Education

I am ‘home grown’ in Ventura County. I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University Channel Islands, where I began researching and presenting at conferences on physiological reactions, prosocial behaviors and emotions. I then went on to receive a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from California Lutheran University, followed by a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology also from California Lutheran University. My master’s degree thesis and doctoral dissertation both included extensive research on physiological reactions to emotionally eliciting stimuli and whether innate personality characteristics influence emotional reactions. While completing my internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Reiss Davis in Los Angeles, I commuted quarterly to the University of California at Berkeley in order to complete a certificate in neuropsychological assessment. I also completed specialized training in Autism Spectrum Disorders and received certifications in the ADOS-2 and ADI-R. In addition, I completed a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology in order to gain a better understanding of legal implications of psychological testing, including independent educational evaluations. I believe in lifelong learning and look forward to completing many future courses to further my knowledge. 

• California Lutheran University, Psy.D. Clinical Psychology
• Arizona State University, M.S. Forensic Psychology
• California Lutheran University, M.S. Clinical Psychology
• California State University Channel Islands, B.A. Psychology
• UC Berkeley Extension, Professional Program in Neuropsychological Assessment
• Reiss-Davis Child Study Center, Child-Adolescent Psychodiagnostic Testing Fellowship
  
• Western Psychological Services, Certificate in ADOS-2
• Evergreen Certifications, Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist

Training & Experience

I began my clinical training at the CLU Community Counseling and Parent Child Center in Oxnard, California where I conducted individual therapy for all ages. I then continued my training working for Ventura County Behavioral Health. At their Simi Youth and Family Clinic I conducted many psychological assessments, provided individual and group therapy (CBT), and led a parent support group for parents of children with mental health problems. At Ventura County Behavioral Health’s Oxnard Office (A New Start for Mom’s) I provided individual and group therapy, including “Seeking Safety.” My formal internship followed at Reiss Davis Child Testing Center in Los Angeles where I provided psychological testing for children while receiving extensive training in various testing materials, procedures, and interpretation of results. My post-doctoral fellowship at Reiss Davis included additional training and experience testing children for Autism Spectrum Disorder. While at Reiss Davis I was their research coordinator, acting as their primary researcher, trainer, and liaison for a research collaboration with Dr. Stephen Porges and Keri Heilman at the University of North Carolina. This physiological research project sought to understand physiological processes and auditory processing issues of children with mental health issues. After working at Reiss Davis for three years I decided to open my own private practice in order to serve those in the area where I raised my family and where I call home – Ventura County. 

Other Information

In addition to my clinical practice I have taught many psychology courses at California Lutheran University and California State University Channel Islands. The courses I teach include Psychophysiology, Learning and Memory, Child and Adolescent Development, Introduction to Psychology, Counseling and Psychotherapy, Psychological Perspectives of Men and Women, Parenting, Psychological Research and Statistical Methods, and Theories of Personality. 

I have also enjoyed providing lectures to local church groups and other public forums about various mental health topics to help the public gain a better understanding of psychological processes and to encourage hope.