Background and Experience

 I grew up in Papua, New Guinea and returned to the USA at age 14 to continue my education.  In 1994 I graduated from Yale University with a BA in music and psychology. I continued my education at the University of Bridgeport, graduating with a MS in mental health counseling.  I earned a PhD from the University of Miami in counseling psychology in 2002, with a concentration in adolescent and young adult behavioral medicine.

With a rich work history spanning over two decades, I've dedicated myself to providing unwavering support to parents, teenagers, young adults, and families, fostering an environment where adolescents can blossom into resilient and thriving individuals.

My journey as a psychologist and mental health counselor has taken me through a diverse array of settings, from the nurturing environments of college and high school counseling departments to the intimate spaces of private practice and the transformative landscapes of therapeutic outdoor and nature-based programs.

Specializing in addressing a myriad of challenges including mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, ADHD, and internet addiction, I bring a unique blend of warmth, empathy, and a touch of irreverent humor to my practice. Through dialectical and cognitive-behavioral therapies, mindfulness techniques, and family therapy, I strive to create a safe and nurturing space for healing and growth.

Beyond my clinical practice, I am deeply passionate about sharing my knowledge and insights with others. As an author and lecturer, I delve into topics such as adolescent health risk behaviors, parenting, and ethics in psychotherapy, aiming to empower families and individuals through education and awareness.

In my downtime, you'll find me immersing myself in the great outdoors, whether it's carving through fresh powder on a snowboard, basking in the tranquility of a campsite, exploring the depths of the ocean on scuba dives, or setting sail on the open seas. Nature, with its boundless beauty and serenity, serves as my sanctuary and a constant source of inspiration.