- Meet Our Team -
Therapist
Why I am here:
I am here at Ava because I believe in the commitment that Ava has made to clients and the community. Ava truly is a client-centered space where clients’ needs and experiences are at the core of the treatment. I believe in accessibility to good quality of care, no matter what a person’s circumstances might be. I am proud to be part of such an exciting new venture.
About me:
I am originally from NYC and just moved to Grand Junction two years ago. My career in social work began in NY. I spent time working and growing as a clinician in the NYC hospitals. I then moved to working with the homeless at locations across the city. I spent time working at a community mental health clinic. I was also able to have the opportunity to be the director of a social service program at a non-profit in the city. I have spent the majority of my career working with the LGBTQ community, which I am very proud of. The last few years I have been in private practice, but I longed to go back to community work, and I missed working with an interdisciplinary team to help clients in need. Last Fall, and now this Spring semester, I have been teaching in the Social Work department at CMU.
Why do I do this work:
The work that I do is very important and meaningful to me. I have always had a passion for working within the mental health and substance use treatment fields because I find it fascinating, and it is my way of contributing to our society. I find it very fulfilling and rewarding to connect with people, and I strongly believe that all people should have access to high-quality, client-centered care no matter their background or circumstances.
What I bring to work professionally:
I have been working in the field for 20 years. I have a strong knowledge base in mental health treatment and care. I have also worked in substance treatment. I have a lot of experience working with diverse populations, including the underserved. As a member of the LGBTQ community, I am proud of the work that I do with the community, which has also allowed me to give back. It is a privilege to serve all of the clients I have met, and those of whom I have yet to meet.
How I show up at Ava:
I bring my passion for my work with clients. I bring my life experience and my clinical expertise. It is very important to me that I make sure that I bring respect for the work that I do and for the clients that I work with. I try to bring my best self to work every day.
Emotional Core:
The most important thing that I try to bring to my work is my belief that good care for all is essential for our society’s well-being. Caring for other human beings, especially in their time of need, is a privilege. It is an honor to learn about people’s lives and what is most important to them. In my own life, I still can recall and feel gratitude for the people who were there for me, particularly in my times of need. If I can do that for others, it would be most fulfilling
What grounds me:
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am in awe of the beauty of our area, and nature is always grounding for me. I enjoy exploring my area.
