About

I help families navigate anxiety, technology, and growing up online.

Background

I'm a licensed clinical social worker specializing in children and young adults, particularly those dealing with anxiety, OCD, and the unique challenges of growing up in a digital world.

I work at The Ross Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders, where I serve as Co-Director of Community Education. I also teach at Columbia University School of Social Work and serve as a subject matter expert for the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA).

Beyond clinical work, I'm passionate about making mental health resources accessible. I've co-developed school-based DBT programs, led free webinars for parents, presented at international conferences, and created educational content that reaches families who might never step into a therapist's office.

Most recently, I've been writing about AI ethics in mental healthcare, helping clinicians think carefully about how to integrate new technologies responsibly.

[Professional Photo]

Why I Do This

The middle path is usually the best path.

When I started working with teens, I noticed a gap. Parents were either panicking about screens or dismissing concerns entirely. Kids felt judged no matter which adult they talked to. And clinicians were struggling to keep up with technology that changed faster than any textbook could cover.

I don't believe technology is inherently good or bad. Context matters. A teenager doom-scrolling at 2am is different from one FaceTiming their grandmother. The same phone can be a lifeline or a source of anxiety.

My job is to help people find balance: practical strategies that work in real life, not perfect scenarios. I believe in meeting people where they are, speaking honestly, and trusting families to make their own decisions once they have good information.

What I Believe

Principles that guide my work

  • Parents know their kids best.

    My role is to provide information and frameworks. You make the decisions that fit your family.

  • Teens deserve to be spoken to directly.

    Not dumbed down, not lectured at. Real information about how their brains work and why things feel the way they do.

  • Evidence matters, but so does compassion.

    I use research-backed approaches. I also know that numbers don't capture everything about human experience.

  • Education should be accessible.

    That's why I create free webinars, write publicly, and make resources available to families who can't access private therapy.

  • Technology requires ethical thinking.

    As clinicians, we have a responsibility to think carefully before adopting new tools, especially AI.

Credentials

Current Positions

  • Clinical Social Worker The Ross Center
  • Co-Director, Community Education The Ross Center
  • Adjunct Faculty Columbia University
  • Subject Matter Expert ADAA

Education

  • MSW Columbia University
  • BA Psychology Cornell University

Specializations

  • Child & Adolescent Anxiety
  • OCD & Related Disorders
  • DBT for Adolescents
  • Technology & Mental Health
  • AI Ethics in Clinical Practice

Media & Speaking

Recent appearances

I speak regularly on topics including social media's impact on teen mental health, anxiety management strategies, and ethical AI use in clinical settings.

  • Latin America OCD Congress 2024
  • ADAA Conference Presenter
  • Podcast guest on social media and adolescent anxiety
  • Psychology Today contributor
Speaking inquiries →

Get in Touch

Work with me

I'm available for speaking engagements, media interviews, school consultations, and professional training. For clinical inquiries, please contact The Ross Center directly.

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