Family therapy and counseling in Santa Monica, CA

I’m a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who is passionate about helping individuals of all ages navigate life’s challenges. I believe true healing involves caring for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. I strive to build strong, trusting relationships with my patients and work together to create personalized treatment plans that promote growth, resilience, and long-term well-being

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 25 years of experience providing mental health services in behavioral health, crisis intervention, community mental health, and medical settings. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, family conflict, and other emotional challenges.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and trauma-informed. I believe healing happens when clients feel safe, understood, and empowered. I work alongside clients to build on their strengths, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.

Throughout my career, I have provided therapy and clinical support in outpatient, community-based, hospital, college mental health, and correctional settings. In my private practice, I provide bilingual psychotherapy to individuals and families experiencing trauma, stress, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, and behavioral health issues. I also have extensive experience supporting foster, adoptive, and biological families caring for children impacted by trauma and attachment-related difficulties.

My professional background includes crisis stabilization, risk assessment, treatment planning, wraparound services, and multidisciplinary care coordination for youth and families with complex needs. I am also a part-time lecturer in the School of Social Work at San Diego State University, where I teach and mentor future social workers.

I am passionate about culturally responsive care, equity in mental health services, and helping clients feel empowered throughout their healing journey. I provide services in both English and Spanish and welcome clients from all backgrounds.

I have lived in the Truckee Tahoe area off an on for over 30 years, I have an AA Degree in Early Child Development, a BA Degree from the University of California Santa Cruz, and I attended the University of. Nevada, Reno for my Masters in Social Work.

My husband and I have two grown children who live in Northern CA and Nevada. We are avid skiers, mountain bikers, and my hobbies include cooking, art, writing, and learning, and of course, playing with our mini golden doodle, Joaquin.

My roots are in Scranton, Pennsylvania; growing up, life was challenging and unpredictable for me and my sisters. I was the first member of our extended family who was able to put themselves through both undergraduate (BA - Latin American Studies/UCSC, and graduate school (MSW- Masters in Social Work, (UNR) and graduate with honors.

All three of my younger sisters followed in my footsteps to pursue higher education and to find success as Professionals.

My husband and I moved to the Tahoe/Truckee area together in the early 1990s, pursuing seasonal employment. We somehow made ends meet, things got a little easier each year, and he later pursued a career in resort and business management, while I pursued continuing education, mental health and licensure, and opening up my practice.

Our son and a daughter both grew up enjoyed attending local public schools in Truckee, and later the Univeristy of California; they are both living fulfilling adult lives in the nearby region.

I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate difficult life experiences and build emotional resilience. I have extensive experience working with trauma, anxiety, family conflict, and self-esteem challenges.

My work focuses on creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, understand their experiences, and develop healthier coping skills. I have worked with individuals and families dealing with trauma, abuse, relationship challenges, and life transitions.

I am passionate about helping clients rediscover their strengths, improve their emotional well-being, and build healthier relationships. My goal is to empower each person to move toward healing, self-understanding, and personal growth.

I HAVE 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE WORKING IN MENTAL HEALTH. I HAVE TRAVELED THE WORLD STUDYING CULTURES AND RELIGIONS AND HAVE A LIFETIME OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES THAT GIVES ME A CLEAR INSIGHT INTO WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. I WILL BE THERE FOR YOU 24/7 AND I ACTUALLY CARE. I AM INTERESTED IN YOU AS A WHOLE PERSON AND NOT JUST A CURRENT PROBLEM, MY GOAL IS TO GET YOU FEELING BETTER QUICKLY AND ENRICHING YOUR LIFE FOR A FUTURE FILLED WITH POTENTIAL AND JOY.

Life can feel overwhelming — thoughts that won't quiet down, family tension that keeps building, or past experiences continue to dictate your present days. Whether you're an individual carrying something heavy, a couple trying to find your way back to each other, or a family navigating a moment that feels too big to face alone, you don't have to keep pushing through without support. I provide a safe space where your culture, your story, and your language are deeply valued. I bring a grounded, tenacious approach to my clinical work utilizing specialized, evidence- based tools to help with processing heavy burdens. Healing is possible and it can start here, so let's walk this path together.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes that therapy works best when you feel truly heard — not judged. I bring warmth, honesty, and a no-nonsense approach to our work together. My goal is for every client to leave each session feeling a little more understood and a little more equipped than when they walked in. I work with most major insurance plans, so getting quality care shouldn't have to break the bank.

As your therapist, I take a collaborative, non-judgmental, experiential approach to psychotherapy. I will join you in creating a deeper understanding of yourself and your life by helping you organize your emotions and attuning to the sensations throughout your body. Through our work, you will gain a wholesome sense of who you are. With safety and connection we will build tolerance to life’s experiences. Allowing you to engage fully with life through the trust that is created within yourself.