Who am I?
Born and raised in Los Angeles, I have an affinity for its community that started very early in life. I have Italian, Spanish, and Native American roots and I am passionate about expanding my cultural competence, exploring and learning new cultures, and normalizing the fact that at the end of the day, we are all connected; we are all human.
My passion and dedication to serving others stems from my own personal experience of living through wars, navigating through complex relationships, engaging in a somewhat of a life off the beaten path, and realizing that we are not alone.
Regardless of whether I am working in a psychotherapy office, non-profit agency, conducting street-based outreach to underserved populations, or conducting research- everyday I am filled with gratitude for the work I do.
During my time off, you can often find me engaging in mental wellness and physical wellness- prioritizing this to ensure I am well, so I can serve others.
Background
Education & Training
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #80668)
Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) Qualified Supervisor
M.A in Social Work, Azusa Pacific University
B.A in Psychology & Leadership, Azusa Pacific University
Lanterman-Petris-Short Act Designee; DMH Contracted; LA County
Naloxone & Overdose Prevention Trained (current)
Adult, Infant, & Dog CPR/First Aid Trained
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Certified
Professional Memberships & Affiliations
Member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Member of California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT)