I was a very sensitive, emotional, outspoken, silly and caring kid, which I was often reprimanded for, leading me to try and hide these qualities as much as possible when I was a teen. I had to unlearn these ways of masking and rediscover my authentic self to love all those parts of me. That is a huge part of how I approach therapy: by encouraging everyone to be their authentic self! I have worked with kids and teens from a young age myself, and have enjoyed getting to do so in many different settings, including in schools, camps, and within the homes. During my high school experience I often found myself consoling friends, advocating within the community, and deeply interested in the brain. That is why during my undergraduate years, I decided to focus on Neuroscience and Child Development. I worked in a research lab that explored how children learn language and how that may be connected to emotional regulation. I truly believe that prevention and early intervention can set a kid up for a well-rounded and happy life by teaching coping skills and ways to form supportive relationships to rely on whenever the natural ups and downs of life occur.