I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology and Drama Therapy from California Institute of Integral Studies. As a culturally responsive, creative arts therapist, I have provided group and individual counseling to youth and adults since 2017 that was customized to the client's strengths, needs and inter-sectional backgrounds. As a clinician, I have served in traineeships with a variety of mental health facilities from community clinics and residential treatment centers to small faith-based, social justice nonprofits based in downtown San Francisco. I am a life-long thespian and I enjoy being an active participant in various therapeutic theatre and expressive arts organizations in the Bay Area including the world-renowned Living Arts Playback Theatre for eight years.
Ever since childhood I have believed in the healing and restorative powers of the expressive arts! As an undergraduate, I chose to Major in Theatre and Minor in Dance and Women & Gender Studies. I was in love with the movement that can be created in the mind when arts and action methods are applied to the body.
My commitment to unconditional positive regard began as spiritual calling long before I went to graduate school. I firmly believe we are all multifaceted beings effected in various ways by the systemic, institutional, historical and interpersonal factors. I was committed to broadening horizons and serving as a mentor, leader or counselor in various settings. Since 2014, I have worked in residential treatment, schools, grass roots non profits, agencies, conferences, arts organizations and now in telehealth private practice.
In the Bay Area I was honored and moved to support various populations of all ages with Site Specific Therapeutic Theatre (The Neighborly Project), Playback Theatre (Living Arts and Oakland Freedom Theatre).
I earned my Masters in Counseling Psychology and Drama Therapy. During my MFT pre-license associateship, I offered services at Children's After School Arts Program in San Francisco where I served as the Wellness Center Facilitator and Wellness Counselor for a program of over 250+ children. I offered wellness check-ins, parent consultations, teacher trainings, and therapy groups for CASA kids. During the 2020 lockdown, I made the unprecedented transition of providing individual, dyadic and family unit telehealth. I also facilitated specialty groups for children struggling with social deprivation. Even when many other programs were forced to restructure, CASA's Wellness program was fortunate to prevail. I also acted as our on-site Positive Discipline and Restorative Practices facilitator for teachers and children. My services have been described as an invaluable resource to the CASA community, teachers and families.
