they/them, she/her

clinical COUNSELOR, LEVEL 1

Serving Maryland, Virginia, DC & DELAWARE Clients

I am a doctoral extern, currently enrolled in the University of Maryland Baltimore County’s Ph.D. program in Human Services Psychology, Clinical and Community Dual Tracks. At Playful Therapy Connections, I am excited to offer in person testing, under the direct supervision of Dr. Jaclyn Halpern.

I have gained extensive clinical experience through community mental health and outpatient hospital settings, where I have focused on providing trauma-informed and multiculturally-oriented therapy for a diverse set of clients. Over the past year, I have trained in conducting forensic and trauma-focused evaluations, and am eager to dive into neurodivergent affirming assessment.

Prior to joining the mental health field, I worked in diversity, equity, and inclusion at UMBC, where I was able to collaborate with students, faculty, and staff to create supportive and educational programs for women, LGBTQIA2S+ students, students of color, adult learners, and neurodivergent students.

What does my experience mean for you as my client? I am eager to celebrate clients' strengths, affirm their identities, and support them in their growth. Through a deeply and intentionally collaborative approach, I seek to support my clients in moving through challenges, achieving whatever goals they set and making sure we can have some fun along the way.

Grounded in intersectional feminist values, a commitment to cultural humility in practice, and high ethical standards, I hope to continue to build connections with others that foster empowerment, healing, growth, and hope.

• What is your favorite color?

  • I love all colors, but right now, it's green.

• What is your favorite book?

  • I love so many books, especially speculative fiction and thrillers! My favorite TV show is Taskmaster and anything on Dropout and my top favorite movies are The Birdcage, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Best in Show.

• What’s your favorite video game?

  • There are too many, but I really love Animal Crossing and Jurassic World: Evolution 3 (Zoo Tycoon with dinosaurs).

• Do you have any pets or plants?

  • I have a dog named Hero, a cat named Yoshimi, and A LOT of house plants.

• Why did you decide to become a psychologist?

  • When I was an undergraduate at UMBC I dove headlong into gender studies and feminist thought, learning about groundbreaking concepts like intersectionality, prison abolition, and embodiment. During this time, I was voraciously consuming texts, lectures, and media because it was both daunting and energizing to be able to decipher systemic oppression and social inequality. It felt like I was seeing the world clearly. What eluded me, however, was how I could put this radical knowledge into transformative practice. I had far more understanding about social problems, so I wanted to take part in solving them.

  • Eventually, I became a staff member at the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center at UMBC where, I was able to develop a praxis of community building, advocacy, and service. I went to graduate social work school and received my master’s, eager to build skills toward direct service with people in need.

  • Throughout this time, my sense of purpose began to crystallize. I was struck by the humbling power of connection, human relationships as conduits for healing, growth, and power. I loved supporting others, especially those from historically marginalized communities and those who have experienced trauma, in realizing their autonomy within a world that would rather they feel powerless.

Education

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD
Currently Enrolled: Ph.D., Human Services Psychology, Clinical and Community Dual Tracks (anticipated May 2028)

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD
M.A., Human Services Psychology, Community and Clinical Psychology (2025)

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE, MD
M.S.W., Clinical Concentration, Behavioral Health Specialization (2019)

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD
B.A., Gender, Women's, + Sexuality Studies (2015)

Clinical Experience

UMBC Psychology Training Clinic
Peer Supervisor, Clinical Psychology Extern

VA MD Healthcare System - Trauma Recovery Program
Clinical Psychology Extern

HEAL Refugee Health and Asylum Collaborative
Forensic Evaluator

University of MD Medical Center - Addiction Treatment Center
Clinical Psychology Extern

Chase Brexton
Clinical Psychology Extern

Graduate Research Assistant Positions

Gender-Based Violence & Abuse Prevention Lab

FYS 104: Consent, Respect, & Sexual Citizenship, Co-Instructor and Co-Investigator