A Thoughtful, Integrative Approach to Mental Health Care

My path to psychiatry wasn’t a straight line. Before becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I worked in inpatient and residential psychiatry, where I saw firsthand how mental health challenges affect every aspect of life—from focus and motivation to relationships and self-esteem. I also spent time training future providers as a behavioral health instructor, reinforcing my belief that the best mental health care is holistic, evidence-based, and empowering.

But my experience in nursing isn’t the only thing that shapes the way I practice. A defining moment in my life was a two-week, all-women’s mountaineering expedition in Alaska, where I spent time completely disconnected from technology and the outside world. That journey challenged me physically and mentally, but more than anything, it gave me clarity. It reinforced what I had always known—that true healing isn’t just about treating symptoms, but about building resilience, confidence, and self-awareness.

This belief is at the core of my work. I don’t just prescribe medication and send my patients on their way—I take the time to understand their unique challenges, help them develop practical tools, and guide them toward sustainable mental wellness. Whether I’m working with a high school student struggling with ADHD or a college student battling anxiety, my goal is always the same: to help them feel confident, capable, and in control of their lives.