Psychotherapist and Founder of Uncovery: LMFT-S (#131189); REAT (#2129); CIMHP

In the old days of psychotherapy, Freud believed a therapist should be a “blank slate” – emotionless, reticent, and zero self-disclosure. Well, forget that! I believe human beings want to work with fellow human beings, so I like to say that I am a person first, therapist second. My lived experience as a trauma survivor and breaker of intergenerational trauma is infused into my work. I composted my past, so to speak, to make rich fertile soil for new growth. I have found no greater joy and purpose in my life than helping and guiding fellow travelers on their similar journeys.

I do individual counseling using a combination of traditional talk therapy infused with expressive arts, Internal Family Systems (IFS), play, somatic embodiment, eco, Jungian, and depth therapies. I actively listen and provide personalized options, ideas, and new tools. I conduct the process with thoughtful questions and insightful activities. All the while, I hold each person with a deep and unconditional positive regard. I have a passion for working with youth from toddlers to teens. Not only am I a parent, but I spent several years working with the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, serving kids experiencing severe mental distress including depression, suicidality, self-harm, anxiety, and trauma responses. I have a lot of experience working with LGBTQIA+ youth, including gender affirming care. I also enjoy working with adults, especially parents who experienced childhood trauma and wish to break the intergenerational cycle.

I received a B.S., summa cum laude, from the University of San Francisco in Organizational Behavior, a branch of study that looks at organizations through a psychological lens, as well as an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and Expressive Arts Therapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies. I’m licensed in California as a Marriage and Family Therapist and I’m the only Registered Expressive Arts Therapist in the Sierra Nevada region. I am a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) weaving a holistic heath approach into my work. I am also certified in Social and Emotional Learning Through the Arts as well as Dance for All Facilitation through UCLArts & Healing. In early 2025, I became certified in Somatic Embodiment through Linda Thai’s Collectively Rooted program and a graduate of Delta Gamma’s Dawson Leadership Institute. In addition to private practice, I am the Clinical Supervisor for Sugar Bowl Academy. I’ve been in practice since 2018.

I am the proud parent of Jake, an engineering student at UC Santa Cruz, and spouse to Jeff, my partner of 26 years. I’m also an avid dancer, XC skier, snowboarder, reader, writer, and backpacker. When not at work, I can most often be found on the trail with my beloved rescue dog, Matty.

Memberships: California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA).