Our journey will begin with meeting where you are, and with an understanding that everything is interconnected. This yields well to a holistic therapy form that encompasses mind, body, soul, social and spiritual. I only exercise scientifically proven treatment methods, with a plan specifically molded to you .

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I am caring, results driven, analytical, emotionally and client focused, goal-oriented/solution focused, tactful, yet direct. I will educate you and give you practical guidance...even in your first session!

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In my 18 years of practicing in the First Coast, I’ve seen children, other than mine, grow up and become successful in life. I’ve seen families grow, and others face very hard times. I’ve had individuals make me want to pinch myself because what evolved from the hard work they did with me, is short of unbelievable. 

 

I don’t take my role lightly. To be given the opportunity to walk alongside my clients, as they heal and grow in self enlightenment is truly a privilege. 

 

Education:

Associates of Science (transferred), University of Central Florida (Go Knights!)

Bachelor’s of Arts, Psychology, Auburn University   

Master’s of Science, Marriage and Family Therapist (War Eagle!)

 

Beyond graduate school, I’ve had extensive training in Neuroscience, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Theory, Mindfulness, Meditation , ADHD, Systems Theory and Interpersonal Neurobiology. 

 

My interests are Couples Therapy, Dating/Soul-Mate Selection, Reversing negative patterns in intimate relationships, Anxiety, Depression, Children’s Mental Health, Dealing with Personality Disordered parents and exes, Parenting, Divorce grief and coaching, Difficult divorces/Messy Child Custody cases, and Surviving Narcissistically Abusive/ Emotionally Abusive Relationships. 

 

Work Experience

Prior to being in private practice, I was the Clinical Director for a five county wide community mental health center in Alabama. In conjunction with my position, I was an adjunct professor for Auburn University and ran their nationally top ranked Marriage and Family and Therapy graduate program’s internship site. While there I also gained experience in conducting research for grant proposals, as well as launching those programs once they were funded.

I’ve worked with the courts as a child advocate and am cross trained as a case manager. 

I’ve had the distinct pleasure of being part of publishing research as well as conducting my own. 

 

Personal

I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and came to the U.S. to boarding school prior to starting college. The DR will always be “home”. I am married to my college sweetheart, Shawn.  Together we have one son, Gabriel.

 

We chose to move to Jacksonville (Go Jags!), which has been home since 2005. I’ve been in private practice since I arrived on the First Coast. 

In my free time I enjoy spending time with “my boys” and dear friends. I also enjoy gardening, practicing yoga, cardio kickboxing, observing art (old and new), traveling to remote parts of the world, immersing in new cultures and advocating for human rights/humanitarian efforts.