A formative experience that had a profound impact on my life was working with students incarcerated at a prison upstate. Working closely with individuals whose life experiences were so different from my own was a real wake-up call, highlighting just how many factors shape a person’s mental health. Reading my students’ journal entries about their day-to-day realities was deeply moving and solidified my desire to work in a field where all people can access the care and support they need.

My current purpose is to help the most vulnerable in our community. I have always been passionate about psychology and mental health, particularly how they intersect with broader environmental and social factors. My ultimate goal is twofold: to support individuals in caring for their mental health while also working with organizations to create environments where people can live, work, and thrive more comfortably.

Outside of work, I love to run, paint, read, write, cook, and explore new foods. Discovering this amazing city — especially through walking and eating — has been such a joy!