A major turning point in my life was when my grandmother passed away. She was the matriarch of the family and stepped in to raise me when my parents were incapable of doing so. My grandmother was a strong, proud Black woman who didn’t necessarily always know how to “fix” what was wrong but always tried her best to provide a safe space and a listening ear. Through life’s challenges, she taught me how to be resilient and to stand up for what I believe in. Her caring presence served as a major inspiration for me to become a therapist.

As a Black and Latina woman, I value culture, respect, acceptance, individual difference, and empowerment. With 10+ years of therapy experience, I have helped countless clients with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and PTSD. The bulk of my clientele is from the BIPOC community ranging from young adults to middle-aged adults. The BIPOC community is identified as members of the Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and other marginalized groups. Collectively, these groups often experience increased levels of mental health needs related to generational family patterns, trauma, racial bias and discrimination, language, and cultural differences, systemic issues, and lack of access to appropriate care and treatment. This leads to co-occurring disorders such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, substance use, and other health conditions.

My life’s purpose is to give back to my community and provide my clients a safe space to be heard and seen. Clients describe me as transparent, authentic, supportive, and able to hold people accountable. In my sessions, I hold space for people’s lived experiences and feelings and acknowledge their pain and struggles while also empowering them to move forward and find practical solutions. After working with me, clients will have the tools and resources to increase their ability to emotionally regulate, gain coping skills and self-care strategies, and have increased capabilities to problem-solve and manage conflict.

When I’m not working, I enjoy playing board games, cracking jokes with my loved ones, and laying out on the beach. I also enjoy traveling and exploring different cities, countries, and cultures. Most of all I love going to concerts and listening to good R&B and Hip Hop music. My self-care routine includes going to the spa, lounging at the bathhouse, and getting a massage. 

Professional Development: 

• Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CCBT) Web 2.0 
• Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals via Cine-Med