My path to becoming a child and adolescent psychiatrist started in medical school when I worked with youth who had self-esteem and behavioral issues. Seeing the lifelong positive impact early interventions can have on children inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, then child psychiatry.
I have extensive expertise in pediatric mental health issues. My specialty is child and adolescent psychiatry and complex learning issues that affect a child's self-esteem. Common pediatric mental health conditions I treat include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression and mood disorders. My research focuses on finding evidence-based approaches for the treatment of depression and ADHD.
My approach to care is to work with the child and family to find the right treatment interventions needed. I have special training in individual and family therapy for children and adolescents, and I believe therapy is the first step in helping a child. In my practice, I strongly consider nonpharmacologic treatment while not ignoring the many benefits medication can provide.
I have been fortunate to have won many Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching Residents. I also won the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) 2016 Norbert and Charlotte Rieger Award for the best paper written about adolescents' psychotherapy.
During my free time, I like to write books, travel, hike and bike. I’m also an active reader of novels.