As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I enjoy helping individuals and families understand themselves and the systems in which they live and interact. I have worked as an assistant counselor at an in-patient chemical dependency program for adolescents, provided in-home and in-school therapy/skill building/case management, taught intensive adolescent group Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and currently practice out-patient individual/relational/family therapy. My approach is multifaceted and tailored to each situation. You may encounter some of the following: active listening, compassionate and honest feedback that you can use, support, alternative ways of looking at situations, validation, skill teaching, building motivation to take action or do something different, humor, meaning and value making, culture/identity/diversity exploration, and self-esteem building. You are welcome and encouraged to ask for what you want and need in my office, to give feedback, and/or say that a suggestion/intervention isn't going to work for you. We will work it out.
On a personal note, I identify as female, cisgender, heterosexual, able bodied, and a light skinned biracial (Filipino and Caucasian) person who is both privileged and marginalized. I hope my transparency in identifying myself, my labels, and my privilege will give space to my clients who want or need to do the same. I live with my husband and our two dogs (Piper the Golden Retriever and Saoirse the Irish Setter). My relationships are my foundation and priority. I also love to cook, lift weights, spend time in nature, travel, seek adventure, take naps (haha), and find balance between peace and the natural chaos of life.
Education
- 2006, Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, Argosy University-Eagan
- 2004, Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Licensure
- 2008, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, #1709 Minnesota
- 2006, Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, #1709 Minnesota
Professional Activities and Memberships
- Member of the Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT)
- Secretary of the Board 2017 thru 2019
- Elections Committee Chair, 2016
- Member of the Elections Committee, 2014 and 2015
- Previous member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
