Specialties

I specialize in treating individuals who are experiencing mood concerns, such as depression, mood swings, and irritability, have trouble controlling anger and emotions, and/or have experienced trauma and major life stress. I am passionate about working with individuals who have difficulties controlling their emotions and behaviors that may have led to problems in their life, including loneliness, tantrums/meltdowns, arguments, aggression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, impulsivity, and challenges in their relationships. I also teach caregivers of children and teens strategies to manage challenging emotions and behaviors. Concerns that I have expertise in treating include:

• Depression, including suicidal thoughts and self-harm

• Emotion dysregulation, including anger management

• Trauma and life stress

• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

• Anxiety

In addition, I offer high-quality psychological assessments to children and teens aimed at clarifying diagnoses and providing individualized recommendations. My assessment specialties include comprehensive, evidence-based psychological evaluation to differentiate between mood, anxiety, trauma, and behavioral concerns for diagnostic clarity, treatment planning, and identifying unique strengths and challenges. I also have extensive experience evaluating concerns of ADHD and executive dysfunction, as well as intellectual disabilities and cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

Education and Training

I was born and raised in North Carolina. I completed my Bachelor of Arts in psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduating, I spent two years in Providence, Rhode Island conducting research at Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital to develop mental health interventions for teenagers following cyber bullying. I completed my PhD in clinical psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University. I completed my pre-doctoral clinical internship at Virginia Treatment Center for Children. have advanced training in providing therapy to children and teens with high levels of risk and need, including youth with suicidal ideation and self-harm. After graduating, I completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in the Injury and Violence Prevention Program in the Department of Surgery at VCU.

I have extensive training in providing evidence-based therapy to children, teens, and young adults to treat a range of mental health concerns. I have provided therapy and assessment services in a variety of settings, including inpatient psychiatric and medical hospitals, primary care clinics, specialty pediatric clinics (e.g., craniofacial, hematology/oncology), and private practices.

In my free time, I am often spending time with my husband and dog, running, hiking, reading, and cooking. I enjoy visiting local restaurants, spending time with friends, and doing projects around my house. I have loved my time in Richmond and am proud to call Richmond my home.