BIOGRAPHY

I was born and raised in California’s Central Valley and now call New York City home, where I work as a psychotherapist, mental health educator, and activist.

As a first-generation college graduate and proud Latina, I know what it’s like to navigate spaces where you don’t always feel seen or understood. Growing up as the eldest daughter in a Mexican-American family shaped so much of how I show up in the world, and it’s also what called me to this heart-centered work.

Much of my work is about creating the kind of space I once longed for—one that feels safe, inclusive, identity-affirming, empowering, and rooted in cultural pride.

Healing is a deeply personal process, and it looks different for everyone. My hope is to walk alongside you with care, curiosity, and warmth, helping you reconnect with your inner wisdom and reclaim your power in ways that feel true and meaningful to you.

MY APPROACH

My style is warm, nonjudgmental, and deeply collaborative. I believe that each person holds inherent strengths and wisdom. My goal as your therapist is to offer a space where your authentic self can be expressed and honored.

In our work together, we’ll explore both your past and present to gain a deepening understanding of who you are today—your challenges, and also the ways you love, create, and dream.

During our time together, I’ll invite you to tune into your whole self—your thoughts and emotions, as well as your body. This might include noticing your mood, energy levels, tension, sexual desires, urges, impulses, self-soothing habits, and other physical sensations.

Through carefully attending to your experience you’ll deepen your understanding of yourself in the present moment, feel more connected to your nervous system, and develop everyday self-help strategies to build the resilience needed to learn, to grow, to heal, and to thrive.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York State. I earned a BA in Psychology and BA in Education from the University of California, Irvine (2017), followed by a MA in Mental Health Counseling and EdM in Counseling Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University (2021).

I’ve pursued advanced post-graduate training in Advanced Trauma Informed Care via New York University (2022) and a Certificate in Somatic Embodiment & Regulation Strategies via Linda Thai (2023).

My approach to psychotherapy is shaped by anti-racism, queer theory, feminism, attachment theory, psychodynamic therapy, art therapy, play therapy, somatic embodiment (SE), internal family systems (IFS), breathwork, and mindfulness. I integrate these approaches to offer a holistic healing experience as well as address the interconnectedness between the mind, body, and spirit.

“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.”

— Bell Hooks