About Hope

I am an empath with deep reverence for all living things.  My innate intuition and sense of compassion led me to pursue psychology and Pan-African studies at California State University, Northridge where I earned dual degrees while working with black and brown youth who lingered in foster care and failed to have their mental health needs appropriately addressed.  This experience moved me to pursue a graduate degree in social work.  I was intent on becoming an advocate for youth ensnared in a deeply flawed system.  

I attended Howard University for my master’s degree in clinical social work to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of institutional racism in mental health. After graduating with distinction in 1997, I worked for Los Angeles County helping clients struggling with the effects of anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, life transitions, incarceration and racial discrimination.  I also worked extensively on behalf of court involved youth and consulted with mental health clinics around improving quality of care to marginalized communities.   In 2007, I was selected to become the lead staff to successfully implement the remedies identified by the US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division on litigation with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health juvenile justice system.

I have over 20 years of experience working in mental health.  I am licensed in both California and Washington State and am also a certified Hypnotherapist.  I am trained in Motivational Interviewing and CBT and view the cultivation of skills as key to sustaining the progress that is made in the therapeutic process.  I have always been a seeker of spiritual truths.  In addition to my western training, I have incorporated healing modalities from many cultures and traditions into my work.  I believe in helping my clients weave a tapestry of wellness that bridges mind, body and spirit as a way of accessing their highest potential.