I was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Washington, DC. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Holyoke College and a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California.

Before starting my private practice, I spent nine years working within the federal public defender system, where I supported clients facing serious legal charges and profound emotional distress. This work exposed me to many forms of human suffering, including the long-term effects of childhood trauma, painful family dynamics, severe mental illness, addiction, grief, shame, and humiliation.

At the same time, I witnessed the remarkable human capacity to survive, adapt, heal, and love in the face of unimaginable circumstances. My work required a careful, trauma-informed understanding of how life experiences, relationships, and social context shape emotional patterns, coping strategies, and psychological functioning.

That background continues to inform my work as a therapist. I work comfortably with individuals navigating experiences that may feel stigmatized, shameful, overwhelming, or difficult to speak about openly. I aim to create a space where clients feel emotionally safe enough to explore these experiences thoughtfully, honestly, and without judgment.

I consider it a privilege to learn about my clients’ lives and to support them in the process of healing and self-understanding.

Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy in-depth learning across a wide range of subjects, including science, law, psychology, music, and current events. I value intellectual curiosity and believe it helps me bring a broader and more nuanced perspective to my work with clients.

Licenses

I am licensed as a clinical social worker in Maryland (LCSW-C #25338) and California (LCSW #119533).