My journey into the field of psychology and therapy has been shaped by both my education and my lived experiences. I earned my undergraduate degree in Communication from UC San Diego, followed by a Master’s in General Psychology from Grand Canyon University, and later a Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Each step deepened my understanding of human connection, communication, and emotional resilience. Before beginning my work as a therapist, I spent over a decade as a preschool director, leading a program that served children and families from diverse backgrounds, including those with special needs. That experience was transformative for me—it gave me the opportunity to witness how early life challenges affect growth and development, and it sparked my passion for helping children and families navigate their unique journeys. During the Covid pandemic, I expanded this work by teaching mental health classes via Zoom to elementary school students, an experience that reinforced the importance of making mental health tools accessible to young people. Today, my work is centered around supporting children, adolescents, and families with approaches such as play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family systems theory. I believe therapy should be both safe and empowering, giving individuals the space to heal while equipping them with practical tools for growth. Outside of work, I love working out, swimming, playing the piano and harp, and spending time with my two Westie puppies, who bring joy and balance to my life.