About Me

I am originally from Mexico City born to a family of Eastern European immigrants. I am multicultural, bilingual, and highly sensitive to different cultures. I emigrated to the United States 20 years ago. My personal experience as an immigrant enriches my work with culturally diverse people.

I found out at an early age that supporting and helping others is one of the things that I find most fulfilling in life. My first job working as a camp guide at the age of 15 allowed me to gain insight and interest in supporting children & their families.  I continued to work with children, adolescents, and their parents as a Karate teacher.

Psychology has always been my passion. I began my psychology studies at Universidad de las Americas in Mexico City. I then moved to San Diego, CA and finished my undergraduate work at San Diego State University. My graduate work and training as a clinical psychologist was at California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. I completed my doctoral degree in Clinical psychology in 2009.

My clinical experience started at Stein Education Center, where I applied behavioral treatment for autistic children and lead group activities, as a volunteer. I then worked at Saint Vincent DePaul Village, a Homeless Shelter, where I conducted psychological assessments and case management. Provided individual and group psychotherapy for adolescents and adults and developed and conducted group psychotherapy for Spanish speaking women. My training continued in Aurora Behavioral Health Care, and inpatient and outpatient psychiatric facility, where I conducted psychological assessments and formulated treatment plans. I also provided individual, conjoint, group, and family psychotherapy in Spanish and English for inpatient and outpatient children, adolescents, and adults who were experiencing a variety of behavioral, psychological, and psychiatric issues. During this time, I also incorporated yoga classes and walking meditations to inpatient adults who were in treatment for eating disorders, chemical dependency, trauma, and/or pain management. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to work as a yoga instructor at Casa Palmera in Del Mar, CA; this facility specializes in eating disorders, dual diagnosis, chemical dependency, and trauma related disorders.

 

I then worked as a bilingual counselor at Harmonium Inc., a nonprofit community-based organization where I provided individual, family, and group psychotherapy in Spanish and English and developed biopsychospiritual programs for individuals and communities. I was then hired, as a fulltime Registered Psychologist at this organization. I began to perform psychological evaluations for children and adolescents seeking asylum in the United States of America through the Refugee Resettlement Program. In addition, I provided individual counseling services in a charter middle school setting. Where I participated in Individualized Educational Programs and coordinated services with Occupational Psychotherapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, Teachers, Parents, Educational Advocates, and outside therapists to ensure integrated services.

Finally, I had the pleasure to develop and present educational interactive lectures on topics related to adolescent sexuality, adolescent and adult depression, parenting skills, and anxiety.

Life continued, and I decided to stay at home to raise my children. Emerging wiser, stronger, and with experience I never thought I could gain, I decided to open my private practice. My vision is to help you create a place where you feel secure, safe, accepted, and cared for so you can tackle life’s difficulties and experience a more fulfilling path.

Thank you for taking the time to read about me, and my work.