I graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Minor in Sociology (1997). I attended Loyola University of Chicago and completed a Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work (2002) with a concentration in children and families. I also have a Post Master's Degree in School Social Work (2004).
Prior to starting my private practice, I worked in various settings including both private and public schools, psychiatric hospitals, residential, foster care, and adoption care. In 2007, I began my private practice in Chicago and subsequently moved my practice to New York City in 2011.
With more than 27 years of extensive clinical experience, I am capable of treating an array of mental health, emotional, and relationship issues. I have had the opportunity to work with children and families, as well as adults and couples.
I am also trained and have experience in the following modalities.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness Based-Stress Reduction (MBSR)
I treat mood disorders, OCD, ADHD, anxiety and depression, complex and acute trauma, grief and loss, I am also a chronic illness, rare disease, and medical trauma expert. Managing mental health can be just as important as managing your physical health. Talk therapy can be an effective way to manage interpersonal relationships, establish coping strategies, and coping with medical trauma.
Since 2008, I have been an active mental health contributor for the Immune Deficiency Foundation . I have conducted more than 40 expert lectures and podcasts about living with rare and chronic conditions. In addition to my individual and family sessions, I have been leading support groups for patients and caregivers.
I contributed to the Adolescent and Young Adult Sections in the Life Management Section of the Immune Deficiency Foundation, Patient and Family Handbook for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases, 5th Edition. I also participated in Common Ground, a series of videos about coping with primary immunodeficiency for teens, and the podcast, Coping with the Emotional Dimensions of PI, part of the Young Adult Series.
I also participated in a study of Mindfulness-Based Treatments in Conjunction with the Mood Network Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, PCORnet, and The Immune Deficiency Foundation. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of brief meditation exercises to improve the well-being of patients with Primary Immunodeficiency and other chronic healthcare conditions.
I currently lead the Immune Deficiency Foundation’s Get Connected Caregiver and Spouses/Partners Support Groups. I write a monthly column for CSL Behring’s Vita Series about coping with chronic illness and rare disease.
Caregiver Support Group
Finally, I believe in a collaborative approach and will coordinate services with physicians, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, and family members upon your request. Coordination of care is vital in maintaining a more cohesive therapeutic experience.
