My first professional steps were with CASA of Santa Cruz, where I found that social work professional values—service, social justice, integrity, and the importance of human relationships—aligned with my personal values. Inspired, I transferred to California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), to study Collaborative Health and Human Services. While earning my degree, I had the opportunity to work with the YES School, a recovery high school blending the efforts of Encompass Youth Services and the County Office of Education. This experience deepened my understanding of addiction and recovery and affirmed my desire to help people find their strength.

I went on to earn my Master of Social Work (MSW) from CSUMB, graduating in 2018. During this time, I worked with a local alternative middle school and Hospice of Santa Cruz’s Youth Grief Support program, providing compassionate care and support to children navigating grief and loss. After graduation, I joined the County of Monterey’s Children’s Behavioral Health unit on the Services to Education team. There, I worked closely with schools and families, gaining valuable experience supporting individuals affected by poverty, trauma, and violence.

After the onset of COVID-19, I chose to return to my Santa Cruz roots and joined Shine a Light Counseling Center. This role gave me the freedom to further refine my therapeutic approach and serve as the mental health school counselor for Tierra Pacifica Charter School, supporting students from TK-8 for two school years.

In 2023, I became a licensed psychotherapist and opened my private practice in Soquel. This practice represents a dream come true—a space where I can help people in my community find healing, resilience, and hope. I work with individuals from all walks of life and believe that with the right support, everyone has the potential to grow and thrive