Let’s start with something easy. Can you tell us a little about your professional background and areas of focus?

I graduated from Temple University School of Medicine, and then completed my general psychiatry training at The University of Pennsylvania. After my general psychiatry training I moved to New York City and completed an addiction psychiatry fellowship at New York University, where I remain a Clinical Assistant Professor.

How would you describe your approach to therapy?

I bring an open mind to each patient. I am curious about why someone is seeking treatment, and try and leverage that curiosity to direct a productive and therapeutic therapy. It is of the upmost importance to carefully listen to the patient. To accomplish this I must foster an environment that is safe to discuss and explore anything. It is my goal for therapy to be intentional and interactive. I practice shared decision making and always provide informed consent.

What would your patients say about you?

Thoughtful, diligent and transparent.

How did you become interested in working with psychedelics including ketamine?

Working with the addiction population exposed me to profound impact of trauma on humans. Unfortunately, our treatments for trauma are time consuming and often difficult to access. I became interested in working with psychedelics as the medical research community has developed an evidence base for utilizing psychedelics, including ketamine, for treating trauma sequela.

What excites you most about the future of psychedelics?

The potential to provide a treatment that helps people with the sequela of traumatic experiences.

Enough about work! Let’s try some rapid fire questions;

• First, Where do you live? - Brooklyn, New York
• What's a perfect afternoon? - I enjoy an afternoon where I can put together a home cooked meal. This involves preparation -- finding an exciting recipe, seeking out ingredients, and potentially meal prep in advance. The afternoon when it comes together is a lot of fun. I enjoy using my hands, tasting and smelling. These senses are different from the ones I use at work. What elevates this afternoon to 'perfect' is when I can sit with my partner, a friend, or family member, and enjoy our food un-rushed with conversation.
• Favorite food? Pizza/Pasta - Can't pick one: pizza, pasta and ice cream!
• Describe yourself in two words. - Passionate & resourceful