My race, gender, religious background, and believe it or not, my geographical location fueled my desire to become a psychiatric provider. It's a known fact that there is a shortage of psychiatric providers in rural areas and that people will most likely feel comfortable with someone that "looks" like them as well as share some familiarity with their backgrounds. In my case, I know that seeking assistance for mental illness is frowned upon by members of the minority community as well as the religious community. Clients deserve to be cared for by people that either understand or share their moral beliefs and/or cultural background.

I am most excited to work with skeptics about mental health so that we can find ways to integrate their beliefs with psychiatric care. 

For the sake of sounding cliche; "It's ok to not be ok". So many times clients come to me and say things like, "I am trying to be strong" or "I'm not used to asking for help". I wish they knew that vulnerability is not the end of the world and while they may consider themselves weak during their time of need, there will come a time that they will also become someone's strength. Life, however fluid, is all about balance. 

I chose to practice at Thriveworks because they provide a service for people that may not be necessarily in a convenient geographical location where a brick and mortar clinic is located. Also, over the past 2 years people in general have been forced to make modifications to carry on with life as close to pre pandemic times as possible. Although, a lot of agencies have opened their doors and allow face to face appointments, some people are still reluctant to venture out into the public for risk of contracting the virus. Thriveworks allows clients to receive uninterrupted care. Not to mention this setting supports as work/life balance for their providers. 

Binge watch whatever TV series that holds my attention at the time. 

My love of nature defines me. By that I mean I love the moon, sunrises/sunsets, lightning storms, listening to the birds chirp, and sitting by the ocean watching the waves roll in. These type of things provide comfort and keep me grounded.