ABOUT MY WORK

I have trained at UCLA, Johns Hopkins and the Mayo Clinic (see CV for details), but I don’t think that my education is what sets me apart. What I hope people notice when we meet is how much I genuinely care. This is not simply a job to me, it is a calling. One of the things I love about my work is that no two people are the same. I would like to understand each person holistically, including your background and the strengths you already possess, to help me to provide an individualized approach. If medication is recommended, I spend time discussing the reasoning, possible benefits and side effects, eliciting your thoughts and concerns, and answering any questions you may have. My goal is to provide you with ample information and to empower you to make your own best health care decisions. I will also suggest alternative treatments and complementary medicines when appropriate. I believe that establishing a strong connection is essential to getting the most out of our work together. My approach is a bit quirky, I admit, but I believe in a good way. I am very down to earth, and not very “doctory” in the traditional sense. When I was a child, I wanted to become either a comedian or a physician. As I grew older I realized, why not do both? The tool I use most in my work is humor. There is so much power in laughter. No matter what head space you start our time together in, if I haven’t at least made you smile and lightened things a bit, I must be having an off day! During our time together, I want you to know that you are in a judgment-free zone without guilt, shame or lectures; I find providing empathy and support are much more useful in helping you get to a better place. I can, however, also give you a little kick in the butt at times when that might be what you need the most. I hope to make you feel at ease, like you are talking to an old friend. I want you leave our time together feeling heard, validated and cared for. 

I am also excited to offer the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Evaluation Schedule) to people from 12 months old through adulthood. The ADOS is a test which is considered the gold standard to diagnose autism. It is a semi-structured, standardized assessment of communication, social skills, play (in children), and restrictive and/or repetitive behaviors. By obtaining an accurate diagnosis, individuals and families can begin to access appropriate intervention services, obtain individualized behavioral and educational programs, and determine patterns of strengths and weaknesses at the person’s current developmental level. The primary evidence based treatment of autism is ABA (applied behavioral analysis) therapy; It is difficult, if not impossible, to receive ABA without first receiving an autism diagnosis.