in the column. Now, my work continues to focus on those dynamics and that hope. I enjoy working with couples because I get to witness the power of successful, healthy relationships in my office, every week.
Training and Experience
I graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Master of Science in Counseling, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy. I completed my traineeship at Casa Youth Shelter in Los Alamitos. I have continued with advanced trainings in two of the leading therapeutic modalities in my field; I am EMDR trained and have completed my EFT externship plus core skills. I served on the board of directors for the Orange County chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists from 2017-2022 (OC CAMFT). I’m co-founder and co-host of The Couples Guide Podcast.