I was born and raised on unceded Tiipai territory (south San Diego, CA) to first generation settler Ilokano parents. I approach therapy as a collaboration, and view mental health treatment with a therapist as similar to going to a doctor or a dentist: sometimes, we need a specially trained person’s assistance to either help us feel better or check-up on us to ensure continued wellness. I incorporate transformative justice, embodied social justice and the healing power of humor into my practice as a trainer, supervisor, and clinician. Outside of work, I enjoy Mother Nature, composting, crafting, martial arts, improvisational comedy and discussing random trivia.