As a late-identified neurodivergent therapist, my understanding of neurodivergence is both professional and lived. For much of my life, I experienced the world through a nervous system with heightened sensory awareness, deep processing, and an intensity of engagement that brought meaningful strengths as well as a need for environments, relationships, and rhythms that honored how my brain and body actually work. Coming to understand my own neurodivergence later in life helped me make sense of those experiences with greater clarity and compassion—and recognize the importance of building a life around our authentic needs rather than continually trying to mask ourselves in environments that may not fit.

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My own journey included a midlife career transition from a demanding, high-stress profession into the work I do today. It has deeply informed my commitment to neurodivergent-affirming care that recognizes both the capacities and the challenges that can accompany different nervous systems, without viewing difference through a deficit-based lens.

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I have devoted my practice to working with neurodivergent and neurocomplex clients across the lifespan. This includes teens and young adults exploring identity and navigating school, relationships, and emerging independence; adults balancing careers, relationships, family life, and the cumulative demands that can contribute to overwhelm or burnout; people discovering or more fully understanding their neurodivergence later in life; and older adults navigating changing roles, relationships, caregiving, retirement, loss, independence, and other life transitions.

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At every age, my goal is not to help someone become more “typical.” It is to create a collaborative space for understanding your own nervous system, recognizing your strengths and needs, reducing unnecessary demands, developing supports that genuinely fit, and building a life that feels more sustainable and authentically your own.

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIAL

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

California MFT # 131314

Vermont MFT # 100.0134550

NPI: 1982126314

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EDUCATION

MA in Counseling Psychology

Golden Gate University

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ADDITIONAL TRAININGS, SEMINARS & EXPERIENCE

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The Internal Family Systems Model - Level I Training (Internal Family Systems Institute, Inc.)

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Theory of Mind: Therapeutic Implications for Clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (PESI Training)​

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Neurodivergence Unveiled: Reframing Trauma, Identity, and Care for the Neurodivergent Client (PESI Training)

 

Autism Assessment Across the Spectrum: Strategies for Recognizing Functional Differences & Closing the Gender Gap

(PESI Training)

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Dissecting the Brain-Gut Connection to Address Sensorimotor Concerns for Autistic Children (PESI Training)

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Developing Core Competencies as an Autism Specialist through a Neurodiversity Lens (PESI Training)

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Navigating Autism with a Strengths-Based Mindset: Empowering Clients to Find and Develop their Strengths

and Thrive! (PESI Training)

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Masking in Autism and the Increased Risk for Suicidal Ideation: Internal Family Systems & Strength-Based Models for Identification, Safety Planning, and Treatment​ (PESI Training)

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Autism Interventions through the Lens of Polyvagal Theory: Improve Social Engagement, Increase Emotional Regulation, and Reduce Anxiety (PESI Training)

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DBT for Neurodivergent Clients: Adapted Techniques to Improve Emotional Regulation and Interpersonal Skills in Clients with ADHD, ASD, and more!  (PESI Training)

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Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT) (training)

 

Attachment-Focused Play Therapy (training)

 

Psychotherapy & Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs)

 

Mindfulness (four 10-day silent Vipassana meditation retreats)

 

Effectively Supporting Safe & Inclusive Spaces for LGPQ-TI Clients & Colleagues (training)

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Crisis De-Escalation & Safety in the Field-Working with System-Involved Families

 

Transforming Stress & Trauma: Fostering Wellness & Resilience (training)

 

Grief Recovery Method (group participant)

 

Mindfulness & Grief (San Francisco Zen Hospice Center)

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Awakening Our Hearts: Exploring White Privilege to Build Authentic Relationships Across Difference

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Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love & Wisdom (Seminar)

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Connection Practice & Connection Experience (Rita Marie Johnson)(Seminar)

 

Family Paths Parent Support Hotline (training & past volunteer)

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AFFILIATIONS:

California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (Main, San Francisco & East Bay Chapters)

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