I am an interdisciplinary educator and clinician whose academic, clinical, and curriculum-development work brings together psychology, human development, relationships, sexuality, education, mental health, technology, media, and social issues. My academic preparation spans clinical psychology, social sciences, human development, education, and sexuality education, providing an interdisciplinary foundation for understanding human behavior within the broader contexts of relationships, culture, identity, values, power, and social systems.
My experience includes designing and teaching undergraduate courses, developing community-based curricula, and working with individuals, couples, adolescents, and families. Across these settings, I am particularly interested in connecting psychological theory and research with lived experience and translating complex concepts into accessible, relevant learning experiences. My interdisciplinary perspective helps students consider human development and behavior from multiple perspectives while recognizing the influence of culture, relationships, and social context.
- Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology
- Antioch University, Santa Barbara | September 2025
- Practicum at New Beginnings Counseling Center with adults, adolescents, couples, and families
- Master of Arts, Social Sciences
- Antioch University | December 2022
- Emphasis: Human Development and Education Studies
- Senior Capstone: Sexual Health Education
- Certificate, Sexuality Education
- Antioch University, Seattle | September 2022
- Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Arts
- Antioch University | June 2021
- Senior Capstone: Activism Campaign on Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder
My teaching philosophy is student-centered, relational, and grounded in psychological safety. I strive to create inclusive learning environments where students feel respected, engaged, and able to explore complex or emotionally meaningful material without pressure. I view teaching as both an academic and relational practice—one that invites curiosity, critical thinking, reflection, diverse perspectives, and meaningful dialogue while maintaining clear boundaries and thoughtful structure.
I believe students learn most deeply when they can connect academic concepts to their own experiences, relationships, professional interests, and observations of the world around them. Rather than simply presenting information, I encourage students to question assumptions, examine multiple perspectives, integrate research and evidence, and consider how psychological and developmental concepts operate in real-world contexts. My goal is to make complex material intellectually rigorous while also making it accessible and meaningful.
In the classroom, I combine engaging lectures, carefully selected texts and supplementary resources, open discussion, reflection, and real-world application. When courses address relationships, sexuality, mental health, identity, trauma, culture, or other emotionally meaningful topics, I create a learning environment that supports thoughtful participation without requiring personal disclosure. I strive to ensure that students can engage with challenging material while feeling respected rather than intimidated, and I value creating space for both curiosity and thoughtful disagreement.
Students have described my courses as welcoming, inclusive, engaging, and transformative. They often connect course material to their relationships, professional practice, future parenting, and personal growth. These responses reinforce my belief that meaningful education extends beyond the classroom: students should leave a course not only with greater knowledge, but with stronger critical-thinking skills, greater awareness of multiple perspectives, and a deeper understanding of themselves, others, and the social contexts in which they live.
Ultimately, I seek to create spaces in which students are both intellectually challenged and genuinely supported. I believe effective teaching creates opportunities for students to think critically, engage with difference, develop curiosity, and connect evidence-based knowledge to lived experience. My role as an educator is to provide the structure, knowledge, and relational environment that allows that learning to take place.
More than two dozen academic presentations, professional workshops, and community education programs developed and delivered for university, parent, educator, professional, and community audiences.
- “The Myth of the Moody Teenager”
Antioch University – Individualized Master of Arts, Vital Issues & Winter 2023 Colloquium
Presentation examining adolescent development and assumptions surrounding adolescent behavior and emotional development. - “What It Means To Be Seen and Heard: Parents and Families Supporting the Mental, Physical and Emotional Health of LGBTQIA+ Youth”
Exploration of identity development, family relationships, inclusion, and factors affecting the well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth. - “The Parent/Caregiver Understanding & Responsibility for Adolescent Sexual Health and Safety”
Presentation addressing adolescent development, communication, sexual health, and safety. - “Supporting Your Kids' Body Autonomy: A Conversation About Consent”
Education addressing developmental understandings of boundaries, autonomy, consent, and healthy relationships. - “Modern Sex Ed: When, What and How to Talk About It With Your Kids”
Education connecting sexual development, child development, communication, and parent-child relationships. - “How to Prevent Online Child Abuse: For Parents and Trusted Adults”
Developed and presented in partnership with the County of Santa Barbara Child Abuse Prevention Council; addresses child development, digital environments, prevention, and safety. - “Parenting Well in the Digital Age”
Education examining children's and adolescents' experiences with media and technology.