About me
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB), Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology and Doctorate in Psychology in Organization Development from Alliant International University. I have worked with child welfare agencies and youth in foster care for 23 years in a variety of capacities, including as a certified forensic interviewer. In 2018, I was provided the opportunity to help develop a specialized unit working with youth who have been victims of human trafficking and/or exploitation called the CSEC Unit (Commercially Sexually Exploited Children); I continue to supervise in this unit, act as a trainer within the community on this subject and am involved in multiple community collaboratives to help combat human trafficking. I am also a part-time psychology lecturer at California State University, Bakersfield, where I have developed and teach a course, Psychology of Human Trafficking. I will be teaching a course related to human trafficking and child exploitation in July of 2025 for St. James Research Centre in Scotland. My experience with, and knowledge about, human trafficking has changed me as a parent and professional; I am passionate to continue raising awareness of human trafficking across our country and world.
