About Me
I am a cognitive psychologist, writer and educator specializing in autism as a bodily experience caused by a low tolerance of uncertainty. I am fascinated by the human mind, and particularly by autistic perception - how we view the world and its impact on our wellbeing. I recently graduated from the Master's Program at Goddard College where I wrote my thesis on the impacts of autism on the body. I am a doctoral student in the Psychology Ph.D. program at the California Institute of Integral Studies and am a Certified Level 3 Internal Family Systems Practitioner. I regularly assist in trainings with PESI and the IFS Institute, and in 2025, I will be a panel member at PESI's Annual Autism Symposium and will offer a workshop. I work with all kinds of minds but particularly enjoy working with my fellow autistics.
When I am not working, I love to be with my dog Magnus who is my assistance dog. I enjoy long periods of silence, darkness, staring at repetitive shapes, hiking and running, teaching, soft clothing, talking to our dogs, flowers, being my own boss, learning, watching Stranger Things, listening to songs on repeat, writing, notebooks, spending time side-by-side with my family, texting my friends, emojis (what did we do before emojis?), working with my clients and having as much routine and sameness as possible. I don't like tight clothing, too much light, noisy bars and restaurants, crunchy foods, extended eye contact, speaking on the phone, dirty floors, being tired, large groups of people, and not having time to do all the things I like.
My Autism Journey
In 2018, my daughter was diagnosed with autism. During her diagnostic process, it was suggested that I might also be on the spectrum, a suggestion I held quietly while I learned everything I could. An inherently genetic condition, my diagnosis of autism eventually made sense and helped explain the quirks and differences in me that had been present for as long as I can remember - difficulties connecting in large groups, being hyperlexic (reading at a very young age) while struggling to tell left from right, and a proclivity to live entirely in the present. Receiving a diagnosis as an adult has been a journey through shame and trepidation to a place of acceptance and gratitude for a clear understanding of what makes me who I am.
Contact
I'm always looking for ways to support clients and clinicians who work with autistics. Let's connect.
908-319-1255