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About 

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"I lead with curiosity. I listen without stigma. I honor each person’s uniqueness and begin with creativity and hope."

I am a licensed clinical social worker with nearly twenty years of direct clinical and research experience in the areas of mental health illnesses, complex medical issues, and addictions.  

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I was inspired to work in human services as a kid.  Starting in middle school I volunteered to tutor elementary school children from disadvantaged neighborhoods.  The kids were all coping with poverty, racism, and community violence.  I loved the students and the work and knew I would always be in a helping profession.  Now I live in Cambridge, MA with my husband, two little sons, and two cats.

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My work is based on the following principles:

  • There is inherent worth and dignity in each person.  Stigma and shame are never helpful.

  • Recovery is possible for anyone.  There is always hope.

  • Recovery means something different to everyone, and everyone is on their own journey. Self determination is essential for healing.

  • Healthy social connections are also essential to healing.

  • There is always more to learn about addiction, chronic pain, treatment, and recovery.

Accreditations

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 2011

  • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, 2014

  • I am a certified pain group leader by the US Pain Foundation

  • Certified field placement supervisor for graduate social work students

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, Oberlin College

  • Masters of Social Work, Smith College School for Social Work

Professional Recognition and Honors

  • Founding member of the Office Based Addiction Treatment Program and a pain program in primary care Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston, MA.

  • Founding member of Addiction Psychiatry at BIDMC.

  • Founded two peer support programs at BIDMC, one for limb amputations, and another for addictions.

  • Published in the Journal of Gambling Studies, Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, and Archives of Scientific Psychology.

  • Clinical supervisor for social workers and students.

  • I am a regular speaker and consultant for doctors, nurses, and medical students on substance use disorders, suicide, and other high-risk behaviors often seen in medical settings.

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