Your story matters. Your healing matters. And you don’t have to walk the journey alone.

My journey into the field of therapy began more than 20 years ago, inspired by my mother’s courageous battle with depression and the loss of my father when I was just four years old.

These early experiences shaped my passion for helping others navigate life’s hardest moments with compassion and resilience.

"Loss taught me that healing is possible — even when it feels out of reach."

I was born in New York City and raised across several boroughs by my Colombian mother.

Growing up in a richly diverse community deepened my appreciation for cultural identity and its influence on mental health.

I was the first in my family to graduate college, earning my Bachelor’s in Social Work from Monmouth University. My education also took me abroad for an overseas study program in London, UK, which expanded my global perspective and commitment to culturally responsive care.

 I went on to complete my Master’s in Social Work at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, became a certified substance use counselor, and earned my license to practice independently as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 2006. 

Over the years, I’ve worked in hospitals, community programs, and military health systems, serving:

• Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander communities
• Immigrant families
• Veterans & active-duty service members
• Individuals facing mental health, trauma, and substance use challenges

My clinical expertise includes evidence-based therapies such as:

CBT · CPT · DBT · PE · MI · EFT — always delivered through a trauma-informed and culturally grounded approach.

I have served in senior clinical and leadership roles within behavioral health, supporting individuals in recovery from trauma and substance use challenges.
My experience includes leading multidisciplinary teams, advocating for staff well-being, and shaping programs that improve access to care and treatment outcomes.
My work has been honored with multiple awards for excellence in service and leadership, including recognition as Civilian of the Year.