My journey in behavior analysis began in 2005 as an intern at the UC Irvine Health Child Development School, a school-based mental health program supporting children with special needs. I quickly became drawn to the way behavior science could help children, families, and teams better understand what was happening beneath challenging behavior. After graduating from UC Irvine, I continued working as a behavior technician for 10 years, supporting school-aged children across home and school settings. In 2015, I earned my Master of Science in Counseling and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Over the years, I have gained experience conducting behavior and developmental assessments, developing individualized behavior support plans, supporting functional communication and adaptive skill development, facilitating social skills instruction, and collaborating with teachers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other providers. I also have experience using Behavioral Skills Training to coach caregivers, train RBTs, and supervise candidates pursuing BCBA certification. My work is grounded in behavior analysis, but it is also deeply informed by counseling, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, caregiver collaboration, nervous system awareness, and the belief that meaningful change happens when families feel supported rather than judged. I care about helping people understand behavior in a way that creates clarity, reduces shame, and builds practical next steps. I am a Los Angeles native now living on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi with my husband and our dogs. When I am not wearing my BCBA hat, you can find me outdoors or playing chef.
I take a compassionate, collaborative, and individualized approach to behavior analysis. I do not believe behavior support should feel rigid, impersonal, or disconnected from real family life. Instead, I focus on understanding the whole picture: the child’s strengths, communication, environment, learning history, needs, and the values of the family. My goal is to help create supports that are practical, meaningful, and sustainable. I focus on building emerging skills, strengthening communication, supporting regulation, and arranging the environment in ways that make success more likely. I also work closely with caregivers so they feel more confident, equipped, and empowered to support their child outside of therapy sessions.
Some of the most meaningful moments in this work are the quiet but powerful signs of progress. A child using a new word or gesture to communicate instead of becoming overwhelmed. A caregiver recognizing a teaching opportunity and responding with confidence. A child tolerating something that used to feel impossible. A family feeling a little more hopeful because they understand what to do next. Those moments matter because they represent more than skill acquisition. They represent connection, confidence, and a shift toward greater independence and quality of life.
I love this work because behavior analysis can create real, observable change when it is practiced with compassion, curiosity, and respect for the individual. I believe families deserve support that helps them understand behavior without blame and gives them tools they can actually use in everyday life. I love helping children build skills that allow them to communicate, participate, advocate for themselves, and experience more independence. I also love supporting caregivers as they move from feeling overwhelmed or unsure to feeling more grounded, capable, and hopeful.
You can expect me to show up as a compassionate and thoughtful behavior analyst who values both science and humanity. I will take the time to understand your child, your family, and the environments where support is needed most. My approach is practical, collaborative, and strengths-based. I aim to create meaningful behavior change that is not only effective, but also sustainable, respectful, and aligned with the needs and values of the people I serve.