About Me
I was born and raised in Hawaii. I obtained a Bachelor degree in Psychology from the University of Hawaii, a Master of Counseling degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix, and I am a current student working to obtain my PhD in Clinical Sexology from the International Institute for Clinical Sexology.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist – Supervisor, Certified Multiple Addictions Therapist – Supervisor, Nationally Certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapist, and trained in the Gottman method for couples.
I have been personally trained by some of the lead national experts in trauma and/or addictions work such as Dr. Patrick Carnes, Dr. Stefanie Carnes, Dr. Judith Cohen and Dr. Anthony Mannarino. I am a passionate and continual avid learner so that I may provide the best and most up to date care for my patients.
My story
I have worked in the faith-based and social services field since 1996. I have provided counseling for churches, schools, agencies, and state programs. I had been in non-profit management and developed/directed programs within the state. Some of my prior faith-based employment includes Pearlside Church’s youth and college ministry, and being the Diocese of Honolulu’s Statewide Victim Assistance Coordinator for clergy abuse victims. Ministry work has always been one of my greatest passions and I have a strong desire to better equip and train church pastors, leaders, and ministry workers in our state.
I have done work in the media and have been interviewed by the Hawaii News Now morning show, as well as had radio spots on parenting. I had been the Mental Health Expert for KHON2 Living808 TV Show in Hawaii where I was featured regularly and spoke about important and relevant topics for today’s society on a segment called “Straight Talk.”
I am a trainer and committee member for the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP), member and prior Domestic Violence Collaborative Working Group co-chair for the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), and Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).