From the earliest days of my career, I was drawn to the field of mental health not only because of the depth and complexity of the work, but because I saw the profound need for compassionate, competent care, especially for those suffering in silence. I became an LCSW out of a desire to meet people where they were, particularly those reluctant to seek help due to stigma, shame, or cultural barriers. I believed, and still believe, that mental health is not a luxury—it’s a human right. Throughout more than three decades in practice, my inspiration has evolved and deepened. I’ve always been moved by the power of simply being a safe, nonjudgmental presence—someone clients could trust, often for the first time, with their most vulnerable truths. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly. A strong sense of social justice also shaped my path. I chose to become a social worker because it allowed me to treat individuals while also understanding and advocating for the systems that affect their well-being. My fascination with human resilience has never waned. I continue to be humbled by people’s ability to grow, shift, and heal—even when they don’t yet believe it themselves. Over the years, I’ve integrated evidence-based practices like CBT, while also drawing from trauma-informed, psychodynamic, and relational approaches. What has kept me grounded in this work for over 30 years is the belief that small, consistent changes can lead to deep transformation. I’m inspired daily by the courage of clients who show up, even when it’s hard. I’ve witnessed people move from survival to meaning, from self-criticism to self-compassion, and from hopelessness to a renewed sense of possibility.
To this day, I feel called to create spaces where people feel heard, seen, and empowered—where mental health is demystified, where stigma is challenged, and where healing becomes a collaborative journey. The work remains as meaningful now as it was when I first started—and I remain committed to walking alongside my clients with empathy, integrity, and hope.