My path to becoming a licensed clinical social worker began on a long, personal journey, perhaps resembling more of a maze or web of people and events. It started as a child in an isolated, low income, rural community with friends and family growing up with generational patterns of trauma, addiction, abuse, neglect, poverty, isolation, violence, cultural burdens, childhood substance abuse, and other challenges in our way. As an adult, I explored various roles and systems in internships with equine-assisted therapy, family service agencies, and on-campus college programs for former foster and homeless students, and I participated in research programs exploring substance use and social programs to combat child abuse, homelessness, and recidivism. I received my associate’s degree in criminal justice and then a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology. I began to focus on learning as much as I could about the neuroscience and biology of human behavior and trauma. I received my Master of Social Work degree, and worked in family reunification services with families and transitional age youth involved in the foster system in several counties in California. While I enjoyed this work, I found my focus turning toward addressing the causes of generational patterns and family tension, abuse, and neglect. I later began my work as a clinician with a nonprofit in Calaveras County, including supporting families through the COVID pandemic and the subsequent adjustments, while piloting a new Wellness program to host outpatient mental health services on elementary, middle, and high school campuses. I then opened my private practice focusing on providing therapy to individual adolescents and adults.

Qualifications

I have obtained my professional license with the state of California (109997), and am now also dual-licensed to practice in the state of Nevada (11248-C), expanding my virtual services to residents and visiting clients who ravel there regularly. I have been certified in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which is the focus of much of my work and a framework I believe can benefit most individuals. I am also regularly in trainings and clinical supervision to continue developing my skills with Internal Family Systems (IFS), which I find greatly compliments the acceptance work that is often insufficiently met with DBT alone. In serving my rural community, I have also begun to offer a free monthly support group for LGBTQIA+ youth and their families in partnership with the LGBTQ Resource Center based in Sonora, where we offer a supportive space for youth and families to talk, obtain resources, and safely explore sensitive topics like online dating and consent skills, sexual health information, gender expression and affirming care resources, etc. with safe and supportive adults in their community, rather than cope alone in all-too-often isolation, or with strangers online. I have deeply enjoyed all of this work, and I am excited to offer my services to families and individuals in need of evidence-based, practical treatment close to home.

Coming soon…

It is my hope in the coming years to add opportunities to support other locals interested in becoming therapists with internships, trainings, clinical supervision, and eventually employment or mentorships to fill gaps in service needs in our communities of Calaveras and surrounding counties including support groups, specialized treatment, couples/family therapy, and therapy with young children. Please check back for updates, or reach out if you are interested in connecting to discuss your career plans and how FMHS can help!