ABOUT 

Thankfully, a couple of heroes came into my story. One was a close relative and mentor who introduced me to therapy. He told me that if I ever wanted to be truly successful, I needed to work through my issues. I was deeply grateful and felt seen and supported. He sent me a link to Psychology Today, and I booked my first session. The second was a naturopathic doctor who turned out to be the first medical provider who actually listened to my health concerns, validated them, and recommended treatment that didn’t make things worse, but started to move the needle in the right direction. My healing journey has been a lot of work and full of twists and turns, but the resources and tools I’ve gained for my physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational health have brought me to a place of peace and fulfillment I didn’t know was possible.

Everything I’ve learned through my own journey has given me a passion for guiding others to the same hope and healing. I would be honored to be part of your healthcare team!

As a licensed naturopathic doctor, I treat the body as one whole integrated system that has incredible potential to heal when given the right support. I love helping clients with establishing the foundations for health – nutrition, movement, sleep, hydration, connecting with nature, and optimizing mental health – and removing any obstacles to cure  – trauma responses, stress, toxins, allergens, environmental exposures, etc.  In addition to treating mental health conditions, I have advanced training and experience in treating gastrointestinal disorders and acute and chronic pain. Some of my favorite therapeutic modalities include acupuncture, physical medicine, Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET), red light therapy, botanical medicine, and supplementation. In addition to my work as a physician, I hold a research scientist position at the Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research, where I conduct natural products research and help to formulate, improve, and provide scientific evidence for natural therapies. I regularly publish and present my research to members of the scientific and medical communities and the general public. I also teach acupuncture and clinical practice skills at Sonoran University of Health Sciences. 

My goal as your therapist is to create a safe, supportive, and non-pathologizing environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings and identify and address any obstacles to your emotional wellbeing. Whether you are struggling with individual issues or facing challenges in your relationships, I am here to help you navigate the complexities of your life and find the happiness and fulfillment that you deserve.

Outside of being a therapist, I have worn many hats in my life including being a flight attendant, a social advocate, and an educator. For more than 25 years, as an international flight attendant, I interacted with people from all over the world and gained a deep appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. In my 20’s, after losing many friends to HIV, I began my journey as an HIV advocate. I have extensive experience in HIV education, testing, and case management. In my role as an HIV educator, I developed and delivered training programs that have helped countless individuals learn about the virus and how to protect themselves and others. As a case worker, I provided support to individuals and families affected by HIV, helping them navigate the complex healthcare system and access the resources they needed to manage their condition. Additionally, my 15 years of corporate training experience has given me a wealth of knowledge and expertise in areas such as leadership development, team building, and communication skills.

Thank you for considering me as your therapist. 

After dedicating many years to studying mental illnesses and family dynamics, I have come to understand that mental illness impacts not only the individual experiencing it but also the entire family unit. Thanks to great role models, I was able to develop faith in God, learn about the importance of families, and understand that we not only should endure life but can also find joy in the journey. I am a strong believer that trials are an unavoidable part of life; they are the crucible through which we emerge stronger, improved, and spiritually refined. Living with my dad and experiencing mental illness firsthand was not easy. Nevertheless, through this experience, I have cultivated heightened empathy, compassion, and mercy toward my own mistakes and shortcomings, and I can extend these gifts to others as well. Today, I possess a clearer comprehension of what my father endured as I grasp the magnitude of his solitary struggle in the absence of professional aid. My motivation is to extend a helping hand to ensure that no one journeys through the realm of mental illness alone.

In my view, our body, mind, and spirit collaborate harmoniously in the pursuit of healing. Healing, to me, is a place of acceptance. It doesn’t entail an absence of pain from our past; rather, it’s a space where we confront the reality of our circumstances, no longer entangled in a fight to alter it. Healing is a place where we embrace our experiences as part of who we are.