For several years, I worked in community organizing and development in Mexico and Central America and in Washington DC seeking to influence international policies to be more just and equitable.  I later worked at the University of Portland with international students as an advisor, mentor and educator and at Providence Health & Services administering educational programs and providing training for health care professionals to better understand and serve patients from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.  

In the last 15 years,  I have become increasingly interested in how I can foster empowerment through supporting people's journey toward enhanced psychological health and spiritual growth. Through my own personal exploration, I discovered Hakomi psychotherapy and was inspired by the depth and effectiveness of this mind-body and mindfulness based approach.  This led me to pursue training and eventual certification in Hakomi.  I have also studied other related approaches including Attachment and Re-Creation of the Self through the META Institute.

Toward the goals of learning more about working with couples and families and getting licensed, I enrolled in the Portland State Counseling Program.  I discovered that I found working with couples both meaningful and enlivening and focused on counseling couples during my practicum and year internship at the M.E.T.A. clinic. I received my degree in June 2013 in Marital, Couple and Family Counseling.  In 2015, I completed a training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, an approach that helps couples resolve conflicts, improve emotional communication, and enhance intimacy.

In last few years, I have integrated Mindful Self Compassion (MSC) practices and Internal Family Systems (IFS) into my life and work with clients.

I currently have a practice in a beautiful light-filled office in North Portland providing therapy to individuals, couples and families.