About me
I am a Clinical Psychologist specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD, and related disorders. I earned my bachelor’s degree in mathematics and psychology from the University of South Florida. After my undergraduate career, I moved to San Diego, California, to explore my interests and grow as a human before I decided to pursue a graduate education. This time was important because it allowed me to learn about myself and the world, and through these experiences it became abundantly clear to me that I wanted to be a psychologist. I received my master’s and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego. My doctoral studies included a special emphasis on the relationship between physical and mental health. My aim throughout my clinical training was to gather a breadth of experience in a variety of settings, learning how to identify and treat various mental health issues, before narrowing my focus on anxiety and OCD.
Early in my career, I received clinical training in San Diego, delivering mental health services at a chronic pain clinic and integrated primary care. I also received special training in exposure therapy for Hoarding Disorder at the San Diego VA Medical Center. Additionally, I worked in a private practice setting treating adults and adolescents with anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and depression. I completed an APA-accredited predoctoral clinical internship at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center, where I gained experience delivering evidence-based treatment in health care and inpatient mental health settings. It was evident to me throughout my clinical work that I was particularly passionate about treating anxiety disorders and OCD, and I wanted to specialize in this treatment. To hone my expertise in treating anxiety and OCD, I wanted to gain experience with multiple levels of care to learn how to treat the full spectrum of severity of symptoms. To this end, I gained postdoctoral training and experience at the Harvard-affiliated McLean OCD Institute at Houston, delivering evidence-based therapy to patients in the form of Telehealth, outpatient, intensive outpatient, and residential care.
I know that treatment requires hard work and a ton of courage, so it is essential to have a supportive, compassionate environment to facilitate change. My goal is to create this space for my clients. I strive to embody my values of being authentic, knowledgeable, and compassionate, and I vow to be wholeheartedly present with my clients each step of the way. I am constantly inspired by the meaningful change that is possible through treatment. I truly love the work that I do, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to help people live the life in line with matters most to them.
In a nutshell:
Education:
Ph.D. – Clinical psychology, California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego
M.A. – Clinical psychology, California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University, San Diego
B.A. – Mathematics and Psychology, University of South Florida
Internship and fellowship:
Postdoctoral Fellowship- McLean OCD Institute at Houston
APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship- Battle Creek VA Medical Center, Battle Creek, MI