With over 25 years of experience working with children, I’ve dedicated my career to finding better ways to talk to, take care of, and support families. For me, the assessment process is deeply personal and relational. I cherish the opportunity to connect with families and children (and emerging adults) and to help them make meaning of their gifts and the unique ways they navigate the world. I prioritize creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where everyone feels affirmed and supported throughout the assessment process. Also, I make some pretty excellent jokes (at least that is what kids usually tell me!). 

I’ve been privileged to provide behavioral and developmental assessments at Alta Family Development Center, where I got to witness firsthand the growth and progress of the families I worked with by providing comprehensive parenting and child development support. Additionally, I served as the Senior Director of the Child Development Center and the Director of the Parenting Center at an early childhood center in Los Angeles, where I provided specialized clinical consultation and guidance for educators and children. I also developed and have run the KNOW Your Baby Parent-Infant Mental Health Program since 2010, and have delighted in watching babies (and their parents) grow and thrive.

In addition to working at LACIA, I  serve as an adjunct clinical faculty member in the PsyD program at Pacifica Graduate University, where I teach relational neurobiology, child and family trauma, advanced psychotherapy, and the application of therapeutic models intended to reduce child and family stress.

As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2007, I’ve had the opportunity to lead several organizations dedicated to serving children and families. I’ve also provided support for IEP and 504 plan development as a consultant and advocate. I have taught behavioral and developmental intervention and assessment at several universities in the US.

My journey into this field began in 2000 when I started working as a Floortime Therapist—a role that ignited my passion for helping children reach their full potential. I hold a BA in Classics and Medieval History from NYU, an M.Ed in Special Education from AIU, and have obtained specialty credentials in the assessment and treatment of ASD and Parent Education from Antioch University and UMASS Lowell. I graduated from Reiss Davis Graduate School with my PsyD, where my research focused on developing low-barrier, highly accessible models of care for neurodiverse children and families.

Outside of work, you’ll find me embracing my role as a mom to an amazing daughter. We love to travel, belt out tunes to the radio (much to her embarrassment), cook overly elaborate meals, and indulge in our shared love of bad puns.