As the Founder and CEO of Uprooted Academy, I lead a team of 5 dedicated professionals who share our passion for empowering students. Together, we fulfill our mission by providing high-quality and relatable programming, supporting students on their path to success. Our innovative approach to post-secondary planning and career research alleviates the anxiety and confusion in the college selection and application process, enabling students to achieve their dreams. I'm proud to lead this team and excited about the impact we're making in the lives of students and families.

Over the past decade, I have dedicated myself to the field of mental health as a licensed therapist, passionately serving adults through individual sessions. My training encompasses a wide range of therapeutic modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Brainspotting. These approaches empower me to offer a holistic and tailored therapy experience.In my practice, I integrate innovative techniques such as Ego Parts Work, the Safe and Sound Protocol, Emotion-Focused Individual Therapy, and Yoga, along with providing psychoeducation. This blend not only addresses the roots of past hurts and traumas but also equips clients to navigate present-day triggers, fostering a sense of liberation and well-being.Beyond clinical practice, my role as a contract writer for Wondermind allows me to contribute to demystifying mental health, offering accessible, expert-backed content that truly benefits the community. My consultancy work in television and movies, coupled with my commitment to training BIPOC psychotherapists in understanding the intricate connections between the brain, body, and nervous system, underscores my holistic approach to mental health. This work not only enhances trauma-informed care practices but also enriches the cultural competency within the field.I am driven by a belief in the transformative power of comprehensive mental health care, and I am committed to advancing the field through continuous learning, collaboration, and advocacy for mental wellness for all.

As a founder of Uprooted Academy, I was honored to be selected as one of 13 innovators for the Camelback Ventures Fellowship 2022 Cohort. This fellowship provided invaluable curriculum, capital, coaching, and community support for entrepreneurs of color and women leading innovative social impact ventures. Through the program, I was able to refine our business model, develop strategic partnerships, and build a sustainable organization to better serve our community. This experience was instrumental in helping Uprooted Academy achieve our mission of providing high-quality and accessible college counseling to first-generation, low-income students of color.

At Think Global School, I had the privilege of leading the team and working with students from all over the world in the only traveling high school program. Our students come from 6 continents, and each academic year we travel to 4 countries to participate in a project and place-based curriculum.My role involved designing and teaching a weekly social-emotional class and a comprehensive college counseling curriculum for each grade level to prepare students for the college application season. I support students throughout the application process, from list-making to decision-making, and partner with parents to provide financial aid and other forms of support as needed.Given the diverse backgrounds of our students, I am well-versed in global entrance requirements for students who earn a US diploma. I am passionate about empowering students to achieve their academic and personal goals, and I feel privileged to be part of such a unique and transformative educational experience.

As a College Counselor at Achievement First High School, ranked #20 in the country, I had the privilege of helping students from diverse backgrounds navigate the college search process and secure acceptance at some of the top universities in the country.With 100% of our students receiving free lunch and 99% identifying as BIPOC, I was committed to providing them with the resources and support necessary to overcome systemic barriers and achieve their dreams. As a College Counselor, I equipped high school seniors with the tools they needed to identify their best-fit colleges and navigate the application process with confidence.My role also included preparing students for the challenges they would face in college and ensuring that they had the support they needed to succeed once they arrived. I am proud to have been part of a team that helped students go to and through college, breaking down barriers and empowering them to achieve their full potential.Working with such an exceptional group of students was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have made a difference in their lives

As an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Haven, I had the opportunity to teach a range of undergraduate and graduate courses in the Psychology department, including developmental and clinical courses.In my role as a professor, I was responsible for creating engaging and innovative course materials, facilitating class discussions, grading assignments, and providing feedback to students to support their learning and growth.I am proud to have been nominated for the "Faculty of the Year" award two years in a row for adjunct faculty, which is a testament to my commitment to providing students with a high-quality education.I enjoyed creating a dynamic learning environment that encouraged critical thinking and fostered a passion for the field of psychology. I was able to bring my professional experience as a licensed therapist to the classroom, providing students with practical insights and real-world examples that enhanced their understanding of the course material.Teaching at the University of New Haven was a fulfilling experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have shared my knowledge and expertise with students pursuing careers in the field of psychology.

At the University of New Haven, I had the privilege of serving as a counselor and educator to first-year students, helping them navigate through their exciting freshman journey- academically, emotionally, socially, professionally, and financially.In my role, I was responsible for providing holistic counseling services to students, incorporating my counseling psychology background to support their personal and academic growth. I also taught first-year courses aimed at preparing students for the transition to college, as well as led the development of a first-generation living learning community.As part of my efforts to improve retention and student success, I was on the founding team for the creation of an innovative center focused on student support and success. Through this center, I worked closely with faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to implement evidence-based practices and interventions designed to improve retention and graduation rates.My work at the University of New Haven was incredibly fulfilling, and I am proud to have played a role in supporting the success of first-year students. I believe that by providing students with the resources, guidance, and support they need to thrive, we can empower them to achieve their goals and make a positive impact in their communities