When I was in high school, I noticed how often I would sit and listen to my friends speak about things that were bothering them or bringing them stress. Most of what was talked about was about their families, and it really helped me understand how each person's stress is very unique to them and how they grew up. What my friends told me was how sitting with them to let them process and think was so helpful for them, and knowing that they were able to make peace with their issues was extremely fulfilling.

I feel like I can work with anyone; I was surrounded daily by family members of all ages and was the one that got along with everyone. Lately, I have been working most especially with young adults, but I do notice that historically, children and adolescents tend to ask for me.

I am most excited to work with young couples who are starting families. Becoming a "first-time" partner or parent is quite thrilling and can also be one of the hardest things you go through. The role you play not only affects you individually, it can affect your entire system, as one directly connects to the other. When I see a client for the first time, there's always a family and/or friend system in the background who these clients return to.

I wish all clients knew that there is no problem that is "too small" or "too big" for counseling. Your therapy process is what you make of it; there is no right or wrong.

I was most drawn to how the staff is well taken care of by the upper management; taking care of the caregiver is so important to me. I was next attracted to the flexibility of hours, as I feel that I have a job that will give me the work-life balance that I need since I have some little ones that often seek my attention.

Growth. I have had the pleasure of being able to follow people for years; and seeds that have been "planted" in some of my first sessions with them have come to fruition. Being able to see my clients feel pride in themselves is so fulfilling.

The first thing that I hope you will notice is that there is no judgment on what someone will talk to me about. I like to spend some time getting to know the reasons why my clients have sought counseling and to give them a chance to determine if we are the best fit.

At the end of my first session with a client, I hope to have a more clear idea of goals that we will work towards in our therapy together. I also hope to know more about contributing factors that have led the client to seek therapy.

I speak Spanish; I have really strived to get to know cultures outside of my own. I grew up in an extremely diverse school.

I love to try new places to eat. I believe that food is more than just eating; it's an experience! Seeing my little ones try new things to eat and their reactions is priceless. In between meals, I love to exercise, traditionally, and through martial arts. Preparing for what lies ahead is very important to me; not only does martial arts provide some physical stress relief, it helps me to have discipline and deal with crisis better. Finally, I would not be who I am without music. It is the other half of my soul. I have been a pianist and a percussionist since I could count fingers. The rhythm and knowing how to balance the dance between the individual performer vs being a member of the band is so metaphoric and therapeutic. Music is a more universal language than English itself and can help me get to know someone much easier than conversing with them.

I'm daring. I like to try new things and have new experiences; and when I love something, it's hard for me to let go.