About me:
I am a family therapist and mediator practicing in Bellevue, Washington. I have extensive experience in parenting issues, couple relationships, disability, especially autism spectrum disorders, cultural differences, and health. My focus on conflict resolution as a mediator influences my therapy work. Although I use a variety of theoretical perspectives, I like to work with clients collaboratively, supporting the growth and development of the knowledge, strength, courage, and creativity that they already possess. The issues I most frequently work with clients on are anxiety, conflict in relationships, health concerns, disability, depression, and trauma. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), a certified mediator, and a registered nurse.

My background: I have bachelor’s degrees in psychology and nursing. I worked for over a decade in health care in the area of childbirth before returning to the University of Washington to pursue a doctorate in biocultural anthropology. My doctoral research involved attachment and the relationships of divorced fathers with their children. After earning my doctorate, I taught anthropology at the University of Washington. I later took mediation training, and have been certified by the Washington Mediation Association since 2001. I have mediated in court, community, and family settings, and have taught conflict resolution and peer mediation in middle and high schools as well as in residential care for troubled adolescents. I have a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University and am licensed by the state of Washington in Marriage and Family Therapy. I worked as a family therapist at Kindering Center, a treatment center for children with developmental disabilities, before starting a private practice in family therapy. I am married and have four children, one of whom is adopted.