My most rewarding clinical experiences have been when the puzzle pieces finally come together—when someone who has spent years feeling stuck and confused starts to see a clear path forward. The right treatments can make a significant difference, and my role is to help create and implement treatment plans that may bring about that kind of radical change.
For me, this means taking time to understand each person’s unique experience—doing the detective work to uncover what’s really going on beneath the surface. By combining careful assessment with modern treatments shown to be effective, I strive to get to the root of the problem early on. This approach can often streamline the therapy process, allowing us to focus bringing about meaningful change.
PhD, Clinical Psychology (2012-2018): University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
APA-approved Internship (2017-2018): Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System (VAHCS).
Post-doctoral Research Associate (2018-2022): University of Minnesota, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
Staff Psychologist, Clinician Investigator (2022-2025): Minneapolis VAHCS.
Assistant Professor (2022-present): University of Minnesota, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis
My first experience with therapy as a high school student sparked my deep curiosity about the mind. Yet, parts of that experience felt incomplete—no assessment tools were used, no alternative explanations were explored, and no backup plan was discussed. I left therapy as a patient feeling confused, wondering if I had missed something critical.
That experience shaped my professional approach as a psychologist. When people seek therapy, they deserve more than just a space to talk—they deserve expertise. My role is to provide that expertise using tools that clarify problems and accelerate treatment. Psychological assessment is a key part of this approach, helping tailor the therapy I deliver.
I aim to make patients active participants in their care. Breakthroughs happen when new insights lead to meaningful action. This work has also instilled in me a deep persistence to stand by patients, especially those who have felt overlooked, so they can find a clearer path toward change.
My experiences as a research scientist inform how I practice psychotherapy. My work focuses on trauma/PTSD, resilience, depression, anxiety, and psychotherapy treatment outcomes—often blending clinical insight with research findings, especially in my projects with military veterans and their families.
Not all psychotherapy treatments are equally effective, so I rely on methods backed by strong evidence. By integrating research on the brain, behavior, and personality, I aim to provide thoughtful, ethical, and effective mental health care that leads to lasting change.
Science Museum of Minnesota, Saint Paul