I began my professional journey as an elementary school educator. It was during this time in my career that my interest grew in child development and in how environmental factors impact mental health. As a result, my journey led me into the field of clinical social work. I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at Montclair State University and then continued my studies at Saint Peter’s University earning a Master’s in Education. Shortly thereafter, I received a Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University. I have a variety of experiences including work in public education, crisis intervention, and private practice.
My philosophical underpinnings in clinical work includes the person-in-the-environment approach to systems involving and surrounding the individual.
My client’s environment is strongly taken into consideration as this factor has a direct effect on personality, mental and physical health. Understanding and exploring my client’s psychosocial factors assists me in determining their needs and the focus of treatment. Assisting children, adolescents, and their families is very important to me because I enjoy doing things that will either help someone or potentially change someone's life, even in a small way. Through various clinical methods including mindfulness, CBT, play therapy, emotional-regulation to increase coping skills, social thinking to help children develop perspective taking/self-awareness, and family therapy, the client and I embark on a healing journey that can be transformative.
On a personal note, I enjoy jogging, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
A favorite quote of mine is: “I am bent, but not broken. I am scarred, but not disfigured. I am sad, but not hopeless. I am tired, but not powerless. I am angry, but not bitter. I am depressed, but not giving up.” — Anonymous