Providers

About Me:  

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a PhD in Human Development and Family Studies from Oregon State University and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Counseling from University of Hawaii at Hilo. I am licensed in multiple states (HI-LMHC and OR-LPC) and also completed a Graduate Certificate in College and University Teaching (GCCUT). I have experience teaching various psychology courses, infant and child development, human sexuality, family studies, and family violence and neglect.

Who I Serve & My Specializations:

I believe that the root of many individual’s concerns stem from early attachment bonds, which often translates into our adolescent and adult relationships. I tend to utilize a developmental approach in therapy to best meet my client’s needs and have been professionally trained in using a variety of modalities, but heavily lean on attachment theory as my roadmap. I specialize in working with young adults struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, and identity concerns and primarily utilize emotionally focused therapy (EFT therapy) in my counseling services. From these specialized trainings, I integrate attachment theory, somatic practices, mindfulness-based activities, and cognitive reprocessing into my therapeutic care.

As a life coach, I help individuals clarify their goals, overcome obstacles, and create actionable strategies for personal and professional growth. Unlike therapy, which focuses on healing past wounds, life coaching is future-oriented, emphasizing goal achievement, motivation, and accountability. These services may include goal setting and accountability, career and business, personal development, health and wellness, as well as relationship coaching. Life coaching is ideal 

for individuals seeking structured support to maximize their potential and create meaningful change in their lives.

Research & Teaching:

I am actively engaged in research and authored several publications examining the impact relationships have on our lives. My recent research explored the ways relational resources contribute to positive mental health outcomes among foster youth, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted mental health service accessibility. Past research studies I have published include gender and cultural differences in romantic jealousy, men’s perception of health-related concerns and how their female romantic partners choose their mates based on men’s acknowledgement of these concerns, the impact of utilizing sand play in children during the wake of Kilauea’s 2018 volcanic eruption, as well as preschool children’s self-regulation and activity in the stress response system between consistent and high-quality teacher-child interactions.