As a seasoned leader, I bring a lifetime of diverse professional and personal experiences to my practice. 

Toward the end of my undergraduate studies, I traveled to Senegal to study African dance and art. I was fortunate to meet a seasoned art therapist there whose work with local children profoundly impacted me, igniting my desire to pursue a master's degree in art therapy. Under the guidance of mentors like Professor Paolo Knill, I learned invaluable lessons in the art of presence, empathy, and authentic connection.

For over two decades, I served as the founding executive director of Raw Art Works, where I led a team dedicated to empowering youth in our art and film studios, through artistic practices rooted in art therapy. Over the course of this journey, I honed my skills in leadership, program development, and fostering meaningful relationships, including relationships with supporters and organizations who funded our work.  It was a journey marked by challenges, triumphs, HUGE growth, and unwavering dedication to our mission.