My story starts with a desire to have a life with less pain and more dopamine. I am a proud second-generation Samoan American, born and raised in Southern California. My family hails from Utulei, a Village in Tutuila, American Samoa. Both my parents are Samoan and I take great pride in that. I come from a family full of love, a marriage that has been one of life’s greatest blessings and I am a dog mama to the hunkiest American Bully by the name of Turtle.

My journey to becoming a therapist started over 10 years ago, with a gentle realignment in college when I decided to switch majors from Criminal Justice to Psychology. After taking my first psychology class, I immediately knew I had to pivot away from becoming a lawyer because psychology just felt right; it was interesting and fun. Fast forward nine years later, I am living in my most authentic form serving folx who are healing towards their highest intentions. I chose to venture out into the private practice sector with a humble heart with the intention to bridge the gap between culture and mental health. When I am not in the therapy space, I love trying new coffee places, weekend getaways & spending time with my favorite people who contribute to the person I am.

My intention in therapy is to create a space specifically for those seeking an inclusive therapist who embraces intersectionality and understands the complexities that make up one’s identity: multiculturalism, race, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, and more. The importance of cultural sensitivity and representation is always at play for me as a person and a therapist. In working with me, many of my clients find value in my eclectic approach as I pull from various treatment modalities, my personal humor and their personal strengths to co-create a space that aligns with their specific and unique needs in the healing journey. I am most proud of being able to offer visibility to communities that align with the intersections of my own identity as a Queer Samoan, woman of color. As a licensed therapist, I acknowledge the necessity of anti-oppression and anti-racism work and am devoted to continuing to cultivate communities that are inclusive of humans of all races, abilities, cultures, sexual orientations, bodies, gender identities, and backgrounds.

Whether we connect through one on one work, couples or community spaces; I aim to be a resource of support. As a holistic trauma therapist, I intend to help those seeking help to find relief from their inner struggle and pain. My passion is to aide those in therapy to connect with themselves and others for a more fulfilled life. Through use of various therapeutic modalities, building an informed approach is unique to every person so one size fits all does not apply here. My greatest intention is to be a resource to share critical information to my community so that they are better equipped to move with agency in their own lives and show up for their neighbors, cultivating generative, resilient, and locally-sustained communities. I want people to know that the healing journey is not linear, and therapy is not the only source to start taking care of your mental health. Therapy can be a tool of wellness that one accesses, so I encourage people to start where they feel most comfortable. There is healing in all things – music, people, places, etc.