Mental Health Coordinator and Licensed Psychologist
How long have you been at Berkeley?
I’ve been at UC Berkeley for 11 years, which is wild! This includes my first year here as a Postdoctoral Fellow.
What do you love most about working here?
I love that most people are here because they are committed to some form of progress whether that is for their own lives, the lives of others, or both.
What's your job?
Currently, I’m the mental health coordinator for the Undocumented Student Program (USP). I am one of the two licensed providers that offer ongoing therapy to USP students.
What's a great day at work look like for you?
A great day at work for me really hinges on a good morning grounding practice before I get to work. As a trauma therapist, this is the cornerstone of my ability to hold a meaningful container for the myriad struggles students come in with. A great day also includes keeping my door open in my office at Chavez in between clients. This ensures I can receive/extend loving hellos to my Center for Educational Equity and Excellence (CE3) and Student Learning Center (SLC) colleagues as they walk through the building. Added bonus: a lunch date with a colleague where we spend some of the time walking among the trees on campus.
Where's your favorite place on campus?
I have two favorites. One is the top of the steps in front of the Campanile where (on a clear day) you can see the bay/ocean. It's a view that always recalibrates me and reminds me that I can be bigger than my fears. My second favorite place is Lower Sproul Plaza, around 6pm, when groups of students are rehearsing their synchronized dance moves and reclaiming joy.
Fun fact about me:
I feel great purpose in my identity as a Tîa (aunt) and currently have ten niblings with one more on the way!! :)