I’m a social worker with special training in talking with youth ages ten and up regarding substance use. At the CHECK Foster Care Clinic, I provide brief interventions and referrals to treatment for youth using substances. I believe you need to meet the patients where they are because not everyone is ready to take the next step to make a change. I use motivational interviewing to empower patients to make positive life changes.
My interest in pediatrics goes way back. I always knew that I wanted to work with children in some capacity. While exploring my options in high school, I learned more about the profession of social work. Upon graduation, I knew that was what I wanted to do. While getting my Master of Social Work degree, I interned at a small foster care agency. I loved working with foster children and helping this vulnerable population.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies and doing puzzles.
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Substance Use Screening Among Youth in Foster Care. Pediatrics. 2024; 154:e2023065057.
Young people in foster care and substance use. Seminars in Pediatric Neurology. 2024; 50:101136.
Understanding Variation in Health Risks Across Development and Child Welfare Involvement for Youth in Foster Care. Innovative Methods in Child Maltreatment Research and Practice. : Springer Nature; Springer Nature; 2023.