I am a counseling psychologist with a strong commitment to advancing the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. I received my PhD in counseling psychology from the University of Miami. After that, I completed a 1-year clinical postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley, and completed a 2-year LGBTQ+ focused research postdoctoral fellowship at Palo Alto University. My research is driven by a dual mission: (1) to uncover how risk factors, including stigma, discrimination, and internalized oppression, can contribute to mental health disparities among LGBTQ+ and BIPOC populations, and (2) to explore how resilience factors, such as connection to minority communities and identity pride, can serve as powerful protective factors, fostering psychological well-being.

I am especially interested in creating innovative measurement tools for research and clinical practice. I firmly believe that robust and culturally sensitive assessment tools are pivotal for capturing the nuanced experiences of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals. These tools not only elevate the quality of academic research but also empower advocates, clinicians, and policymakers to make informed decisions that lead to positive change. I enjoy mentoring students, especially students who share a similar interest in research and advocacy efforts to promote the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. More information about my lab can be found here: https://intersectionalwellbeinglab.wordpress.com/