Teaching & Presentations
I became a counselor educator to be able to foster my ability to teach and advocate about mental health beyond the counseling couch. I am fortunate to teach courses including, but not limited to, diversity & multicultural counseling, educational psychology, human sexuality, lifespan and human development, counseling techniques, and group counseling, to students at the University of Central Florida and at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.I have also provided several presentations and tailored trainings to individuals who are eager to learn more about mental health.
Research
My research experiences began in my undergraduate career with projects dedicated to post-colonial Indo-Caribbean third gender identity and best Holocaust educational practices for youth K-12. This passion continued through my graduate programs and persist today. Although primary areas of interest include: (1) identity and culture, (2) gender and sexuality, (3) emotional intelligence, and (4) creativity in counseling. Due to my belief in the importance of understanding an individual in order to effectively help, my research endeavors are motivated by real life situations that are experienced my clients, my community, and my loved ones.
Currently I am exploring strength-based practices for LGBT+ clients, creating counseling interventions to assist clients addressing online dating, and co-authoring a chapter on the importance of intersectionality in multicultural competence.
Mental Health Experience
I am a licensed mental health counselor (MH15290), a nationally certified counselor (717226), and an approved clinical supervisor (ACS 3047). Further, I have experience working with a broad spectrum of mental health concerns. Previously, I worked at an intensive inpatient facility in which she provided crisis stabilization, short-term treatment, and long-term inpatient mental health care to youth and adults. Additionally, I worked as a counselor and supervisor at a local outpatient counseling clinic. Presently, I provide tailored mental health care to clients at my private practice, Integrated Counseling Solutions.
I utilize a strengths-based tailored approach that focuses on growth, optimism, and the unique identity factors of each client. Therefore, each client experiences a unique method to honor their individuality and to meet their needs. I utilize an existential foundation and incorporate Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and creative counseling methods.
Education
I have always been intrigued by diversity. Hence, my higher experience in higher education began with a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology. During this time I explored and developed my cultural competence, and learned the importance of understanding individuality in order to better understand a person. I wanted to take help others with this newfound realization. I then pursued my master’s in mental health counseling. I then recognized that there were many research gaps in counseling care and decided to pursue a doctoral degree counselor education. I consider myself a forever-learner and I enjoy furthering my knowledge through continuing personal and professional reading, educational workshops, and interdisciplinary collaboration.