bio
It seems I was born with the desire to help people be happy and to reach their full potential. I grew up in the beautiful Catskill Mountains of New York State, just three miles from the 1969 Woodstock Festival site. My childhood in such a rural area fostered my love of the outdoors. I began my career in the helping field early as the young girl on the school bus who wanted to bring home the family of kids who needed a bath and clean clothes—true story!
It was this passion that led me to pursue a B.A. in Sociology and Spanish from Rochester Institute of Technology/Eisenhower College. I was fortunate to be able to spend my junior year with NYU in Madrid, becoming fluent in Spanish. After working for a few years with developmentally disabled adults and children, I went on to get my Masters in Social Work (MSW) from West Virginia University. A few months after getting my MSW degree in 1982, I drove cross country to San Diego where several of my friends were living. I have lived here ever since, which from what I am told, makes me almost a native.
Over the years, I have worked with all ages and all types of people. When I arrived in San Diego, I resumed my work with the developmentally disabled overseeing both residential and occupational programs. I worked for the Arc of San Diego and with the San Diego Regional Center as a case manager for children and adults.
I’d always had the dream of having my own private practice. When I had my children (twin girls) it was the perfect time to start a part-time practice. Now 20 years later I work full time and love what I do. It is so rewarding to help clients move from a position of struggling to being empowered with the skills to fully enjoy their lives.
I must say that the one thing I don’t like about being a therapist is all of the sitting, but I have a remedy! When I am not in my office helping clients, I love to be outdoors and active. As a longtime practitioner of mindfulness, I integrate and weave the healing concepts of that tradition into both my work and personal life.
I look forward to meeting you!
