I have proudly lived in Albuquerque’s West Gate and South Valley my entire life. My culture and heritage are deeply important to me, and they shape both who I am and how I show up in my work. The values of family, community, resilience, and respect guide my practice every day. I earned my Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling from New Mexico Highlands University in 2017. Since then, I have been committed to serving individuals and families in my community with compassion, authenticity, and cultural humility. I understand firsthand how vulnerable it can feel to seek support. I also know how essential connection is to the therapeutic process. For me, one of the biggest barriers to finding help was not seeing many clinicians who looked or spoke like me—people who understood the cultural nuances, family dynamics, and lived experiences that shaped my world. That experience deeply informs my commitment to creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and understood without having to over-explain who they are. My approach is laid back and collaborative. I believe in meeting clients where they are, honoring their pace, and recognizing that healing is not one-size-fits-all. I integrate holistic approaches into my work, understanding that mental health is connected to the body, spirit, relationships, and environment. Whether we are addressing trauma, substance use, stress, or life transitions, I focus on building practical tools alongside deeper self-awareness and healing. Outside of my professional life, I am a wife, a mother and someone who feels most grounded when I am in nature. Spending time outdoors reminds me of the importance of balance, reflection, and connection—values I carry into my practice. Above all, I strive to offer a therapeutic relationship rooted in authenticity, cultural understanding, and genuine human connection. Healing begins with feeling safe enough to be real, and I am honored to walk alongside my clients on that journey.