About

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I began my career providing case management and legal advocacy to survivors of domestic violence and their families. I also ran psycho-educational groups for women experiencing domestic violence, and co-facilitated Batterer's Treatment Groups. I assisted survivors through the legal system, to obtain restraining orders against their perpetrators, as well as filing for divorce and/or child custody.

After six years in this role, it was time for me to return to school, so I enrolled at California State University, Long Beach, to obtain my Master's Degree in Social Work. While there, I worked as a discharge planner at a local hospital and began to realize that I very much enjoyed medical social work and wanted to pursue this as a focus for my career. During the last year of my graduate program, and for 1 year after graduation, I obtained a position providing case management and intensive therapy for an Adult Full Service Partnership Program, with individuals with severe mental illness, with a history of homelessness, incarcerations and substance abuse. While I learned a lot from this position, I never lost my passion for the medical setting. As a result, I obtained a position with hospice. This is where I found my passion for end-of-life care. I found meaning in assisting patients and families facing life-limiting illness. I became an expert in Death, Dying and Bereavement. I am a Certified Bereavement Counselor, and I have provided individual and group grief and bereavement support, and assisted individuals and families through the process of dealing with chronic and life-limiting illness. I am trained in Healing After Loss, a support group curriculum, for individuals grieving the loss of a loved one.

I very much believe that individuals have all the strengths, talents, abilities and coping skills to face their problems, and it is my job to assist them in accessing those strengths to solve their own problems. My focus is strengths-based and person-centered. I have experience with brief and solution-focused therapies. I also have experience assisting persons with Anxiety Disorders and utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to provide therapy and support to these individuals. I am excited to be able to offer my skills in order to provide therapeutic and healing services to you! I have been told that I am empathetic, compassionate, accepting, non-judgmental, and funny! I believe humor can get us through many of life’s challenges. I am able to utilize Breath Work, Guided Imagery, Relaxation Techniques and Mindfulness, to assist you in reducing your anxiety, and increasing your ability to focus on your goals. While I am a spiritual person, I am happy to work with you whether you have a faith, no faith, or a different faith than mine. I believe one’s faith and spirituality are a source of strength, that I will access, should you feel comfortable. I am excited to work with you, and to assist you on your journey to become a healthier, more complete and happier person!