Like many young people entering post-secondary education, I didn’t have a clear direction for a career path at first. Initially, I thought law school might be a future goal, so I began volunteering with a non-profit organization supporting individuals navigating the legal process. It didn’t take long to realize that there were aspects of the legal profession that weren’t quite to my taste.
Around the same time, I found my undergraduate psychology courses to be exceptionally interesting. Although I didn’t know much about what a career in psychology could look like, aside from being a therapist, I decided to volunteer with a crisis line to see if this type of work was a better fit. It turns out that it was, and I ended up spending the next five years with that organization.
Those early experiences laid the foundation for further opportunities and connections within the clinical and research aspects of psychology. Over time, I explored different roles and areas of specialization. Today, while I do very little therapy, I primarily focus on providing assessment and consultation services to my clients and their families.
One of the most fulfilling parts of my role as a psychologist is connecting various aspects of a person’s lived experience with what might emerge during the assessment process. For me, it’s about combining seemingly unrelated pieces of information into a coherent narrative; one that is diagnostically accurate, subjectively validating, and provides clear directions for next steps.
My skills have been shaped by training under the scientist-practitioner model. This approach emphasizes the importance of data and research-based evidence when drawing diagnostic conclusions and making recommendations for clients.
At the same time, I recognize that human beings and social systems are complex and don’t always fit neatly into categories. Often, psychological assessment is less about the specific diagnosis and more about identifying ways to make sustainable improvements in functioning and mental well-being. This is a message I try to communicate to every client.
My core values as a psychologist revolve around individual empowerment, meaning making, and education. At its heart, my work is about helping clients bridge the gap between their current functioning and their personal expectations or long-term goals. While I’m not here to “fix” problems outright, I aim to help people understand why these challenges may persist and support their growth through resilience, self-compassion, and skill-building. Providing knowledge and contextual understanding can be a powerful tool in fostering independence and a sense of control over one’s life.
One challenge I’ve encountered in my practice comes from an unexpected source: social media. While social media can raise awareness about mental health diagnoses, it often oversimplifies or decontextualises information to maximize engagement rather than prioritizing scientific accuracy.
This trend can lead to misperceptions around mental health conditions, which are compounded by historical mistrust in expert opinions or limited access to professional care. My role as a psychologist is to provide accurate, accessible, and personalized information while offering meaningful steps for improving functioning (and combating misinformation wherever possible).
Outside of work, I enjoy physical activity in all forms. Whether it’s hiking in the woods, playing sports with friends, or spending time in the gym, staying active helps me maintain balance in life. As someone who relocated to Vancouver Island as an adult, I’ve also picked up crab fishing and mushroom foraging as part of my repertoire of outdoor activities. On top of that, I’d say I’m a lifelong student. I enjoy learning about topics completely outside my field, like the nervous system or feeding habits of crabs!
My educational journey began with earning a PhD in clinical psychology with a specialization in neuropsychology from the University of Victoria. I completed my pre-doctoral psychology residency at the CPA-accredited Kingston Consortium, where I further specialized in assessing and treating acquired and developmental disabilities across the lifespan. Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of specialized outpatient and secure inpatient facilities within healthcare and forensic settings.
Above all else, I strive to present myself as knowledgeable yet approachable. If I can be a resource for clients seeking clarity, empowerment, and meaningful steps forward, I can sleep well.