I was born and raised in Southern California to parents who left Cambodia during its civil war. I grew up with constant bouncing between two different cultures with very different and sometimes opposing expectations. The intersection of my cultural identities with my family's history of trauma contribute to an awareness of how abuses of power contribute to oppression and harm mental health. With this in mind, I strive to understand my clients from a holistic point of view that honors our unique identities and histories. 

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I received my Master's degree in Counseling with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from the California State University in Fullerton. I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. My research focused on bicultural identity, immigrant mental health, and Southeast Asian American mental health. I completed my APA-accredited doctoral internship at Michigan State University, which was followed by postdoctoral residency at Washington State University's Counseling and Psychological Services and a fellowship at the WSU Psychology Clinic. 

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I have extensive experience in community outreach, crisis intervention, working in hospitals and K-12 schools, and providing clinical supervision to Master's and doctoral students training to be counselors.

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When I'm not working, I enjoy connecting with loved ones, eating good food, petting every dog I meet, and gardening - both in my yard and on my island in Animal Crossing.