she/her

clinical COUNSELOR, LEVEL 1

Serving Maryland, Virginia, DC & DELAWARE Clients

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

Having trained in community mental health and private practice settings, I have had opportunities to work with diverse populations as a therapist and an evaluator with children, adults and caregivers.

I have supported neurodivergent individuals and their families, individuals exposed to interpersonal and systemic violence and oppression, and individuals dealing with varying life stressors, transitions, and identity explorations.

Before starting my graduate and clinical training, I worked in a community psychology research lab where we explored community-based healing practices that were previously under researched.

What does my experience mean for you as my client? I am trained in a variety of practice-based and evidence-based techniques and approaches, and I use them eclectically to support my clients’ therapeutic journey.

I work collaboratively with my clients to define therapeutic goals within their own unique personal and cultural frameworks. I am trauma-informed, strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming and relational in my therapeutic practice.

We will work together not only to understand how past, current, and systemic experiences are impacting your life, but also to learn skills to mitigate their negative impact, centering your power and your strength. We will focus on improving the quality of your life as you define it.

Working with me is largely about building trust and connection, including with yourself and your community!

• What is your favorite color?

  • Purples, from lavender to burgundy and everything in between!

• What is your favorite book?

  • It's really hard to pick a favorite (anything) and my taste in reading is always expanding. But some books that have left a strong imprint include: Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights; Radical Love: Teachings from Islamic Mystical Tradition; The Color Purple; and All About Love.

• Do you have any kids, pets or plants?

  • No kids or pets yet, but I love them! I have many plants and love to spend time taking care of them (watering, propagating, etc.) on musical Sunday mornings.

• Why did you decide to become a psychologist?

  • Changing the world happens in relationship. I believe in the power of witnessing, mirroring, and gently holding space for one another. I believe in the value of connection and commitment.

  • I’m inspired by people’s resilience and desire to be and do better, and I love being able to support them in their growth and healing. Therapy is one space where I can co-define safety and healing in service of my community(ies).

  • I am also committed to systemic efforts of enhancing peoples’ lives through advocacy, policy work, continued learning and educating, etc.

Education

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

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD
M.A., Human Services Psychology, Community and Clinical Psychology (2022)

HANOVER COLLEGE, IN
B.A., Psychology, Minor in French Language (2018)

Clinical Experience

HEAL Refugee Health & Asylum Collaborative
Clinical Forensic Evaluator

Washington Behavioral Medicine Associates
Doctoral Extern

Intercultural Counseling Connections
Pro-Bono Therapist

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Maryland
Clinical Extern

Palestinian Counseling Center, Palestine
Clinical Extern

UMBC Psychology Training, Research, and Services Center
Clinical Extern

Graduate Research Assistant Positions

The Meyerhoff Program at UMBC, Baltimore MD

STEM Build and The Maton Lab at UMBC, Baltimore MD

Domestic Violence Evidence Project

Dr. Noor Zaidi’s Research Lab in the History Department at UMBC

The Psychology Applied Research Center at Loyola Marymount University