Background

I began my journey supporting children as a young adult, working at an Empowered Learning Center in New Jersey. After graduating from Union College, cum laude, I became a substitute teacher at both mainstream and special education schools. This experience helped me realize my passion for helping others and inspired me to apply to graduate school for social work. 

I earned my Masters of Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University School of Social Work (CSSW) and had the unique opportunity to have three internships over the two years of schooling. I first interned at Yachad as a vocational counselor wherein I supported individuals with Autism and Intellectual Disabilities at various worksites. Second, I interned at The Moriah School as a classroom assistant providing therapy and behavior interventions for children. Lastly, I interned at the Veterans Affairs Hospital on the Spinal Cord Injury Unit where I conducted psychosocial evaluations, coordinated discharges, created and ran a caregivers support group, and provided Teletherapy and in person psychotherapy for veterans and their caregivers. 

During and after graduate school, I used my extensive background as an equestrian to become a PATH Certified horseback riding instructor for children with disabilities at Flying Manes.

I began working at YAI Center for Specialty Therapy as a bilingual psychotherapist in 2016. While working at YAI, I decided to simultaneously pursue certification in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in addition to my full time position at YAI. I graduated from Hunter College in January 2023 with an Advanced Certificate in ABA. My scientific understanding of behavior has allowed me to help others understand behavior functions, what maintains the behavior, and how to address them strategically.

I sit on the advisory board of CHADD’s Bergen County, NJ chapter and became an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) in 2023.

I move forward in my journey to best support children with special needs through trainings, webinars, conferences, and continuing education.