I have 14 years of clinical experience and 25 years of experience in higher education. Prior to my graduate work, I worked for 11 years in higher education as the coordinator and assistant director of a university honors program. 

My career and clinical experiences have provided me with the opportunity to work with a diverse group of clients with respect to gender, race/ethnicity, sexual identity and orientation, disability, and religious/spiritual identity.  They also have exposed me to a broad range of normal developmental and serious mental health concerns.  In addition, my work and educational experiences have contributed to my deep appreciation for personal narratives, interdisciplinary perspectives, the resilience of individuals and families in the face of great adversity, and the importance of support and mentoring in meeting one's personal and career goals.

degree & research
I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology in May, 2008 from the University of Maryland.  My master's thesis focused on women's career development: finding meaning and balance in multiple roles and the importance of career mentoring. My dissertation research on the psychological and academic impacts of cyberstalking was inspired by my experiences working for three years as the University of Maryland’s first Victim Advocate, where I assisted survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, and sexual harassment.

clinical training
My doctoral clinical training included both excellent generalist training and a specialization in trauma.  I have worked in university counseling center and mental health unit settings at the University of Maryland and Towson University, House of Ruth domestic violence shelter, and the Center for Posttraumatic Disorders at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington.

post-graduate employment
Following my graduate studies, I worked for five years as an associate in the practice of Christine A. Courtois, Ph.D., an internationally-recognized expert in posttraumatic stress, complex trauma, and dissociative disorders.

I also worked as a staff psychologist for over five years at Towson University’s Counseling Center, where I coordinated the group psychotherapy program; conducted outreach programming; consulted with faculty, staff, and parents; and provided individual and couples counseling to university undergraduate and graduate students.

select awards/accomplishments
~ Hats Off! Achievement Award, Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault
~ Outstanding Faculty & Staff Award, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority 
~ Hyde Graduate Student Research Grant, American Psychological Association