Aloha and Welcome! I am licensed in Hawaii as a Mental Health Counselor (MHC), and hold a master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. I began working in the mental health field in 2007. I believe the key to counseling is in developing a trusting relationship where people feel safe and respected. I help individuals identify what behaviors they engage in that are helpful and which behaviors they would like to change. I use cognitive behavior and mindfulness strategies to help individuals learn how to notice their automatic thoughts and emotions without judgement allowing them to take a step back and unpack their state of being. I aim to help individuals learn to accept and feel compassion for themselves so that they can set goals with clarity and move through life with purpose. I have worked in many settings since beginning in the counseling field including: Inpatient treatment for teens, group homes for adults, community support for young adults in the justice system, and school based behavioral health. I believe all individuals have the capacity to improve their quality of life from where they currently stand no matter the circumstances. As your therapist I aim to be that person who helps you see the path and supports you in taking steps forward. I firmly believe that small steps taken one at a time generates a momentum that makes reaching goals and fulfilling dreams feel attainable.