Here to Help
What would it be like if you could just let it all out and explore your true self in a safe and comfortable environment?
My goal is to provide a genuine and accepting place to help you develop a strong sense of self, emotional strength, good relationships and effective communication. My approach is holistic, non-judgmental, supportive and collaborative. I use a variety of methods including art, play, DBT, EMDR, individual and family therapy with clients of all ages interested in exploring and resolving internal conflicts and overcoming the challenges that prevent them from realizing their full potential.
When working with children, in addition to the relief of symptoms, I teach parents how to approach problems, intervene effectively and foster cooperation. I believe in honoring the uniqueness of each child and tailoring treatment to meet the needs of the child as well as his/her family. By creating an encouraging, therapeutic space in which growth and introspection are welcome, I help individuals, children and families draw on their strengths to overcome challenges and create more loving relationships.
My passion for working with people extends beyond the bounds of professional life. I have always complemented my work with meaningful activities that aim to contribute to my community. This includes many years of volunteer work as a summer camp counselor, wilderness guide and program consultant for the non-profit organization The 24 Foundation’s ArtWorks, a mentoring program to help at-risk youth at the Sunburst Military Academy. The program was developed to help marginalized adolescents graduate from high school and find healing through the expressive arts. Additionally, I participated in a study abroad program in Mexico designed to assist participants in becoming a culturally competent Art Therapist. I am proficient in Spanish and have experience working with a culturally diverse population.
Professional Experience
I earned my Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles California. I have over a decade of experience working in the community with individuals, couples and families who have experienced life challenges in a variety of settings, ranging from special day schools to outpatient clinics, and I have a demon-strated commitment to serving children and families with special needs.
I am passionate about early intervention and advocate for children struggling with learning disa-bilities and developmental delays coupled with low self esteem. I have knowledge and experi-ence attending IEPs and working closely with schools, school districts and parents to help chil-dren and teens better gain the supports needed to help them better access their education.
In addition to my current practice, I enjoy teaching and have experience as an Instructor for a graduate-level Child Therapy course at Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California. I devel-oped and launched an art therapy summer camp for children with special needs at Early Child-hood Development and Associates, and I was a consultant for youth programs in the greater Los Angeles area. I hold public speaking engagements and workshops that address various as-pects of relationships and personal growth. I am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Perinatal and Postpartum Mental Heath.
I am skilled at using the expressive arts to improve the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals, couples and families. The creative process involved in artistic expression helps people resolve conflicts, manage behavior, reduce stress and increase self-esteem and self-awareness and is effective at treating a variety of problems.
I am a co-owner at Phoenix Mental Health, a collaborative of socially conscious, compassionate individuals, providing a wide range of therapeutic options to facilitate healing and positive personal growth results.
Education
Loyola Marymount University
M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis in Art Therapy
University of Minnesota
B.A. in Art with a minor in Psychology