Empowering Change
My Experience
I have the privilege of offering equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) at two locations in the Bay Area. I am at lovely Little Fields Farms in Pleasanton, CA and beautiful DreamPower Horsemanship in Gilroy, CA. Since joining the DreamPower Horsemanship herd in 2011, I am grateful for the opportunity to complete both my pre- and post-doctoral internships, as well as conduct and publish my dissertation research on the social and emotional benefits of therapeutic horseback riding for children with autism. In 2017, I had the honor of receiving Region 11 Professional of the Year award from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.) in recognition of my psychotherapy work in the field of equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP). In addition, I led a mixed methods research study on the social and emotional benefits of equine-facilitated psychotherapy for children with autism.
I have been a licensed psychologist since 2016, and I believe lifelong education and learning is at the heart of high quality, compassionate, and effective care. Continuing to grow as a clinician allows me to better support each child and family I work with. This dedication to learning and growing led me to become a certified equine interaction professional in mental health (CEIP-MH), a certified therapeutic horseback riding instructor (CTRI), and an equine specialist in mental health and learning (ESMHL). I am also trained in Natural Lifemanship, and I continue to expand my learning and skills through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl), American Psychological Association (APA), and other accredited organizations.
My Philosophy
Within my clinical practice I focus not only on working with the child, but also their family to cultivate growth, change, and well-being. I take a whole-child approach, I offer parents regular check-ins, parent coaching, and family therapy. I am also happy to collaborate with a child’s school, and teachers, as well as offer support during IEP and 504 meetings.
It takes a village and together we can do hard things to create change, build skills, and cultivate joy for your child. My approach to psychotherapy is relational, attuned, experiential, fun, and grounded in the neuroscience of the brain-body connection. By integrating principles from relational neuroscience and equine-facilitated psychotherapy into clinical practice and intervention, treatment goals and psychotherapy sessions are uniquely tailored to the needs and strengths of each child and family.