WHO AM I?
ABOUT ME
I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon and have called the Westside of Los Angeles home for the past 15 years. My roots in the Pacific Northwest gave me a deep love for nature—hiking Forest Park, running the trails in Eugene, and walking the beach in Seaside. These days, you’ll find me cycling from the Venice Pier to Manhattan Beach, walking my dogs in Mandeville Canyon, or simply soaking in the Southern California sun.
My path to becoming a therapist began early, when I volunteered serving meals to those in need. That experience sparked a lifelong commitment to helping others. After graduating from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!), I served two years in AmeriCorps, where my passion for social work truly took hold. Since then, I’ve worked across nonprofits, government agencies, and healthcare settings—each step bringing me closer to opening my own practice.
Outside of work, I feel most grounded when I’m with family and friends, leading grief support groups for kids, or spending time with our three rescue dogs and cats. I cherish the little things—lilies in bloom, hummingbirds buzzing outside our window, and the colors of a quiet morning sky. Laughter is my medicine, and travel keeps me connected to loved ones in Portland, Seaside, and Denver, where my two young nephews keep me on my toes.
In my practice, I bring this same balance of heart and humor to the therapy room, helping clients find healing, resilience, and joy—one small moment at a time.
MY QUALIFICATIONS:
SPECIALTIES & EXPERTISE:
I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from California State University, Northridge, and I have been working in the mental health field for over 20 years. My experience spans nonprofits, medical systems, government work, community organizations, treatment facilities and private practice. I hold active clinical licenses in both California (LCSW 89468) and Oregon (L12361), and I am certified in the Trauma Resiliency Model and TEAM-CBT Level 1, with plans to complete Level 3 by July 2025.
My broad background equips me to meet a wide range of client needs, from acute mental health challenges to deeper, long-term healing. I stay actively engaged in ongoing professional development and supervision to ensure that I am offering clients the most up-to-date, evidence-informed care available.
I specialize in supporting individuals navigating:
• Generalized anxiety, panic, and chronic worry
• Life transitions and identity shifts
• Relationship and communication challenges
• Depression and persistent low mood
• Sleep issues and the toll of ongoing stress
• Grief, loss, and unresolved sorrow
• Social and performance anxiety, imposter syndrome
• Perfectionism, procrastination, and burnout
• Low self-esteem and self-doubt
Many of my clients are thoughtful, capable, and outwardly successful—yet privately overwhelmed. Together, we work to ease emotional pain, build resilience, and reconnect you with your inner strength.
MORE FIT MENTAL HEALTH
At More Fit Mental Health, we help adults move beyond just “getting by” to create real, lasting change. If you’re tired of temporary fixes and ready for meaningful transformation, you’re in the right place.
We specialize in TEAM-CBT, a structured, science-backed therapy model that addresses the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of mental health. TEAM stands for Testing, Empathy, Agenda Setting, and Methods—four essential elements that work together to support deep healing and measurable growth. You’ll track your progress with mood surveys and session feedback, so we stay aligned with your goals every step of the way.
This isn’t therapy that just feels supportive—it’s therapy that works. TEAM-CBT blends evidence-based tools with genuine human connection. We dig beneath the surface to uncover and shift the beliefs, habits, and thought patterns that keep you stuck, replacing them with empowering strategies that promote confidence, clarity, and connection.
Whether you’re new to therapy or returning after a break, I offer a grounded, growth-oriented space where healing becomes not only possible, but probable. My goal is to help you feel more connected to yourself and others, reduce emotional pain, and build a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling.
Want to see how TEAM-CBT works in action?
Take a look at our flow chart for a peek inside the process.
Ready to get started?
I BELIEVE THAT:
• People have many contradicting thoughts and feelings. We live in a world where it can be hard to manage them all.
• Relationships are worth working on. People can learn to talk with more kindness and listen with more love.
• People have the right to make their own choices. It is important to honor that.
Who We Are?
At More Fit Mental Health we have a passion for working with people overwhelmed by anxiety, self-doubt, or persistent sadness.
You may struggle finding balance in your life, feeling at peace with who you are, or expressing your needs in relationships.
Do you feel stuck in patterns of overthinking, people-pleasing, or avoiding difficult emotions?
We are here to help you find relief from emotional distress that weighs you down, more importantly, you will feel confident, capable and secure in your relationships and daily life.
The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, improve communication, & cultivate self-compassion to find ease and joy in life.
What We Do?
We use an empathy infused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that is evidence based and scientifically proven to be effective.
This structured, neuroscience-supported method leads to symptom improvement in about 12 weeks which includes; client driven goal setting, tracking progress, weekly sessions, and evaluations to ensure we understand and support you effectively.
This approach, along with your own daily work to practice skills, fosters lasting change, helping you feel better and engage more fully in life.
Cancellations & Rescheduling
Your therapy time is reserved just for you. To respect your time and mine, please provide at least 48 hours’ notice for any cancellations. Cancellations made within 48 hours, or missed sessions without notice, will incur a $100 fee.
Need to reschedule? You may do so before your next recurring session—based on availability—and both sessions must be attended to avoid the fee.
Availability & Emergencies
I check voicemail during business hours and respond as promptly as possible. Messages left outside those hours will be returned the next business day.
If you’re in crisis or experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. I do not offer emergency or after-hours services.
Getting in Touch
Ending Services
While I may not be immediately available by phone, you’re welcome to leave a confidential voicemail. I’ll return your call within a day or two for non-urgent matters. I’ll always let you know in advance about planned absences and connect you with coverage when needed. If I must cancel unexpectedly, I’ll reach out as soon as possible.
Therapy may conclude for various reasons—whether initiated by you or me. If so, we’ll talk it through together. I’ll provide referrals and extend care briefly if needed to ensure a smooth transition.
Non-payment, repeated no-shows, or ongoing lack of communication may also lead to discharge. Even in these cases, I’ll do my best to reach you and offer support as you transition to new care.
