In my personal life, I faced struggles. My sin brought painful consequences, and I often felt the ache of my actions. I walked through dark valleys but emerged with deep humility and tenderness for God. I have experienced astounding grace and, through it, found a redemptive path to healing. Now, I dedicate my life to helping others find theirs.

I am married to Steven, my partner in ministry and best friend. He is the former Pastor of Discipleship at North Hills Church and now teaches Government and Geography in high school. We have four children, aged 15 to 21. They are all wonderfully unique, and my time with them is one of life’s most precious gifts.

A Little About Me: 

I was born in San Diego, CA, a city with near-perfect weather and an amazing coastline. I spent a lot of time in childhood at the beach watching my dad play volleyball. After his professional career, he turned to coaching and the beaches of life turned to hard court. I developed the fantastic talent of being able to take a nap on a gym floor. As my companions on the sidelines were often medical trainers, I embraced a passion for medicine along with an intense approach to life. In the classroom, I was fascinated with almost every subject.

My search for an intense university where I could study across disciplines led me to Cornell University in Ithaca, NY (not-so-perfect weather, but “gorges”) where I majored in Spanish Literature and studied pre-medicine. I was definitely the only Spanish Literature major in my medical school class. While in med school, I was completely blindsided by my love for psychiatry. The medical and sociological sides of me were both at peace. In psychiatry residency, I had excellent mentors, thoughtful and multidimensional doctors, who encouraged my love for literature and people. Now I am a board-certified psychiatrist who has been practicing for twenty years.