UNC Hospitals Pain Management Center

I wanted to be a physician since I can remember. The human body intrigued me, and having the knowledge to improve peoples health felt like a super power. I believe in the patients autonomy and shared decision making, cemented on empathy, information and understanding the patients cultural and family background. Outside of work, I like to travel, eat good and new foods, spend time with my husband and daughter, and relax with movies.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with over a decade of experience in the behavioral health field. I have treated children, adolescents and adults facing a wide range of diagnoses in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I join the new Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD) clinic following my time on the psychiatric emergency services team within UNCs Department of Emergency Medicine. Working in acute crisis settings has allowed me to witness first-hand how these settings negatively impact those with IDD and comorbid psychiatric diagnoses. Having lived experience gives me the empathy to relate to clients and their families. When appropriate, I hope to divert clients from the Emergency Department by providing supportive care, instilling hope and compassion, and yielding positive outcomes for patients. I additionally will strive to guide patients through the delicate and often challenging transition between adolescence and adulthood; helping patients practice life skills, leading to autonomy and living life to their fullest capacity.