People have described me as: hilarious, weird, witchy, smart, and kind. I bring all of this to therapy except the witchiness (although therapy is kind of magic).

I have Artemis tattooed on my arm because I believe women should be able to run free. I’ve always valued freedom, feminism, and friendship. Growing up in San Francisco in the 80’s with hippie parents, I was exposed to spirituality and ritual from all over the world. Eventually I ordained as a Buddhist nun in Japan and practiced there for about five years.

My transition into mental health began when I worked at a Buddhist drug and alcohol rehab in Los Angeles. I found that I could help people just by being present— by “being there,” and this became the bridge between my Zen practice and my career as a therapist. Although my nun days are far behind me, I still bring presence, wonder, and humility to my work.