I received my undergraduate degree in social work (BSW) from Loma Linda University in 1982.  I completed my master of social work (MSW) from the University of Southern California (USC) in 1984 with a concentration in mental health.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCS15007) in the State of California since 1990.  I have specialty training in children at risk, severely emotionally disturbed children and adolescents, adolescents at risk,  teen suicide,  self-injury behaviors, bullying, eating disorders, gangs and abuse.  Adjunct training includes anxiety, depression and adults molested as children.

My clinical experience has included working in 3 different community mental health clinics working with children as young as 3 years old through adulthood.  I worked at Loma Linda University Psychiatric Medical Group and the Behavioral Medicine Center revamping the on-call, crisis intervention and referral system.  While there, I was the diabetes evaluator and lecturer, re-opened and directed the student counseling center, taught undergraduate, graduate and Psychiatric Residents in play therapy, group work and supervision and worked for the children and adolescent outpatient department. I also developed a children’s bereavement program for Riverside Hospice and trained therapists all over the County.

In 1996 I began my private practice in Redlands, California, eventually taking time off for my chronically ill child.  She has been healthy now for three years!  In September 2007 I relocated my practice to Calimesa. I volunteered for 30 years working as a mentor to seventh and eighth graders.

I have been married to my college sweetheart since 1981 and have 2 adult children. I still rock climb, back pack, camp, hike, garden and have become the surrogate “parent” to my children’s cats.