I grew up in a pretty homogeneous suburb of Southern California in the 90s. Growing up in a time before social media was great in many ways, but it also meant that important conversations and shared experiences about cultural awareness, boundaries, and self-love – the things that younger generations have helped to push forward – hadn’t gone mainstream. I was a shy, brown girl who lacked confidence in herself because I wasn’t really taught how to be assertive nor given the space to openly share my thoughts and opinions at home. This was a common experience for most of my second-generation friends whose parents were busy with practical things, like… surviving. Over time, and with hard work, I’ve learned how to take up space, own who I am, and love myself in the process. Work that I continue with even today.

I am a testament that growth and change are achievable. I have been caring for my own mental health for more than 15 years. My therapist has helped me navigate some of the hardest periods of my life as well as my relationship with myself, my family, and my friends.

I care deeply about the people in my life with many of my closest friendships spanning over two and a half decades. I love to laugh. I love good meals with friends. I love music – I grew up on hip hop but I love a vast array of music from folk and tejano to reggaeton and latin trap. Traveling to over 35 countries to explore music, art, food, and lifestyles has given me first-hand knowledge of the difficult realities that much of the world lives in, but also an understanding that mental health is often more dependent on community and social relationships than on circumstance.

I believe my exposure to diverse populations and my life experiences have made me a better therapist, but therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Sharing about who I am is more about making sure that I’m the right fit for you, the client.