Licensed Master of Social Work

I am a clinician at our Columbia clinic who provides therapy services!

My ideal client is a child or adolescent from a marginalized community who has experienced multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including parental separation or divorce, familial substance misuse, grief and loss, food insecurity, and emotional dysregulation. These clients often present with complex emotional and behavioral needs that are deeply rooted in systemic inequities and intergenerational trauma.

Many of these young people have not had consistent access to safe, validating environments where they can express themselves openly. They may struggle with trust, emotional expression, and self-regulation, and often internalize a sense of instability or unworthiness. In clinical work, they benefit most from a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach that emphasizes relational safety, cultural humility, and empowerment.

Their needs often include developing emotional literacy, building self-efficacy, processing grief and trauma, and experiencing secure, supportive connections with adults who can model consistency and care. Their therapeutic goals may initially be implicit—such as seeking safety, connection, or predictability—but over time, they often begin to articulate desires for improved emotional regulation, stronger interpersonal relationships, and a clearer sense of identity.

I view these clients through a resilience-focused lens, recognizing their strengths and adaptability in the face of adversity. With the right support, they begin to heal and thrive, and it is a privilege to accompany them in this process. My role as a clinician is to hold space for their pain, advocate for their needs, and help them access the internal and external resources necessary to rewrite their narratives and move toward more hopeful, empowered futures.

I want my clients—especially children and adolescents navigating difficult life circumstances—to know that they don’t have to go through it alone. I’m here to listen without judgment, to honor your story, and to support you in discovering your strengths, even when things feel overwhelming or uncertain.

I understand that opening up to someone new can be hard, especially if you’ve been hurt, ignored, or misunderstood in the past. That’s why I focus on creating a space that feels safe, compassionate, and culturally responsive—where you can be your full self, without pressure or shame. Whether you’re struggling with big feelings, loss, family changes, or just trying to make sense of what you’re going through, I’m here to walk with you, at your pace.

Healing isn’t always linear, and it doesn’t have to look a certain way. Sometimes it starts with small steps—like being heard, seen, and believed. If you’re ready to take that first step, or even if you’re just curious, I invite you to reach out. You’re not alone, and you deserve support that meets you where you are.