My journey en route to becoming a licensed Clinical Psychologist began from a young age when I mediated conflicts between family members and amongst friends. I earned my Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA; 1998). I received my Masters (M.S.; 2001) and my doctoral (Ph.D.; 2004) degrees in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. I completed my internship training working with veterans at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center and with male inmates at Chino Correctional Institute for Men (CIM). Subsequently, I sought additional training experience as a Post Doctoral Fellow at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center working with the Jail Mental health program at Twin Towers Correctional Facility/LA County Jail and worked in an Assertive Community Treatment program with patients struggling with severe mental illnesses.

For the past four years to date, I have been working in the Addiction Treatment Program (ATP) at the VA Luna Linda Healthcare System. Over the years I have had the privilege to work with clients from diverse cultures, ages, ethnicities, religions, and socio-cultural backgrounds. I have been actively involved in research in teaching college courses, and because of the great interest I have in working with couples who are struggling in their relationships, I have recently became a certified PAIRS instructor.