Licensed to practice in California. Specializes in Coping Skills, Life Transitions, Self Esteem and 7 more.
(she/her)
I have been a social worker since 2006 and decided to start my private practice in the midst of the pandemic as stress levels rose from fear, job changes, financial issues, child/eldercare, relationship issues, racial injustices, air quality, displacement by the wildfires, climate change, the list goes on. I thought it was a crucial time to offer support and will continue to do so.
Initial sessions can seem daunting like a first date/interview of getting to know you. We are determining if we are good fit, if we have similar communication styles. The goal is for you to feel comfortable, in order for you to go to the most vulnerable places, for us to go to work.
I've worked in various settings in both California and New York, including day treatment programs for elementary school aged children, group homes for transitional youth, residential facilities and hospice care for the elderly. My field of practice is Contemporary Social Issues which ranged from working with the unhoused, co-morbid disorders, substance use and mental health issues. My post-graduate work focused on risk factors related to trauma, abuse and neglect, and safety concerns in the public sector.
I was born to 1st generation immigrants to the United States, and raised in a diverse cultural bubble, also known as the San Francisco Bay Area. I encourage a growth mindset and believe that everyone starts somewhere. We all have a story and are capable of change. I do not pretend to have all the answers, but act as a mirror to find the answers within you. I believe that everyone would benefit from therapy, whether in crisis or as a sounding board. To vent or to plan. Or all of the above.
Other specialties
I identify as
Integrative
Everyone's an individual and cannot be placed in a box. I strive to utilize different types of treatment models/theories to provide a personalized treatment plan in an open unbiased environment to develop a comfortable therapist/client dynamic in order to begin processing past or current issues with a focus on goal setting and starting where you're at. Change happens when you believe it can happen and the only failure is in not trying. I strongly believe that there is no destination, only the journey and in focusing on the process and being mindful, you can achieve anything.
2 ratings with written reviews
February 11, 2026
Very compassionate and caring. Easy to talk to and listens throughout the session. Very encouraging and engaging and makes you feel comfortable when talking about your feelings. I look forward to our sessions. Thank you!
December 28, 2025
Mary is a great listener and has good suggestions. I look forward to continue counseling with her and am very thankful for the support.