As a behavioral and developmental specialist, I focus on pediatric psychology, infant mental health, early intervention and integrated behavioral health in primary care. I apply evidence-based care to early intervention and short-term treatment goals out of Cincinnati Children’s Pediatric Primary Care. I serve a wide range of patients across cultures, races, religions and adverse childhood experiences. I also train medical residents and other integrated behavioral health providers to increase our ability to serve the greater Cincinnati community and provide a model for interested institutions outside Cincinnati, OH.

My interest in this work stems from a life-long love for children. Exploration in college led me to psychology, where I found a mentor in my undergraduate institution who supported me in doctoral-level training. As a child who had chronic medical conditions, I began to hone my psychological skills in the area of integrated medical and psychological care and then found my niche in this fantastic area of growth at Cincinnati Children’s .

I pull from models of child-parent psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, diversity and equity, HealthySteps infant mental health and lifespan development principles. Every patient is the expert on their life, experiences, traumas, identity, roles, beliefs and dreams. In understanding those things, I can better support them with my psychological knowledge to regain or maintain social-emotional health. Mental health starts with the parent-child bond and relationship. Supporting the family, not just the patient, improves health as well. Collaborating between medical and mental health providers decreases system burdens to patients, improves patient care, and leads to healthier individuals and better health maintenance.

My department has honored me with the Collaboration Award as a member of the Integrated Behavioral Health Team in Primary Care. Though I do not apply for grants or lead research projects, I contribute clinical knowledge, support recruitment and document generation that informs research by other team members. That research aims to deepen the evidence base for infant mental health, early intervention and integrated psychology in primary care. Our trauma-informed model pulls from HealthySteps, Bright Futures, and Zero to Three and then integrates child-parent psychotherapy and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles that serve our community well. Our research demonstrates efficacy, and in its early stages, it has helped third-party payors understand its worth.

Most of my free time is spent supporting my children and their dreams, but when I get “mom breaks” or take trips with my family, I love to swim, hike, kayak and deepen my faith.