About Me
When asked about my story, the underlying question often is, “can you understand me?” As a person, I have experienced profound joy in life, as well as pain and loss. From these experiences, I have developed a greater understanding of the human condition, as well as our inherent power to work through challenging circumstances, heal, and thrive.
We all develop stories over the course of our lives. Some of these stories recognize our strengths and potential, while others may put limits on our growth. While I am most interested in learning about your story in our work together, knowing aspects of my story may help you to develop a sense of whether I may be a fit for you as a therapist.
My professional story involves spending time in Buenos Aires, Argentina as I pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish for International Services. After living in Washington, D.C. for eight years, I returned to the Boston area, where I studied clinical social work at Simmons University. My clinical training involved working with women with substance use disorders in a residential setting, as well as providing outpatient mental health services to children and adults at Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center.
After earning my master’s degree, I worked at Boston Children’s Hospital for fifteen years, first on the inpatient psychiatry service as well as the outpatient psychiatry clinic, where I honed my skills in clinical assessment, individual, group, and family therapy. I also received extensive training in different types of therapy including strengths based, liberation health, narrative, relational, family systems, and mindfulness. One of the most meaningful experiences of my career came from spending nearly a decade working in Dorchester, Massachusetts, where I provided community-based prevention focused support for families and children impacted by trauma. During this time, I was privileged to be acknowledged for my clinical work with the David E. Weiner Award for Leadership and Innovation in Child Health, as well as the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Community Role Model Award.
My pronouns are she/her/hers.
My Values
I don’t view people as needing to be fixed. We are in this together.
We can get conditioned to focus on our falls, what we did wrong, who we disappointed, and how we didn’t measure up. I aim to help you be more kind to yourself, so you can focus on your goals.
Creativity helps us open new parts of ourselves, so I may incorporate art, books, music, and being outdoors into our sessions.
The main predictor of success in therapy is a positive therapeutic relationship wherein you feel seen, heard, and understood. I offer a warm, supportive presence with respect, safety, and privacy. I maintain a compassionate stance while holding you accountable in working towards your goals.
In our work together, I will not sit and nod. I am interactive, interested, and expressive.
I believe in the inherent wisdom of each person who walks through my door. We will focus on your strengths and potential for growth.
Education and Experience
Simmons College Graduate School of Social Work, Master’s in Clinical Social Work, Certificate in Urban Leadership
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish for International Services
Awards
David Weiner Award for Leadership and Innovation in Child Health
Suffolk County District Attorney's Office Community Role Model Award
Relevant Trainings
Psychological First Aid
Life is Good Playmaker
Boston Children's Hospital Spiritual Generalist
Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator
Kindred Wellness: Decolonizing Therapy for Black Folks:
Forbidden Conversations with Esther Perel: Sex, Death, and Money