I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) through the State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences (License #64560).    I obtained a Bachelor of Art’s Degree in Sociology from UC San Diego in 1997.  I obtained a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2004. Over the past 18+ years, I have devoted myself to walking alongside the underserved in the communities of San Diego County and Los Angeles County.   Populations I have worked with include people who live outside (aka, homeless); maximum security prison inmates; those struggling with serious mental difficulties including serious mood, psychotic, anxiety, and developmental disorders; troubled youth whose behaviors have placed them at serious risk; children residing in foster care, with relatives, or in groups homes; gay/lesbian/transgender youth and adults; Native American families from tribes in San Diego and Riverside Counties as well as tribes out of state; active/documented gang members; adoptive families (pre- and post-adoption); emancipated foster youth; veterans; active duty service members and their families; recent immigrants from Africa, Asia, Central/South America, the Middle East, and Europe; teen parents; children with Individual Education Plans (IEP’s); children with attachment difficulties and behavior problems; older adults suffering from health and emotional challenges that limit their functioning; people struggling to adapt during times of transition; children with autism and their families; people addicted to drugs/alcohol/unhealthy relationships; families struggling with Domestic Violence; families experiencing divorce, separation, and co-parenting conflict; college students experiencing stress, lack of direction, problems making healthy decisions, and problems with self-image; adults struggling with employment problems, including problems with managing anger.  I have supervisory experience and understand the challenges of the workplace for both employees and management/leadership. I have worked in settings such as Donovan State Prison, World Impact San Diego, St. Vincent De Paul Shelter, Street Outreach to Homeless in San Diego, St. John’s Child & Family Development Center, Department of Children & Families Services Los Angeles County, and Child Welfare Services San Diego County.  I also have a paralegal certificate from University of San Diego (2001) and have worked in a securities law firm as well as a large law firm with offices in San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles.  I have helped launch and sustain a ministry at the church I attend to care for and serve foster families, foster children, and emancipated foster youth in collaboration with Just in Time for Youth, North County Foster Parent Association, Straight from the Heart (San Marcos), and other community partners. I have also worked as a coach and enjoy seeing children and adults grow and learn.  I love harnessing the motivation inside others however little and walking alongside them as they make the changes they want to realize.  I have seen this occur with children, families, teens, couples, young adults, middle age adults, and older adults.  My wide range of experiences have helped me to become effective in helping across a wide range of personal and relational problems.