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

I started my career in cancer care. I worked many years in a surgical role and enjoyed being able to physically see a problem and instantly remove it. The astonishing gap in mental health care, however, did not sit well with me. So I took action and helped start a mental health care team who responds to psychiatric emergencies. My experience with this team was a natural segue into working with many different types of mental health and wellness, including incredibly common ailments like anxiety and depression. I also have extensive experience in pain management and substance use disorders that made me well versed in different therapies including psychedelic healing properties.

How would you describe your approach to therapy?

My approach to therapy is patient-led. I lend my experience and knowledge, but also focus heavily on understanding and comfort. I believe unlocking new connections and perspectives is the key to healing and personal growth. Guiding that process helps patients reach their full potential.

What would your patients say about you?

My patients would describe me as empathetic and honest. I take the time to gently listen and understand each client’s perspective and where a person feels they may be on their journey. At the same time, I speak openly and honestly. I am easygoing, nonjudgmental, and compassionate. My goal is to leave each client feeling validated and a little more empowered.

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

I already had great experience in using psychedelic therapy with good success, but when a family member became overcome by depression, it became a matter much closer to my heart. Walking this loved one step by step through the process of ketamine treatment, and having the joy of seeing successful results, made me dedicated to increasing access and availability of psychedelic treatments so that others could feel the same lifted weight my family so fortunately did.

What excites you most about the future of psychedelics?

I believe that psychedelics are the future of medicine. When you see firsthand the absolutely incredible effects these therapies produce, at a much higher efficacy and lower risk than current standard treatments, it’s hard not to get excited.

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

• First, Where do you live? - I enjoy living in the quiet craziness of New York City.
• What's a perfect afternoon? - I enjoy jogging along the East River, pilates, family and friend time, waking up late and lounging with a coffee . If all that could happen in an afternoon, then yes it would be perfect.
• Favorite food? Pizza/Pasta - As an Italian this is hard to answer, but my grandmother would disown me if I didn’t say her ravioli of course.
• Describe yourself in two words. - Passionate healer