I’m passionate about helping people understand their strengths and challenges and the obstacles preventing them from achieving their goals. As part of my own journey, I’ve turned to therapy to help me learn about myself, recognize my shortcomings, and appreciate my strengths. While this process was incredibly empowering, I know how hard it can be to take that first step and ask for help. I get calls from parents seeking help for their children and also from adults feeling stuck in their personal or professional lives.
As a teenager, I went through my own struggles and often felt lost and alone not understanding what was really going on. My parents who did not know how to best help, took me to a psychologist who slowly peeled back the layers and helped me truly understand why I was having a difficult time. I finally felt understood and supported. I finally had a good understanding of myself and a list of recommendations and steps to take in order to achieve my goals. This experience inspired me to want to help other children and families.
I completed a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy to help me understand the dynamics and psychology of families. I worked for several years at South Miami Hospital’s Addiction Treatment Program in the adolescent and adult programs. I also worked with their family program teaching skills to strengthen relationships and support the healing process.
My thirst for knowledge led me back to school to pursue a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I was introduced to the world of psychological assessment and found this very fulfilling. I worked at Miami Children’s Hospital Brain Institute and at the Center for Assessment and Intervention where I conducted evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of medical and mental health issues including Epilepsy and other neurological diagnoses, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Learning Disorders, Mood Disorders, among others. I have continued to specialize in psychological evaluations and helping children and adults gain insight into their mental health and develop steps to help them achieve their goals.
My Experience
I earned a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Miami in 2005 and a Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctorate (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in 2009 and 2012 respectively. In addition to my clinical work, I am an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Science. I have had the opportunity to be a guest lecturer at the University of Miami and Keiser University. I was selected to present research at the 2009 American Psychological Association conference in Toronto, 2010 American Psychological Association conference in San Diego, 2011 International Neuropsychological Society conference in Boston, and 2013 American Psychological Association conference in Hawaii. I am also a Florida Qualified Supervisor for Registered Intern Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapists.
I specialize in conducting psychological evaluations and gifted testing with children and adults. Aside from conducting psychological evaluations, I have extensive experience providing therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families, as well as with diverse populations such as veterans and survivors of torture. My clinical expertise includes substance abuse, anger management, social skill training, academic problems, parenting issues, family conflict, marital conflict, and mood and anxiety disorders.
My passion for helping others inspired me to form a nonprofit with two other friends called Give Back for Special Equestrians which raises money for equine assisted and therapeutic horseback riding for children and veterans with physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities. I was featured in several magazines and articles for my philanthropic work with Give Back for Special Equestrians including InWeston in November 2017 and Sidelines in February 2018. I was also identified as one of South Florida’s people on the move by the South Florida Business Journal in June 2014. The Sun-Sentinel in June 2014 featured me for appointment as Vice-President of Give Back for Special Equestrians
More about me….
When I’m away from the office, you will usually find me with family or engaging in one of my hobbies. I’ve been a competitive equestrian athlete since I was 7 years of age. Currently I own a horse named Wasserman and we compete in the jumpers at Wellington, Florida. Aside from riding horses, I love yoga, spinning, scrapbooking, playing with my dogs, and spending time with family.
Why work with Me?
Finding the right psychologist can be stressful, and scheduling appointments during the school week or work week can be challenging. To ease this process and accommodate you, I provide testing and psychological evaluations on Saturday and Sunday, making it easier to complete an evaluation quickly without interfering with school or work. I also offer therapy in the afternoon and evening hours to ensure that making time for you does not interfere with your busy day.
If you call seeking an evaluation, you can expect a high-quality report with an accurate diagnosis as well as very thorough recommendations about what steps to take next. For those seeking therapy, I consider myself compassionate and encouraging. You can expect our sessions to be goal driven. I know therapy is a time and financial commitment, and I believe in working toward solutions and helping you achieve your goals is most important.
Associations
American Psychological Association (APA)
Society for Psychological Assessment (SPA)