About Me

HI became a therapist after a long career in technology. For 26 years, I worked in computer science — teaching at UC Berkeley and Drexel University, developing software for Oracle, and working in the regulatory side of the pharmaceutical industry. When chronic pain and carpal tunnel syndrome made it impossible to continue in that field, I decided to turn toward what had always mattered most to me: helping people heal and grow.

That change wasn’t just a shift in profession; it was a reorientation toward meaning. My earlier work taught me precision, persistence, and respect for complex systems. Therapy, in its own way, is another kind of system — one built on connection, understanding, and compassion.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work at Portland State University and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 2017. Before that, I completed my PhD in Computer Science at Georgia Tech in 1995. I now combine both backgrounds — the analytical and the human — in my practice.

My work is grounded in compassion, clarity, and collaboration. I help adults navigate anxiety, trauma, identity, and self-worth, often integrating humor and honesty along the way. I’ve also developed innovative ways of using AI in therapy — always optional, and always clinically guided — to help clients see their situations more clearly and explore new perspectives safely.

Outside of work, I live in Portland, Oregon’s St. Johns neighborhood with my dog, Lucy. I’m active in Portland’s Irish music scene, where I play regularly in local sessions. Music, for me, is another form of connection — a reminder that healing and creativity often come from the same place.