Born in Lisbon, Portugal, I was raised in Portugal and the United States. Prior to becoming a clinical psychologist, I worked as an international policy analyst, traveling throughout Latin America, Asia, and Europe. I also lived in Brazil for a year, and worked with environmental groups in Venezuela. I am fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. I received my bachelor's degree in Geography from the State University of New York, College at Geneseo, and my master's degree from the San Diego State University.

I obtained my Doctor of Psychology degree from the George Washington University in Washington, DC, where I was trained in psychological assessment and traditional psychodynamic therapy technique. I completed training practica at an inner-city, residential substance abuse treatment facility, and at a private practice providing psychological assessment services for immigrants seeking legal status in the U.S. I subsequently moved to Seattle to complete an internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the Fremont Community Therapy Project in Seattle.

I was the Washington State representative to the American Psychological Association's Council of Representatives, the association's governing body from 2016-2020. During that time, I was elected to be the Early Career Representative to the APA Council Leadership Team. I am also a member of APA Divisions:

• 56 (Trauma)

• 35 (Psychology of Women)

• 44 (Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues)

• 45 (Society for the Psychological Study of Ethnic Minority Issues)

• 52 (International Psychology)

As of January 2023, I am a Member-at-Large on the Division 56 Executive Committee.

Please consult my curriculum vitae for further information about my background.