I started my career in Human Resources tasked with interviewing, recruiting, training, advising and coaching managers on performance issues and professional growth. My connection to Human Resources was the HUMAN aspect of the work. I became a sounding board for employees who struggled with anxiety, depression, substance use issues and dependent care stressors to name a few.

In the early 90’s (I’m dating myself), Corporate America began its quest for the HR metric. I found myself collecting more data than connecting. The focus went from the human to numbers (which I totally get, but not really my thing). This led me to a one-year sabbatical to figure out how could I pursue my curiosity for the human condition. In a serendipitous encounter, I began to work in a joint education program between a mental health organization and school district during which I obtained a Master’s degree in Counseling, leading to a 20+year long professional practice focused on empowering clients and colleagues. Not to mention, students entering the field of Counseling and Substance Use.

I am passionate about the human aspect of my work which defines my inclusive, accessible clinical and training approach. I understand what motivates changes in behavior. I keep my approach simple and relatable with a positive personality and good humor.

I believe it is in the connection between therapist and client that positive outcomes are produced. It is in the teacher and student learning from one another where wisdom is found. It is in the collaboration and understanding between team members where relationships are deepened and shared goals accomplished. This gives a glimpse into who I am and what I believe.

My academic endeavors have earned me an MS in Counseling- Marriage and Family Therapy from San Francisco State University, a B.A. in Human Resource Management and an MS in Human Resource Management with an emphasis in Human Relations from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. My experiences have given me a PhD in Life.