Some History

I received my MSW in 1992 from Yeshiva University in Manhattan, NYC, after which I worked for a number of years providing agency-based services. These include developing and directing an intensive model family psychotherapy and intervention program for youth involved in the juvenile justice system (the only such program to serve the borough of Staten Island), directing a community-based outpatient substance use treatment program for youth and adults, and launching and directing a model citywide short-term psychotherapy and case management program for youth coming home from secure detention.

After pursuing advanced psychotherapeutic training I began my private practice in Brooklyn in 1997, focusing on such issues as depression, anxiety, divorce support, LGBTQ+ concerns, parenting, and the challenges of pre-teen and adolescent life-stages.  My practice expanded to include adoption for individuals and couples, substance use, ADHD, chronic medical conditions, and more.  I conducted my full-time psychotherapy practice in New York for sixteen years, working with individuals, relationships, families and groups.  It was my great honor to be invited into the lives of many people in this capacity.

Along the way I remained engaged in the community through various exciting side initiatives, one of which was founding the Brooklyn Psychotherapist Community, a multidisciplinary peer-support and education network of over fifty independent mental health practitioners (including psychologists, social workers, licensed counselors, pastoral counselors and psychiatrists).  I am proud to note that the Brooklyn Psychotherapist Community partnered with local not-for-profits to provide pro-bono services to those affected by the 9/11 attacks.

In 2013 my husband, son, and I relocated to Austin.  Here in Travis County in addition to my private practice I have been very engaged in designing, overseeing and implementing mental health support services for families who face significant challenges, many of whom have few resources at their disposal.  From 2016 to 2020 I served as Director of Child and Family Services for the Travis County Local Mental Health Authority - Integral Care.  I currently volunteer group facilitation services to Integral Care and am a member of the board of directors for a local youth services not-for-profit.

I am a member of The National Association of Social Workers - Texas Chapter - and a Fellow with the New York Society for Clinical Social Work.  I am also a returned Peace Corps Volunteer, having served in Kenya as a secondary school teacher from 1985-1987.