Meet Our Resiliency Center Staff

I grew up in Selma and graduated from Selma High School. I’m married to an amazing woman named Lana, and we have three adult children.

Much of my work experience has been in law enforcement, working for Selma Police Department and later with the Fresno Police Department. An injury changed the trajectory of my career, allowing me to pursue my education.

I completed a four-year degree in Bible and Theology from California Christian College and later graduated from Multnomah University (Portland Oregon) with a Master of Divinity. I’m currently working towards a Doctorate in Psychology through California Southern University.

My life experiences have taught me that early childhood trauma is often the catalyst for negative thinking patterns and behaviors. Unfortunately, many traumas that occur go unidentified and subsequently untreated. My passion is reimagining systems so that childhood trauma is identified and treated in a timely way.

I was blessed to be a part of launching the Resiliency Center, a mental health facility that focuses on primary prevention and early intervention for children. Working in law enforcement and being a parent have taught me that we cannot prevent bad things from happening to children, but we can ensure we ingrain resiliency for those challenging moments of life.

While working towards completion of my psychology degree I enjoy offering biblical counseling.

“As Man Thinks, So Is He”– Bible Meaning of Proverbs 23:7

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who was not born in Fresno, but I was raised in Fresno. I attended Fresno City College and CSU, Fresno earning a Master of Science degree in 2010. I began my career as a therapist working with juvenile offenders and youth who had been diagnosed with severe mental health issues. I quickly recognized that many adults who were tasked with raising these troubled youth were struggling with issues that prevented them from being active caretakers. As a result, working with hurting adults became my passion.

For nine years, I worked at Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health with adults who have experienced severe trauma and/or who have been diagnosed with some of the most challenging mental health issues. Because of this work, I have learned to be patient and nonjudgmental. My person-centered, gentle approach allows those with whom I work to feel a sense of comfort as I challenge them to meet goals.

As a person who has had to overcome challenges myself, I understand the need for a supportive, kind spirit coupled with honesty and the innate belief that all of us can overcome our obstacles if we have the desire and the support to do so. 

I was born and raised in Fresno and graduated from Fresno Pacific University, with a BS is Business and a minor in Addictive Disorders. In 2005 I left the insurance industry to start working as a youth drug and alcohol counselor for school districts in the Central Valley. Beginning in 2016, I started volunteering as a STEALTH Mentor with the Fresno Police Chaplaincy and then joined the staff in 2018.

I am proud to be a founding member of the team that launched the Reciliency Center of Fresno! My focus is on building and strengthening relationships with our donors and other supporters in the community.

I received my Master of Social Work degree from California State University, Fresno, and I have been providing individual and family therapy in the Central Valley for the last four years.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is trained in Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Currently, I am working towards endorsement as an Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist.

Working at the Resiliency Center allows me to support children and families who have been impacted by trauma. I hope to improve their overall well-being to bring hope and healing through this new paradigm in Mental Health.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 7 years of experience in the field of mental health. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Bakersfield I spent some time providing services and educating others on autism, child abuse, and inclusion. I continued my journey in becoming a therapist at University of Phoenix and obtained a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. My experience includes work in settings such as Short Term Residential Therapeutic Programs, county based programs, and a school based agency working with the gen-ed and SPED population. I am certified as a Functional Family Therapist, have experience in play therapy, and have provided services for children, adolescents, and adults. My goal is to provide individuals and families a safe place that will promote hope and healing. My areas of interest include working with families of and children with special needs, depression anxiety, postpartum mental health, trauma, and grief/loss.

I am the mother of one phenomenal 19 year old sophomore in college and a 7 year old Marvel and Sonic fan. I am building a legacy to give them as I’m here and to carry forward when I’m not. God is my partner and I give thanks to Him for all that I have, and I bless people who cross my path. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Human Services in 2016 from University of Phoenix. I’m an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, completing my practicum here at the Resiliency Center and earning my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021 from University of Phoenix as well. Always a Phoenix. In 2016 I co-founded, with a few of my classmates and backed by Central Valley Veterans, the “To the Mat” scholarship fund for children of veterans to receive scholarship funds for college. I’ve worked as a social worker with families and children for Department of Social Services and recognize the negative impact trauma has on the mind of the individual, the family and in the community. My practice aims to demonstrate a level of knowledge and experience that offers a space of safety and trust to build a professional relationship that walks alongside the people I work with to help them reach toward personal elevation and meet their desired goals.