Who we are

I bring both professional training and lived experience to this work.

Originally from Northern California, I graduated from UC Berkeley and later earned my law degree. I moved to the East Coast in 2001 with my husband and twins and engaged in volunteer work with the City Attorney's Office while serving as a liaison between the police department and local communities.

At 46, I stopped using substances and began my own recovery journey. As I worked toward becoming a Mental Health, Alcohol, and Addiction Counselor, I discovered that my struggles were deeply rooted in brain chemistry - specifically low dopamine and GABA levels.

Understanding the science changed everything.

Today, with 10 years of professional work experience, I help others understand the biological foundations of addiction so they can release shame and build real, sustainable recovery. Together, we create new healthy habits to replace destructive ones, empowering clients to move forward into more productive, fulfilling, and joyful lives.

Why I Began This Work

During my rehabilitation from alcohol and opioid addiction, I came to a life-changing realization:

My addiction was not a moral failure. It was a physical condition rooted in the brain.

What overwhelmed me most was the shame.

That experience ignited my passion to teach others that substance use disorder does not come from a single weekend or a lack of willpower. It is a cellular-level brain disease - not a character flaw.

Addiction thrives in silence and stigma. Recovery grows through education, compassion, and practical tools.

My mission is to help people redefine their story: to replace shame with understanding, isolation with connection, and despair with direction.

Together, we will identify and clarify recovery and wellness goals, build sustainable habits, and move toward a more powerful future - one intentional step at a time.