Academic Appointments
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Stanford School of Medicine
Experience
I am a clinical psychologist specializing in comprehensive diagnostic assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. My expertise includes psychological, neuropsychological, and educational evaluations, tailored to provide clarity and understanding for individuals with diverse needs.
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With over twenty years of assessment experience, I have conducted evaluations in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, medical centers, VA hospitals, inpatient units, jails and rehabilitation centers, addressing complex cases.
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In addition to my practice, I hold an Adjunct Professor appointment at the Stanford Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences where I train and supervise forensic psychiatry fellows. I am also faculty in the Stanford Program in Psychiatry and the Law.​
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Prior to establishing my private practice, I was the Co-Director of the Gronowski Center's Assessment Center and led multidisciplinary team evaluations at Children's Health Council, where I also helped found an ADHD clinic for families with MediCal.
My expertise has been acknowledged in courts, where I have been qualified as an expert witness in various assessment domains, and through my advisory role to a presiding Judge on forensic psychological evaluations.
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I earned my doctorate at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, where I conducted research for the Minnesota Twin Family Study. My research focused on the interplay of genetics and environment on personality and mental health.
Philosophy
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My approach is informed by a lifespan perspective on assessment, a philosophy shaped by my diverse clinical experiences and my research involvement with the Harvard Study of Adult Development, the world's longest-running longitudinal study.
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This lifespan perspective recognizes that development extends beyond childhood and pays equal attention to events occurring in adulthood. In my evaluations, I consider the significant changes that transpire at every stage of life, interpreting these changes within the context they occur. Such a comprehensive approach yields a deeper understanding of an individual's developmental trajectory.
My diverse experiences have honed my ability to discern critical nuances, such as the impact of medical illness, unique life events, and rare conditions. I am particularly attentive to the complex ways in which a client's multiple identities—such as gender, ethnicity, religion, disabilities, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status—interact and influence their life experiences.
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Having immigrated to the U.S. as a preteen, and having since lived in several US states, I understand firsthand the challenges and richness of navigating multiple cultures and diverse environments. Fluent in Spanish, I am dedicated to serving a diverse clientele and enjoy working with individuals of all nationalities.
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