Prior to my clinical training I was immersed in visual art and design. I earned a BA in fine art and a BS in industrial design, then worked as an artist, designer, and design manager. My tenure in the business world spanned a wide range of environments—from startups to bureaucracies—leaving me with a deep understanding and appreciation for what it takes to succeed in the real world.

In addition, I taught design and creativity courses in both academic and nonprofit environments, including CSULB.  Even after returning to school for my doctorate in psychology, my interests in creativity and creative process remained firm. I completed my psychology dissertation on creative process, focusing on people’s internal experiences during periods of innovative and creative work. For my psychoanalytic doctorate, I wrote about the positive ways that fantasy and illusion can facilitate welcome changes in clients’ lives.