It’s a bit of a play on words. When coming up with a name for my Instagram page, which I started as a graduate student just trying to share some insights, I thought of a phrase that came up often in my work (and funny enough, still holds true today).

I worked exclusively with kids and teens in my first two years of clinical practice and was repeatedly intrigued by how cool each of those kids were.

Maybe it’s just part of who I am, but I think that being a good therapist partly requires the capacity to see not only the challenges, but also the redeeming qualities each client has. I find something good in everyone I work with.

Leading to the point: “This one is really going places!”

Eventually I did branch out and work with more adults, but youth continued to be an area of specialty for me. Between the focus on positive development in our youth and the inevitable growth I observe in my clients over the course of our work (regardless of age!) - I believe you’re Growing Places.

If we work together, I strive for that day (that similar to some of my other successful clients) you’ll say: that’s me!

I’m the founder and sole force behind Growing Places Mental Health — therapist, scheduler, biller, marketer, web designer, and more.

As an American-born Asian-Hispanic eldest daughter I bring not only academic expertise, but lived experience shaped by high expectations, anxiety, and deep empathy for those breaking cycles of dysfunction.

I never planned to become a therapist growing up (oops, is that taboo to say?), but witnessing mental health struggles and generational trauma up close led me to this path: one I now feel deeply passionate about.

My work is rooted in real-life understanding, not just theory, and I know the difference a good therapist can make.

With over 6 years of experience across individual and group therapy, workshops, and research, I’ve supported kids, teens, and adults through a wide range of challenges — from everyday stress to life-altering crises. Whether it's teaching a child to breathe through bubbles or helping a family navigate homelessness… my career experiences have driven home the importance of meeting people where they are in their journey.

Therapy with me is collaborative, culturally aware, and grounded in trust. I may not be the right therapist for everyone — but for the right person, I’ll be fully in their corner.