me
I am an off-White, Sephardic Jewish, plump AF, binational and bilingual, Clinical Psychologist who was raised by puppets! (My mom is a puppeteer.)
I exist on the extra side of things. I’ve been ecstatically coupled for more than 21 years with my husband Paul. I approach life with playfulness and a profound belief that everything matters. I consider a good day one where I’ve laughed ‘till I couldn’t breathe, had an emotional insight, learned something intellectually satisfying, danced, and blissed out on cuddles.
"Before I knew you, I did not understand a person could be held together by joy. You're held together by love, not fear of not being loved."
My Sister-in-Law, during an argument between us
professional bio
Professionally, I got my doctorate at Baylor University; my research focused on adult playfulness. For undergrad, I studied history and philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2011, I opened my own solo private practice. I specialize in treating complex-trauma and people with marginalized identities, especially queer people. I work with a lot of young adults. I’ve taught courses on Womens’ Psych, Health Psychology, and Multiculturalism. My favorite thing is to help people wield their own power and grow their capacities to receive and express love.
Cancer
To borrow a gaming term, I’m a specialized character, like an emotional wizard. I’m emotionally, intellectually, and relationally powerful, and my weaknesses lie in my physical health. Years of treatment from breast cancer in my 20’s left me with several complicated chronic conditions that cause a lot of physical limitations. I underwent a radical physical transformation when almost every part of my body was impacted, especially markers of femininity and ethnicity. I have lots to say about living with ableism, identity, pain, and fluctuating symptoms.