About Me
I am a dedicated mental health professional with a unique background that spans two cultures - born in Costa Rica and raised in the United States since age 4. With a deep-rooted passion for helping others, I embarked on my career in community mental health, where I quickly identified trauma as a common thread in many clients' struggles. My commitment to understanding and healing trauma led me to conduct doctoral research on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in women. Since then, I have received training in numerous trauma therapies in order to address clients’ specific needs.
My personal journey has also shaped my professional focus. After experiencing a divorce despite my education and therapy, I delved into couples counseling training to uncover the complexities of intimate relationships. Additionally, after the diagnosis of my child and myself as neurodiverse, I became interested in how to harness the strengths and live with the challenges that come with difference.
My Mission
My goal is to ensure you feel understood and supported as we navigate your healing journey together. I am committed to providing the tools and insights you need to break generational patterns, cultivate fulfilling relationships, and foster a sense of safety and contentment no matter what life presents.
Personal Interests
Outside of my professional life, I try to embody the Costa Rican pura vida (pure life) mindset of gratitude, positivity, slowing down, simplicity, and connection to nature. I cherish time with family, enjoy cooking, yoga, interior decorating, music, and international travel.
Education & Training
BA in Psychology, minor in Sociology - Providence College
MSW in Clinical Social Work - Smith College
PhD in Advanced Clinical Social Work - Columbia University
Post Doctoral Fellowship - Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
Specialized Certifications & Select Trainings
Level III Practicum Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy - Externship
Certificate in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Difficult Couples
Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT)
Certified Multiple Addictions Therapist w/ specialization in Love Addiction (CMAT)
Certificate in Partner Betrayal Trauma Recovery
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) basic training 1 & 2
Attachment-Focused EMDR
Effective Use of EMDR with Sex Addiction and Chemical Addiction
Somatic Experiencing - Currently in 2nd of 3 year program
Certified Complex Trauma Professional Level 2
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Certified Yoga Instructor
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Course
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance Use Disorders
Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider
Working with Narcissism - Essential Strategies for Treating Narcissism, Severe Traumatization, Abuse, and Neglect
Schema Therapy: Basic & Beyond for Narcissism, Borderline, Eating Disorders & More
Working with the Fallout of Narcissistic Abuse
Eating Disorders Training Certificate
Experience
With 26 years of experience in the field, I have had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, families, and groups across diverse settings. My roles have included directing a mental health and substance abuse program and serving as a community first responder in crisis situations. I have been in private practice since 2011.
Teaching & Research
As an adjunct professor at renowned institutions, I have taught courses in Human Development and Psychopathology, Assessment and Diagnosis of Mental Disorders, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Foundations of Social Work Practice, and Research and Statistics in Social Work. I have contributed to conferences and seminars, sharing my research and practice insights with fellow professionals. Additionally, I have several publications in peer-reviewed journals.
If you’re ready to embark on a healing journey towards understanding, growth, and meaningful relationships, I am here to support you every step of the way.