In 2008, my family decided to move to the beautiful wine country (perfect for my profession!) where I opened a private practice. After a decade of experience working in the Managed Healthcare environment and in management, I was ready to return to full time clinical work. Starting my own business felt quite courageous, having only ever been an ‘employee’ and I decided my business would reflect my bravery and represent what I hoped to inspire in others: a place for people to courageously discover and express what is really important to them… a place where they can receive the support, coaching and empowerment they want to realize their dreams.

Credentials

I am a licensed, Clinical Psychologist and received my Bachelor’s of Science, Masters and Doctoral Degrees at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Truth be told, I went down to Santa Barbara from northern California, fell in love with the beach and sunshine and stayed for 14 years! In my undergraduate and graduate studies, I focused on addiction and recovery issues and published a book, Couples Therapy for Alcoholism, as part of my dissertation studies.

With a passion and personal interest for working in addiction, I completed my training as a post-doctoral fellow at Stanford University’s Alcohol and Drug Program and then joined Kaiser Permanente’s Chemical Dependency Services in the Central Valley. I soon moved into management at Kaiser and eventually became the Director of Psychiatry for Kaiser Permanente in the Central Valley. I provided leadership and direction to nearly 100 clinicians and staff for over 10 years while continuing to provide clinical services. My particular expertise is working with dually diagnosed clients suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and addiction (substances and food). My approach includes conceptualization and interventions from my training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, and Mindfulness Based Psychotherapy.

Passions

In my free time, I love to be outside… hiking, camping, and going to the beach. I absolutely love the water and any activity in the water is an ideal way to spend the day! My hobbies include photography and reading. I am passionate about learning, especially issues around social justice, racial justice and of course, psychology and health. Most of all, I love being with my husband, daughters, doggies, and friends!