She's a behavioral health professional and forensic social worker and expert witness with more than 20 years of experience, this expert specializes in psychological and social functioning across adult, adolescent, and family populations. Their work includes consultations, deposition testimony, and courtroom testimony in matters involving mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, and standards of care in behavioral health settings.

The expert’s practice includes evaluation and treatment of major mental disturbances, including dual diagnosis conditions and mood disorders, with application of cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based interventions. Their experience extends to child and adolescent behavioral health, family and group counseling, suicide prevention, and assessment of individuals with developmental disabilities. This work also involves analysis of psychological functioning, risk factors, and the interaction between psychiatric symptoms, substance use, and social and environmental influences in clinical and forensic contexts.

Their professional background includes leadership of a specialized supportive living program serving individuals with developmental disabilities and co-occurring psychiatric conditions, operating under regulatory oversight by the California Department of Developmental Services. In this role, the expert has been involved in psychosocial assessments, development of individualized goals for activities of daily living, and ensuring compliance with regional center and state guidelines. Prior roles include program director and program manager positions within community-based organizations serving individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as work as a psychiatric social worker within a county mental health system providing assessment, diagnostic formulation, crisis intervention, and coordination of care for acutely mentally ill and forensic populations, including interaction with attorneys and court systems.

The expert holds a Master of Social Welfare. Credentials include designation as a Diplomate Forensic Social Worker through the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute and registration with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an associate clinical social worker. Professional affiliations include the American Psychiatric Association, the American Mental Health Counselors Association, and the National Association of Social Workers, along with advisory and task force involvement with the Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center, reflecting participation in behavioral health standards, developmental-disability services, and community-based program oversight.