I am a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) serving as a Psychiatric Social Worker within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), where I provide school-based mental health services to diverse student populations across primary and secondary school settings. My clinical work focuses on trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and equity-centered care, with a strong commitment to creating safe, affirming therapeutic spaces for LGBTQ+ students and families.

In my role within public education and community mental health systems, I regularly support LGBTQ+ youth navigating identity development, minority stress, family acceptance challenges, peer relationships, bullying, school climate concerns, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related experiences. I provide individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy and systems collaboration with school staff and community partners to ensure students receive coordinated, affirming care.

My clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based and evidence-informed practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, strengths-based therapy, and developmentally appropriate identity-affirming interventions. I prioritize client self-determination, gender-affirming language, and collaborative goal setting. I also support students in navigating name/pronoun affirmation in school settings, accessing safe adults on campus, and connecting to community LGBTQ+ resources when appropriate.

I have extensive experience working within large, diverse urban systems serving immigrant, multilingual, and historically marginalized communities. I actively integrate intersectionality into treatment planning, recognizing how culture, immigration experiences, race, language, religion, disability, socioeconomic factors, and family systems interact with sexual orientation and gender identity experiences.

I maintain ongoing professional development through continuing education related to adolescent mental health, trauma, suicide prevention, cultural humility, and inclusive care practices. I am committed to lifelong learning, reflective practice, and advocacy for safe, inclusive environments where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Core areas of focus include:
• LGBTQ+ youth mental health
• Gender-affirming and identity-affirming therapy
• Trauma-informed and resilience-focused care
• School-based mental health and crisis response
• Family engagement and psychoeducation
• Intersectionality and culturally responsive care
• Anxiety, depression, and adjustment concerns
• Bullying, school climate, and belonging support
• Immigrant and multicultural student mental health

My goal is to ensure every LGBTQ+ student I serve experiences therapy as a space of safety, respect, dignity and empowerment.