“We are shaped by our thoughts; When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.”
-Buddha

Here is a summary of my experience and areas of expertise:

License:

Licensed Clinical Psychologist in State of Colorado, 2007 - present

Academic Appointment:

• Formerly appointed as an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Acting Division Chief at National Jewish Health in Denver. 
• Taught at University of Colorado, Boulder and Brown University.

Clinical Experience and Background:

• 1990-1993. I worked as a crisis counselor on the Texas Suicide and Crisis Hotline.  I learned how to listen with empathy and be a calm comforting presence.
• 1993-1996. I worked as a marriage and family therapist in a variety of clinics as part of my training at the University of Connecticut.  I learned how to help families dealing with a variety of parenting issues (school difficulties, setting limits, depressed adolescents, low self-esteem, communication problems, substance abuse).
• 1997-1998. I worked at Brown University as a Clinical Interventionist with adolescents and families helping adolescents quit smoking and/or drinking heavily.  I worked in hospital settings helping families dealing with difficult situations.
• 1998-2001. I worked at Denver Children's Home as a family therapist and Treatment Leader helping families heal dysfunctional patterns and learn new ways of coping and thriving.  I supervised therapists and youth treatment counselors on quality therapeutic technique.
• 2002-2003. I worked at Kaiser Permanente in the Eating Disorders Unit helping adolescents and adults learn new ways of coping with feelings rather than using anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating.
• 2002-2004. I worked (in addition to Kaiser) at the University of Colorado helping people learn the Appetite Awareness Training system to break unhealthy eating behaviors.  This is a research-based proven system (see Linda Craighead's workbook) that is very effective.
• 2003-2004. I worked at Harvard University in the Families and Alcohol Program helping families cope with alcoholism and individuals battle addictions.
• 2004-2006. As part of my fellowship at Brown University, I helped individuals and families dealing with depression and anxiety.
• 2007-present. I work at National Jewish Health as a health psychologist and Acting Division Chief.  I've helped numerous people with chronic illness, HIV, depression, anxiety, mental health, self-worth development, smoking cessation, weight management, couples problems, and end-of-life issues.

Examples of Talks and Teaching Engagements:

• Interviewed by NPR on Smoking Cessation and Pregnancy
• Interviewed by ABC news on Changing Personal Health Habits
• Webinar provided via CO State of Public Health on Women's Wellness (Cancer and Smoking Cessation)
• Seminars on Coping with Depression
• Lectures around the country on Behavioral Couples Therapy
• Lectures on Helping Couples Dealing with Infertility
• Seminar to CO Statewide WIC/Prenatal Plus Program
• Training on helping patients with Chronic Health Issues
• Trainings for Quitline coaches on smoking cessation counseling 
• Lecture provided on Lung Cancer and Smoking Cessation (NJH)
• Numerous trainings on Motivational Intervention (MI) over past 15 years. MI is a highly effective counseling tool.
• Numerous talks on Behavioral Couples Therapy - helping couples learn essential tools and skills to improve their relationship
• Taught at CU-Boulder: Abnormal Psychology
• Taught at Brown: courses on Psychopathology and The Media
• Taught at CU-Denver: course on Career Development

Awards:

2010                Silver Medal. National Health Information Awards for QL Booklet

2007               NIDA, R01 Award for Innovative Treatment Development

2006                Brown University Research Excellence Award
2006                Senior Postdoctoral Fellow Award
2006                Sharon Chauncey Fellowship Award for Compassion/ Leadership

2004-2006   NIAAA National Training Research Award

2001-2004   National Independent Research Scholar Award (F31 Fellowship)

2003                Sigma XI Scientific Research Society for Dissertation Research

2002                University of Colorado, Boulder, Dean’s Fund for Excellence

2000                Student Merit Award from Research Society on Alcoholism

2000                University of Colorado, Boulder, Dean’s Fund for Excellence Award