Rae
For the past 13 years, I’ve worked alongside adolescents and their families through some of the most pivotal — and often hardest — seasons of their lives. My work balances honest accountability with the kind of space teens actually need to speak up: without performing, without being judged, and without pressure to be someone they’re not.
I’m a SoCal native who’s always been curious about people and the systems that shaped them – family, school, culture, and everything in between. That curiosity led me to a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University, where I published research on undergraduate attitudes toward bisexuality. I went on to complete my Master’s at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on animal-assisted therapy and how it can reduce juvenile recidivism.
My clinical experience spans elementary and high schools, and residential treatment — settings that taught me how to meet young people exactly where they are, including the ones who arrive guarded, skeptical, or convinced therapy isn’t for them. Further experience includes supporting teens and families through challenges like depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+ identity exploration and support, family conflict, emotional regulation, and future planning. I also have experience providing behavioral management and family support for children and teens with high-functioning autism, helping families better understand behavioral patterns, strengthen communication, and create more supportive home environments. I enjoy helping adolescents navigate the complicated transition into adulthood while building confidence, self-awareness, and healthier relationships along the way. I strive to create an affirming, collaborative environment where neurodivergent teens feel understood, supported, and empowered to work with their strengths rather than against them.
My work pulls from evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness. My goal is to create a space where teens and families can be themselves, have real conversations, and build practical tools for lasting change.
At the heart of it, I believe growth takes honesty, consistency, and a willingness to do the hard work. My style is direct but supportive: I encourage people to take ownership of their choices while making sure their voice, identity, and lived experience are fully seen and respected.
If you’re a parent looking for someone who will be real with your teen and walk with them through the work, I’d love to connect.
