"Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around." ~Sofia in Vanilla Sky
About Me
My professional journey.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a Doctorate in School and Clinical Child Psychology from Pace University. I have experience providing Psychotherapy, PCIT, PMT, Sex Therapy, and completing educational/ neuropsychological assessments.
Since an early age, I have been interested in people, their personal narratives, helping them feel accepted, cared for, and to be at peace with themselves and their lives. Prior to embarking on a career in psychology, I coached basketball, was a Big Sister (as part of Big Brothers Big Sisters program), volunteered in an inclusive classroom and a day program to assist children and adults with special needs, and worked as a Personal Care Attendant for two adolescent siblings with Down Syndrome. After graduating from Marquette University with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Family Studies, I wanted to gain further education in psychology and began my graduate training at Pace University in New York City.
During my graduate training, I gained extensive experience and superior supervision in clinical psychology within outpatient, day treatment, and school settings around the New York City and Tri-state area. In 2012, I was awarded the Ted Bernstein Award for Excellence in the Practice of School Psychology for collaborating with students and their families, teamwork with colleagues across professional disciplines, and personal character traits including humility, open-mindedness, and an approachable demeanor. These continue to assist me in my work with clients as I am able to create a safe, warm, and accepting environment that is free of judgment within which we collaborate to help you achieve your therapeutic goals.
My doctoral research combined many areas of personal interest and examined how an adult's level of ego development, resilience, and internalized parent representations effected the relationship between a potentially traumatic event/s and psychological symptoms/ behaviors.
Since earning my doctorate, I worked at Birch Tree Psychology in New Jersey, Brooklyn College's Counseling Center, McShane Center for Psychological Services (as the Assistant Clinical Director, a Supervisor, and the Child Therapy Supervisor), and opened a private practice in New York City in 2014. I have attended continuing education courses in Sex, Human Sexuality, and Sex Therapy at the Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis and completed the Sex Therapy program at University of Michigan. In 2019 I became Certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. In 2020 I became certified in Parent Management Training, and, in 2022 I became certified as a Sex Therapist (AASECT). Out of the many settings in which I have worked, I have gained the most enjoyment and fulfillment when working with college students, adults, parents, and their children.
My personal journey ...
Before I chose a career in clinical psychology, I originally wanted to be a forensic pathologist (aka perform autopsies). I wanted to help tell people's stories when they could not tell it themselves. I wanted to uncover the pieces of a puzzle and put them together to find understanding and meaning about what happened. At first I believed I would do this through forensic pathology until I took the science courses - O Chem 2 was a hurdle I did not want to figure out. Around the same time, I was taking a number of psychology classes which I loved so I shifted my direction and found my true passion, calling, and purpose in life - clinical psychology. The same desires to help people share their stories, uncover details hidden from view, and solve puzzles to create greater understanding, sense of purpose, and meaning for each person's life were easily found within psychology. I never want anyone to feel the pain of feeling forgotten, invisible, unwanted, or unloved. I, too, had painful experiences, heavy feelings, many questions and wanted answers. I believe any psychologist "worth their stuff" has been (and continues to be) on both sides of the couch. I am a believer in the work through-and-through. With the help of a treasured psychologist, I found my own inner peace. Things that once haunted me, no longer do. I have a deeper understanding and feelings of compassion and empathy for myself, my mistakes, others around me, and even those who have caused harm. I feel light and liberated. I LOVE that I get to do this work with others - I help them find peace, contentment, self-acceptance, happiness, liberation, and freedom. I feel honored that I am able to do this work. I feel honored when someone trusts me, when they show up week after week as their true authentic selves. I am honored when they open up about all their insecurities and vulnerabilities. I treat all people with respect and I do not lie. I am kind and direct. It is not lost on me how much of a privilege it is to have people allow me to be part of their therapeutic journeys and lives. I hope to be a part of yours.
COVID Notice
Due to the COVID pandemic, all sessions are currently being held virtually via live video feed. I offer telepsychology to residents living in the following states:
AL, AR, AZ, CO, CNMI, CT, DC, DE, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND ((effective 8/1/23), NE, NH, NJ, NV, OH, OK, PA, RI (effective 7/1/23), TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY