I am a first generation Armenian, straight, thicc and curvy able-bodied, cis-gendered woman, born and raised in Los Angeles, California by immigrant parents and grandparents from the Middle East. In a multi-cultural marriage and a new mom, my family is my heart. Growing up with education as a cultural core value, I attended Armenian school as well as homeschooled in high school and began an atypical early college career. My journey was not the norm, but I knew at an early age what I wanted to be. I have been in this field one way or another for over 20 years. As a psychologist, I went through lots of schooling and training to get to where I am today. But more importantly, I have worked hard on myself and my own growing identity that grounds my work as a therapist. I firmly believe that as a therapist, I need to know what it’s like to be “on the couch” too. So, I commit myself to my own personal work around traumas, anxieties, changes in roles, and daily struggles of growth.

Outside of this work, I love being with my family, cooking and hosting, eating all kinds of foods, down to do creative things, feel small in nature, binge on movies/shows on the couch with great snacks, root for the Lakers, hang out with my ride or die besties, dance around to music videos (remember those?) and explore different places and spaces in this world.

Building trust and taking the time to get to know you (all your identities) is how the process starts. I believe that awareness coupled with insight creates change. It takes hard work but that doesn’t worry me! I know you are capable if you are willing. Your resilience is key to the process, which you already have.  I’ll be alongside guiding you, taking time with you, and celebrating you as you get to where you want to be, where you deserve to be. 

I help with the angst, confusion, stress, pain, hurt, sadness, loneliness, and anger. I want to hear you and see you! I help you hear and see yourself! Then we tackle your world together, help make sense of it all, do hard things, heal where healing is needed, and grow into who you are and meant to be. We find your purpose together. 

I am deeply empathic, not judgey, hopeful even when it's hard, and genuinely curious. I love what I do and want to help people love themselves. I am transparent and don’t like to sugar coat things, but I will always make sure you feel safe. And while I will make your tears flow, we will share laughs and cheeky sarcasm. You know real therapy is happening when you are laughing and crying with me! I try to make therapy like real life. I never presume to know everything. Mostly, I’m down for you and the ride!

Professionally, I have had experience working with clients from “womb to tomb”. I have had individual clients range from 3-years-old to 101-years-old. I’ve worked in a preschool, K-8th grade, psychiatric hospital, group practice, private practice, and geriatric facilities. As a diversity focused clinical supervisor, I also supervise interns and teach courses to graduate students at a local university. I have trained in Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders and love working with new parents and parents-to-be. I continue to receive training in trauma work, as well as diversity related work and use my training in my practice and teaching every day. I also speak Armenian and can provide therapy in Armenian. I received my Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) from California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University.