About Me

For more than two decades, I have dedicated my career to supporting children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. My journey has taken me from the United States to Jordan and now the UAE, where I have worked in schools, clinics, and community programs. These experiences have reinforced my belief that every child carries a unique story and deserves to feel safe, valued, and capable of growth. Over the last ten years, I served as Director of Inclusion, Safeguarding & Wellbeing at a leading K–12 international school, collaborating with administrators, educators, KHDA representatives, and families to strengthen school-wide systems for diverse learners. My work focused on building safe and supportive environments, expanding inclusion, and enhancing wellbeing across the school community. Earlier in my career, I directed intervention programs at the Jordan River Foundation for children who had experienced trauma and abuse, shaping my conviction that healing begins with compassion, collaboration, and consistent support across family, school, and community.

I currently offer individual sessions to children and adolescents who face academic, social-emotional or behavioral challenges and obstacles that may disrupt their development and mental health. I also provide parenting consultations to develop a holistic understanding of each child’s academic, emotional, and behavioral history, design tailored interventions, and collaborate with schools, specialists, and regulators to advocate for children and adolescents. Throughout the academic year, I facilitate therapeutic groups that help young people strengthen coping strategies for the social and emotional challenges they face at school and at home.

Therapeutic Approach

Seeking mental health support for a child or adolescent can feel overwhelming, yet it is one of the most meaningful gifts a parent can offer. My approach is personal and practical, recognizing that children may face challenges at school, at home, or in social settings that are not always “clinically diagnosed.” Whether addressing significant concerns or everyday stressors, I take the time to listen, understand, and work at a pace that feels safe and comfortable. Therapy with me focuses not only on addressing difficulties but also on discovering strengths, building resilience, and fostering growth.

I combine clinical expertise with a warm, approachable style to create a welcoming space where children feel understood, adolescents feel empowered, and parents feel supported. My goal is to walk alongside families as they navigate challenges, offering strategies that are practical, culturally sensitive, and grounded in human development and psychoeducation. I draw on evidence-based methods rooted in behavior therapy, psychoeducation, and developmental psychology, keeping sessions engaging and accessible. With younger children, I integrate play, structure, and family collaboration; with adolescents, I focus on managing stress, strengthening identity, and building healthy coping strategies. Families often share that what sets my work apart is the balance of professional expertise with warmth and approachability. Together, we create an environment where challenges are met with compassion, and where young people can build confidence, improve well-being, and thrive.

Educational and Professional Background

I earned my Master’s degree in Education and Human Development from The George Washington University, specializing in serious emotional and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. My academic training included educational and behavior screenings, individualized planning, and trauma-informed practices.

My career has spanned the U.S., Jordan, and the UAE. I began working with at-risk youth in schools and juvenile justice systems, later directed intervention programs at the Jordan River Foundation, and became licensed in Dubai as a behavior and education specialist. As Director of Inclusion, Safeguarding, and Wellbeing at a renowned international school, I expanded inclusion programs, built safeguarding systems, and helped the school earn Outstanding KHDA ratings. Alongside preventative mental health and educational practice, I continue to consult with schools and organizations, provide assessments and workshops, and collaborate with families, educators, and regulators to ensure children have access to safe and supportive environments where they can thrive.

Specialties & Expertise

• Behavior and emotional challenges in children/adolescents
• Preventative mental health interventions for non-clinical populations
• ADHD, learning differences, and developmental needs
• Anti-bullying prevention programs
• Advocacy and support of children and adolescents
• Inclusion, safeguarding, and child protection in schools
• Parent coaching and family dynamics support
• School observations and consultations
• Individualized education program assistance and development
• Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention programs on mental health issues