A little about me...
I believe therapy is a place to slow down, make sense of your experiences, and reconnect with the strengths you already carry. As a neurodivergent-affirming therapist, I support people in better understanding themselves, recognizing their needs, and creating meaningful change that feels authentic and sustainable.
My approach is strength-based, trauma-informed, and grounded in empathy, warmth, and humility, with a little grit and humor when it’s needed. I believe people do well when they can, and that meaningful change begins with feeling understood—not judged or “fixed.” Therapy is a collaborative process where we’ll explore patterns, uncover what’s getting in the way, and develop strategies that actually fit your life.
Much of my work is with autistic individuals, ADHDers, people with PDA profiles, and neurodivergent couples and families. I also support clients navigating anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, identity exploration, and major life transitions. Together, we’ll create a space where you can better understand yourself, strengthen relationships, and move toward a life that feels more connected and aligned.
I draw from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic and Polyvagal Practices, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Approaches, and Mindfulness-Based techniques. I see you as the expert in your own life, and my role is to offer support, curiosity, and guidance as we navigate your path forward together.
My life experience...
Life keeps me on my toes—between parenting a spirited kiddo, sharing life with a loving partner, and balancing work and everyday responsibilities, I’ve learned that growth, connection, and resilience often happen in the messy, unexpected moments. These experiences shape how I see the world and inform the thoughtful, compassionate approach I bring to therapy.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent over 15 years in Sonoma County’s nonprofit sector, working in direct service and leadership roles supporting adults and transitional-aged youth with diverse intellectual and developmental abilities, as well as teens from all walks of life. These experiences taught me the importance of meeting people where they are, adapting with flexibility and creativity, and recognizing the unique strengths each person brings.
I’ve also spent decades navigating high-demand environments—balancing competing priorities, managing responsibilities, and adapting to the expectations of work, family, and community. As a Maltese-American, a first-generation college graduate, and a lifelong Californian, I understand the complexities of navigating multiple identities, expectations, and systems.
I bring all of these experiences into my work with clients, along with my own experiences as a neurodivergent person. I know how meaningful it can be to finally feel understood, to have your experiences validated, and to find approaches that honor who you are rather than asking you to become someone else.
On the record...
Education:
-
University of San Francisco | M.A., Counseling Psychology - Marriage & Family Therapy
-
Sonoma State University | B.A., Human Development
Formal Trainings:
-
PDA North America | Level 1 & Level 2 Certified
-
University of Delaware's 'National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities' Program | Graduate
Affiliations:
-
Board of Directors, Member, Redwood Empire California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (RECAMFT)
-
Member, California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT)
-
Member, The Association of Therapists of Northern California (AFTNC)
-
Leadership Santa Rosa Graduate - Class 34!