At one point, she invited me to join a women’s group she had started with other young women she was seeing. I was the only white person in a group of Latinas. After one of the sessions, she shared that multiple group members had spoken about how I showed up in that space—that I made them feel safe. Not long after, she told me I have a gift in connecting with people and she suggested I consider becoming a therapist myself. She recommended I look into Pacific Oaks.

I’m now in the LGBTQIA+ specialization, and in this current era of America—where so many are being targeted—I feel a deep responsibility to support those on the margins. When I entered the program, I was actively questioning my sexuality. Over time, I’ve been able to remove barriers I’d placed on myself and begin to embrace a more expansive sense of self.

Returning to my roots as a dancer, I realized how much I had always felt at home in the gay community. I grew up surrounded by love, celebration, and welcomed and I want to return that same sentiment to my future clients, across the full spectrum of gender identity and sexuality.

I’m grateful to be here at Pacific Oaks—it’s been a meaningful gift of challenging introspection, shared alongside some truly special souls on this journey.