I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and dedicated Psychotherapist licensed by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. With over ten years of clinical experience in providing behavioral health treatment, I have worked in various clinical settings, catering to clients of all ages and backgrounds. Originally from North Carolina, I graduated from East Carolina University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Applied Sociology, focusing on Child Development. My educational journey continued as I earned my Master’s Degree in Advanced Clinical Social Work with a Concentration in Contemporary Social Issues from Columbia University located in New York City in 2016.

Throughout my career, I have developed a deep understanding of the unique needs and struggles faced by forensic-based clients. I have worked extensively with individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system, including those on probation, parole, or incarcerated. During my time at Columbia University, I completed my clinical internship at Rikers Island Correctional Facility. There, I focused on delivering group, individual, and case management treatment services to adult males housed on maximum security units and deemed severely mentally ill (SMI). Following the internship, I was offered a full-time position at Rikers Island as a Mental Health Clinician. Returning to the same facility and units where I had interned, I successfully developed programs on two maximum security units, focusing on intensive individual and group psychotherapy treatment services. While employed at Rikers,I was recruited and selected by the department of Correction (DOC) to participate in the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program at Rikers Island. This program aimed to train Correctional Officers and Mental Health Clinicians to respond to detainees in crisis. I completed the program successfully, participating in 40+ hours of CIT training, including simulations with actors from the Screen Actors Guild portraying inmates in mental health crises based on real-life events. This experience enhanced my crisis intervention skills by allowing me to practice effective de-escalation strategies in a real-life setting. In addition to providing the above services to forensic based clients, I also have extensive experience and have supported individuals who have experienced trauma, abuse, or have been victims of crime.

In addition to working with forensic-based clients, I have a keen passion for helping suicidal adults, youth, and their families navigate through the difficulties they face. I understand the immense emotional pain and distress that individuals who are struggling with suicidal thoughts experience, as well as the impact it has on their loved ones. My goal is to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where youth and their families can explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and build resilience. Other primary focuses in treatment include working with clients who suffer from anxiety, depression, neurocognitive disorders, borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, body dysmorphia, eating disorders, complex trauma and PTSD, mood disorders, suicidal ideation, self-harm, problem sexual behaviors, paraphallic disorders, ADHD, Autism, low self-esteem, mood and psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is the primary approach I utilize. DBT is an evidenced-based therapy that combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices. It focuses on teaching individuals skills to regulate emotions, manage distress, improve interpersonal relationships, and develop a sense of self-worth. As an intensively trained DBT therapist, I am dedicated to providing comprehensive DBT treatment to my clients and their families if deemed clinically appropriate.. Aside from DBT services, I have training and experience in using additional evidenced based treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (RO-DBT), Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Crisis intervention, Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Regardless, I use an eclectic clinical approach to help each client find a personalized path to assist them in
meeting their individualized goals.

I am also committed to ongoing professional development and staying up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in the field. I regularly attend workshops, conferences, and training to enhance my skills and knowledge. My goal is to provide the most effective and compassionate care to my clients, their families if deemed appropriate, and supporting them in their treatment journey towards healing and growth.