My practice is dedicated to helping adults (18 years +) learn to deal more effectively with anxiety, life transitions, career issues, and mental health conditions such as depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). My approach is to provide evidence-based interventions in such a way that respects and incorporates your cultural backgrounds (e.g., religion, sexual identity, gender identity, racial/ethnic identity, etc.).
The core of my work with clients involves uncovering those values that reflect who you want to be in this world; what you want to stand for. Gaining clarity on one’s values can be incredibly motivating, and provide direction of one’s life. I believe aligning your life with your values is at the core of living life well.
My own values are at the center of my life choices. My value of having a life of adventure has been reflected in being able to live in many different locations — Colorado, Indiana, North Carolina, the United Kingdom, Washington DC, and now the beautiful state of California. My experiences publishing and presenting at conferences has allowed me to pursue my values of curiosity and contribution. I have spent the last 15 years training future psychologists by teaching, mentoring, and supervising their clinical cases, which is consistent with my values of respect, caring, and responsibility. And in my work everyday with my clients, I live my values of compassion and flexibility.
I welcome the opportunity to work together to help you build the life you want.
Education
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2007
M.A. in Clinical Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2004
B.A. in Psychology, University of Notre Dame, 2001
Positions
2024-present Clinical Associate Professor (Adjunct), Temple University
2020-2022 Associate Director of Clinical Training & Associate Professor, University of Southern California
2018 Primary Care Psychologist, Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center (Downtown LA VA)
2011-2018 Associate Professor of the Practice of Psychology & Director, Psychology Services Center, University of Southern California
2008-2011 Research Assistant Professor & Associate Director of Clinical Training, University of Maryland at College Park
2007-2008 Lecturer, University of Manchester (UK)
Service and Awards/Recognition
Selected for the Continuing Education Committee of the American Psychological Association.
Appointed as Associate Editor for the academic and clinical journal publication, Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, and Practice, published by the British Psychological Society (2016-2022).
Served on the Program Committees for the annual conferences of the Association of Psychology Training Clinics (2014-2018) and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (2014-present).
Selected as Early Career Member-at-Large for the Association of Psychology Training Clinics (2016-2018).
Selected as a Beck Scholar by the Beck Institute, the founders of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (2013).
Received the Young Investigator Award from the International Congress of Schizophrenia Research (2009).
Honored by the NAMI Thank You Campaign by former clients who appreciated support and extra effort provided in the mental health services they received (2007).
Selected for the Martin S. Wallach Award at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This award is presented to the top graduating clinical doctoral student in recognition of outstanding achievement in research, teaching and clinical services (2007).