
A Little About Myself
As a psychologist, I have been privileged to some of the highest and lowest periods of time in an individuals life. I consider this to be an honor and found that I have always been drawn to how people improve their lives in the midst of pain, and the courage it takes to do it.
While completing my PhD in psychology, I realized that I also had a deep interest in the intersectionality of neuroscience, neurobiology, neural basis of emotion, and improvement in our lives through mindfulness and meditation. I began meditating myself, after completing a research study on its effects and haven’t looked back. Some of the most profound times in my life have been at meditation retreats in which I challenge myself to look inward, be silent, and observe. This can be deceptively simple!
My other passion in life is teaching. One of my first jobs as a graduate student was to teach at my local community college, and I fell in love with connecting to students and ways in which it allows me to continue to learn. I have taught psychology, counseling, and research at universities for over 15 years. Teaching and being a psychologist are similar in many ways and I am lucky that I get to impact others and help them to reach their goals in different modalities.
I have enjoyed working in a wide variety of settings as a psychologist, from veterans at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, to psychometric testing of individuals in private practice, to ketamine assisted therapy in medical clinics, providing therapy to Disneyland employees, and facilitating psychoeducation groups for children at inner city Boys and Girls Clubs of America. I also enjoy working as a clinical supervisor because it’s a unique blend of teaching and clinical work.
As a dual citizen of Italy and the US, I am also interested in how our lives and identity are shaped by our culture. I have learned that the ways in which we internalize our culture effects many different aspects of who we are and how we show up in relationships, at work, and as individuals. I bring this sense of curiosity into the work I do with clients, students, and supervisees.
Personally, one of my favorite things to do is travel and explore new places, meet new people, and deepen my understanding of myself and others. An Anthony Bourdain quote summarizes it perfectly; “Travel changes you. As you move through this life, and this world, you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life and travel, leaves marks on you.”
Me, As Your Therapist
Client Focus: Adults
Services: Psychological Evaluations and Clinical Supervision
Specialties: Diagnostics, Assessments, Evidence Based Practice, Mindfulness, Meditation, Consultation, and Supervision
EDUCATION
PhD Psychology, Northcentral University
B.A. Social Science and English Literature, State University of New York at Buffalo
LICENSURE
Licensed Clinical Psychologist in:
California
Connecticut
Delaware
Iowa
Florida