Brief Biography

I was born and raised in the Bay Area. In terms of academic studies, I attended Seattle Pacific University (B.A. Psychology, 1981) and Colorado State University (M.S. 1987, Ph.D. 1990)

Concerning clinical training and experience, I began my work in the field of psychology through working at a boys probation ranch in Washington state (1980, 1981). I then returned to the Bay Area and worked on a number of psychiatric units at the Palo Alto Veterans Administration Medical center (1981-1984). I also returned to working with troubled youth through the San Mateo County Boys Probation Camp (1984-1985).

While attending graduate school, I worked at the Colorado State University Counseling Center (1985-1989) and the Poudre R-1 School District (1986-1989). My predoctoral internship training occurred at the Denver General Hospital (1989-1990).

Upon completing graduate studies, I worked as a staff psychologist and supervising psychologist at Atascadero State Hospital (1990-2015). I have also maintained a part-time independent practice in Atascadero (1992-present). I taught psychology courses at the undergraduate (Colorado State University (1987-1990) and graduate levels (Chapman University 1992-2000).

I have lived in SLO County since 1990. I have been married for 30+ years and I have 4 grown children.