In private practice since 2002, I work with children and their families, who live with the challenges of chronic conditions, in particular type 1 diabetes.

An extensive humanities background guides my clinical and academic work in the behavioral sciences. After completing a Ph.D. in German literature at UC Berkeley, I acquired a Master’s in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Expressive Arts Therapy from John F. Kennedy University. Regularly teaching graduate level classes on trauma, child and adolescent development, eating disorders, the family life cycle and family systems, I stay current with contemporary research on theories of change and their applications. In addition to my private practice, I supervise licensed and pre-licensed clinicians at Lincoln in the HOPE (Helping Open Pathways to Education) program. With a team of eight clinicians, I am implementing an art-based trauma protocol in several Contra Costa County and Oakland schools.

Additionally, I consult at the Madison Clinic for Pediatric Diabetes, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. My clinical and research interests include the family in the context of health and illness and the impact of health technology on the caregiver-child relationship. I focus on how art expression can fortify the caregiver-child bond as well as communication between young patients and medical providers.

Art Practice is committed to recognizing the impact gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, cultural background, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and disability have on the development of children and their families.