MY JOURNEY
My clinical journey began in 2017, as a Team Lead for Intensive In-Home Services (IIH). This role involved working closely with youth and families experiencing significant emotional or behavioral challenges. These services are highly structured, family-focused, and strengths-based designed to stabilize the home environment. I worked with a team and provided trauma-informed care to stabilize the home environment, reduce the risk of out-of-home placement, and improve overall functioning. These community-based mental health services gave me a deep appreciation for the complex interplay between individual mental health and family systems.
After my time in IIH, I transitioned into outpatient therapy, offering services not only in a traditional office setting but also in clients' homes and local schools where my agency held contracts. This flexibility allowed me to meet individuals where they were, both physically and emotionally, and gain deeper insight into their day-to-day environments and needs.
Like many others, my path was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With school closures and in-home sessions no longer possible, I shifted to providing therapy through telehealth, continuing to support my clients while waiting for the day we could return to in-person sessions. After several months, I was able to return to the office; however, much like the rest of the world, the way I provided care had changed. Over the next five years, I continued offering therapy both in person and through telehealth—refining my ability to build connection and trust even through a screen, as virtual care became an essential part of modern therapy.
My early work was more than just a chapter in my career; it was a calling that shaped my values, strengthened my empathy, and deepened my belief in meeting people where they are. It taught me that healing doesn't always begin in a therapy room—it often begins with trust, consistency, and showing up in the places people feel safest.