Welcome! I am a psychologist, educator, author, and researcher whose work lives at the intersection of science, soul, and authentic human connection. I have spent my career helping people understand themselves more honestly – and connect with others more meaningfully.

As a former Director of Health Psychology Services at California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC), I bring both executive leadership and frontline clinical experience to my work. In that role, I guided programs supporting individuals and families through complex mental illness and end-of-life challenges, deepening my commitment to care that is both evidence-based and profoundly human.

My passion is translating complex psychological concepts into relatable, actionable insight. My background in mental health leadership and storytelling helps me speak in a way that is intellectually grounded, yet emotionally resonant – whether as university professor, content creator, workshop facilitator, or public voice on authenticity and connection.

My central message is this: real connection starts with being real with yourself. Self-awareness and leaning into your values form the foundation for stronger relationships, healthier communities, and more meaningful lives.

I have personally navigated the realities of family substance abuse and addiction, experiences which shaped my understanding of resilience, boundaries, and compassion. I have also walked through profound grief and loss within my own family, bringing a depth and humility to my work that you can’t learn from a textbook.

My experiences don’t just inform my work – they fuel it. I speak not only as a psychologist, but as a mother, friend, and human being who understands that pain and connection often share the same doorway.

Whether in a classroom, workshop, in my writing, or through digital content, my mission is clear: help people come home to themselves – and from there, build more honest, contented lives.