During my time in the U.S. Navy, I witnessed many friends struggle with mental health challenges. I wanted to support them, but I didn’t know how to help someone facing deep trauma or even everyday stress. At the same time, I was navigating my own anxiety and searching for a therapist who truly understood my experiences. Those moments inspired me to become the kind of therapist I had always been looking for — someone who sees each client, understands their unique story, and provides compassionate, effective care. That decision became a turning point in both my personal life and professional journey.

As an immigrant with Middle Eastern, Slavic, and American influences, I’ve experienced firsthand what it means to navigate different cultures and identities. These experiences have shaped my perspective, strengthened my ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, and reinforced my belief that understanding a person’s cultural story is often an important part of understanding their emotional one.

Before becoming a therapist, I completed my clinical internship at Resilient Mind Psychotherapy, where I had the privilege of working extensively with children between the ages of 4 and 13. I facilitated therapeutic groups, supported children through emotional and behavioral challenges, and gained invaluable experience helping young clients build emotional awareness and healthy coping skills. During this time, I also attended specialized conferences focused on child-centered play therapy, further expanding my knowledge of child development and evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

My therapeutic approach is highly personalized because I believe no two people experience life the same way. Building trust is the foundation of our work together. From there, we identify meaningful goals and develop practical tools that help clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Rather than simply reducing symptoms, I strive to help clients build lasting resilience, increase self-awareness, and respond to life’s challenges with greater confidence and flexibility.

Outside of the therapy room, you’ll often find me playing guitar or piano, working on paint-by-number projects, or spending time with children through babysitting, something that continues to remind me of the importance of curiosity, patience, and connection. I also compete in collegiate ballroom dancing, which combines my love of movement, discipline, and creativity. Whenever I have the opportunity, I enjoy taking road trips and exploring new places, as I believe new experiences keep us grounded, curious, and connected to the world around us.

Specialties:

• Children’s therapy
• Relationships
• Life transitions