How many years have you been practicing and where did you graduate from?

I graduated from University of Texas at Austin with a Masters in Social Work in 2012. I practiced my first six years as a “macro” social worker, specializing in program development, monitoring and evaluation before switching to clinical practice in 2018.

What do you enjoy most about serving Appalachian Mountain Health patients here in Western NC?

I am passionate about equitable access to behavioral health services. Working at the AMH Campus Clinic located at Asheville High School allows a unique opportunity to expand access and for many of the students I serve, this is their first time engaging in therapy.

What is your approach to patient care?

My approach is relational and person-centered. I believe that because trauma and pain often develop through disconnection, healing occurs through genuine, authentic connection.

What is one piece of health advice you find challenging to follow yourself?

Hydration is one of the simplest yet most impactful things we can do for our health, yet it’s so easy to overlook. I’m always forgetting. It doesn’t help that I have a habit of regularly losing my water bottles, too.

What is your favorite local restaurant?

A current favorite is Cúrate.

Do you have any special interests?

Like many people who end up in WNC, I love all that our Blue Ridge Mountains have to offer: hiking, camping, and trail running. I’m an aspiring gardener. I’ve also recently gotten into Stand Up Paddling.

What languages are you fluent in?

English is my first language. I am also fluent in Spanish and have lived/work in Latin America.