While working towards my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Cal State University, Northridge, I interned at the VA Hospital in the San Fernando Valley. I was selected to be the student assistant to Robert Hoffman, M.D., who was Chief of the West Valley-Coastal Mental Health Center at the VA Hospital, Sepulveda, which included both inpatient and outpatient facilities. This gave me the opportunity to participate in some of the training provided to the psychiatric residents in individual and group psychotherapy and Psychopharmacology.

As a graduate student, I interned at Penny Lane, a residential facility for emotionally and educationally disadvantaged youth. After receiving my Master’s degree in Psychology from Antioch University, and my State License in 1978, I went into private practice with Dr. Hoffman.

In 1980, I was invited to become part of the consulting staff for the Van Nuys Breast Center, a state-of-the-art facility for the diagnosis and treatment of breast disease. I had the opportunity to start a breast cancer support group, which was a progressive concept at that time. I treated patients and their families and attended weekly Tumor Boards, in which the staff and visiting experts from all over the world would discuss and evaluate cases. In 1999, the Breast Center disbanded and I continued my practice working with adults, adolescents, families and couples who are coping with a wide range of issues.

I have also been involved in the jazz community for several years, and produced The Young Artist Jazz Series at Catalina Jazz Club for 21 years starting in 1996. I enjoy working with musicians in an artistic capacity as well as therapeutically. I have helped artists work through blocks, performance anxiety and other challenges that come along with the creative process.