I started my clinical training in 1998 in the Chicago area, first in hospital settings (both inpatient and outpatient) and then in counseling centers. I completed both my internship and post-doc at the University of Pennsylvania Counseling and Psychological Services. I have held a private practice in Philadelphia since I became licensed as a psychologist in 2005.

specialized training

I have pursued specialized training in:

• Mindfulness-based therapies 

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

• Evidence-based trauma treatments

  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

  • Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) 

  • Prolonged Exposure (PE)

• Infusing current understanding of neuroscience into psychoeducation and choice of treatment

work in academia

I have worked in academia from 2004 until 2019, the last 12 years as the director of a graduate program in counseling, where I was also the coordinator of the trauma concentration (for which I designed and taught two courses, Evidence-Based Treatments of Trauma and Trauma, Advocacy, and Social Justice). In my first academic appointment, I was the coordinator of the Women’s Studies Minor, and in the more recent one I guided the development and implementation of a comprehensive multicultural curriculum.

While in academia, I pursued research on: 

• Mindfulness and resilience

• Multicultural competence

• Spirituality and mental health

• White racial socialization

Leadership

I have also held leadership positions in professional organizations. Between 2008 and 2012 I was the Chair of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association Committee on Multiculturalism. Between 2012 and 2019 I was on the Executive Board of the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council, a national accrediting body, first as Secretary and then as Chair.

I have appreciated the opportunity of integrating research and practice throughout my career, while also making an impact on the profession. I bring all of these skills and experiences to my counseling and consulting work.