My philosophy
I believe that people with mental health challenges deserve quality and compassionate care that honors who they are and their personal journey. I believe that any healing relationship depends on the trust and connection between the provider and patient, and my work is a partnership and collaboration with you. Whether you are a child or an adult, my goal is to help you understand and work through emotional, psychological, and behavioral difficulties in your current life so that you can discover and develop your full potential.
Education, career and special interests
I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. I received my undergraduate degree in Human Biology from Stanford University in 2002. I graduated medical school from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL in 2006. I completed my internship, adult psychiatry residency, and child psychiatry fellowship at University of California, Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in Sacramento, CA. I am board certified in both general adult and child and adolescent psychiatry, but also integrate complementary practices in a holistic approach to wellness. I have experience serving children, adolescents, adults, and families at various community agencies such as River Oak Center for Children, Communicare Health Centers, and Asian Pacific Community Counseling, as well as teaching and supervising medical students and psychiatry residents and fellows at UC Davis Medical Center. I have particular interest in working with adolescents, transitional age youth, cultural issues, and spiritual work.