Why I Do This Work

I’ve been where you are. I know what it’s like to feel stuck in the grind, questioning whether you’re doing enough or doing it right. I know those sleepless nights spent thinking, “If they keep acting this way will their life be ruined?” Like many of my clients, I spent years teetering between two extremes: zoning out, scrolling endlessly of quick fixes to escape the overwhelm, or throwing myself into a never-ending list of projects to feel like a “good mom” of a complex child.

What I didn’t realize then was that our happiness wasn’t tied to how many “right” things we checked off of the imaginary “neurodiverse magic” checklist—or didn’t. It wasn’t until I let go of that constant hustle, learned to actually relax, and reconnected with what mattered most that my life started to feel lighter. It allowed me to gain tools and empowered me to utilize those tools to navigate a world that frankly isn’t built for complex kids! Guess what? My child started easing into behaviors that were much more manageable. That journey wasn’t easy, but it taught me lessons I’m here to share with you so you don’t have to figure it all out the hard way.

I know how hard it is to break out of survival mode—but I also know it’s possible. I’ve worked with children and families in your situation for over twenty years in various capacities and have seen the most amazing transformations. I live, breath, and eat this work for personally and professionally like many of my families.

How I Show Up

I work best with kids and families who are ready to reclaim their lives. You don’t need to have it all figured out (who does?), but you do need to be willing to take that first step. I’m not here to give you quick fixes or do the work for you—I’m here to guide, support, and cheer you on as you create the change you deserve. I will be a fierce advocate and model collaborative team work in systems like school or medical facilities.

I’m not the therapist who just nods along quietly. I roll up my sleeves and dive in with you. My superpower? Spotting the heart of the issue, calling it out with compassion, and helping you navigate the path forward. We’ll laugh, cry, and tackle the tough stuff—whether it’s mom guilt, burnout, hostile systems, money, or even the moments you secretly wonder, “Will my life always be unbearable?” Nothing is off-limits, and there’s no judgment here.

My work with your child will be full of empathy and compassion but also that same action-oriented stance. Empowering your child with self-sufficient independence AND creating a space where they feel truly heard and understood is the essence of my therapy style. I love when I hear my clients say, “I know I can tell you because you actually get it!"

What Drives Me

Medically and neurologically complex children are some of the sweetest, most capable, and loving people I’ve ever met. Once they have the right tools and skills, they’re unstoppable. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping these children (and their families) build skills, grow their ability to handle big emotions and rediscover the joy and fulfillment they’ve been craving.

You don’t have to live in a constant state of “just getting through the day.” You and your child deserve more than that, and I’d love to help you get there.

Credentials & Experience

I’ve been working with families since 2005, supporting people in some of the most stressful circumstances imaginable, including families of chronically ill children. My training includes a formal residency in pediatric psychology and neuropsychology, and I’ve worked at institutions such as:

• Oakland Children’s Hospital

• UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital

• Providence Hospital (Oregon)

• Valley Children’s Hospital (Central Valley, CA)

• Ongoing publishing and peer-reviewing of research in the internationally renown journal for gifted exceptional children: Roeper Review

I am also a former teacher and bring my knowledge of the educational, system, gifted and talented education, and special education to my work. I’ve worked in Madera and Reef Sunset Unified School Districts. I worked with school psychologists at Manchester G.A.T.E. administering and scoring assessments that were used in Individual Educational Plan (IEP) meetings and wrote reports for use inside and outside of the classroom.

I’ve also volunteer for The Tics and Tourettes Society of America and The Epilepsy Foundation of America two organizations I highly recommend if you’re looking to support meaningful causes.

Through it all, my focus has been helping families like your—hard working, loving, and stretched too thin—find their way back to themselves. Together, we’ll create the life you deserve, one that isn’t about merely surviving but truly thriving.