About Me

My journey to this career path began while working at a children’s mental health clinic after obtaining my bachelor’s degree in psychology. I was inspired. It made me think of my own childhood, friends, family and how a resource like this could make such a difference. As a Black woman, I’m acutely aware of the stigma that exists around mental health in Black communities as well as other communities of color. I’m also aware of the lack of access to and education on mental health that further fuels the stigma, and therefore begets generational struggles. This led me to social work school for my master’s degree with a focus on clinical work; I wanted to be a therapist. 

The way I saw it, if we could get to “the root” of many of our mental health challenges, aka childhood, this could help prevent a generation of people who are hurting. It was a naive way of thinking that I now see a bit differently, but that’s what led me to working with children, teens and families for a majority of my career. With an interest in women’s issues, I also see the value in maternal mental health and for two years worked part-time on the inpatient hospital units for Obstetrics (OB) and Pediatrics where I provided assessments and discharge planning for mothers and young children. I have also worked part-time at a community mental health clinic providing therapy to adults & couples. 

After working with children and adolescents for a while I began to realize that sometimes the best way to help them was actually to make sure that their parents were okay and had the support they needed. Afterall, it’s the parents who have to manage their children’s behaviors and emotional needs once they leave my office. And while I strongly believe that providing children with tools and support is incredibly helpful and needed to mitigate future struggles, I also know that there are just some things in adulthood, in life, that we cannot control. There are inevitable challenges that come with the business of being human, especially living in this era of hyperconnectivity, high rates of loneliness, information overload, overstimulation and dysregulation. We’re all navigating life for the first time, and could all benefit from support.

I have professional experience working with people who struggle with various mental health concerns including (but not limited to): anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and prodividing support for those navigating grief, high interpersonal conflcit, environmental & community stressors. I have been trained and have experience in therapeutic interventions including: Cognitive Behavioraly Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Play Therapy and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). While I have been trained in various therapy modalities, my therapeutic orientation is eclectic and holistic. My approach in the therapy session is compassionate and collaborative, while being direct and genuine with my clients.