Thank you for taking time to see me in a way I need to be seen. I hope I get the privilege of being in shared space with you.
I am proud to be the daughter of my father who was born in Chiapas, Mexico, and my mother who was born in Hong Kong. They immigrated and settled in what is now Vancouver, BC, Canada, on the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. With my maternal grandmother being illiterate and my mother having completed only the sixth grade, I am the first-generation in my family to attain higher education.
Growing up as a child of working-class immigrant parents with English as our second language presented numerous challenges in adapting to Western social norms. Navigating a country often shadowed by xenophobia, my parents’ limited means led to a cautious approach in forming connections beyond our close-knit circle. Early years were marked by a struggle to build relationships, influenced by cautionary tales and external challenges that negatively impacted my sense of belonging and self-esteem. The lack of representation of my collectivistic cultural values in society had contributed to feelings of shame and a diminished cultural identity.
However, as I entered my thirties, I began to undergo a transformative journey of self-discovery. In this process, I unearthed a profound strength within myself that had long lain dormant. As I came to understand that embracing my cultural heritage was more than just empowering myself—it was about strengthening bonds with others—I felt compelled to fully embrace my first-generation identity. One of the most vivid examples of this journey was when I brought together a group of amazing women of Color to create an informal advisory board. This community of inspiring individuals continually fuels my motivation to contribute to a more just and equitable world. Their wisdom, guidance, and shared experiences remind me of the strength that comes from cultivating strong community bonds and working collectively towards positive change.
In addition, recently, I’ve embarked on a journey to reconnect with the profound bond my ancestors had with the land. Delving into nature’s embrace, I’ve discovered a profound sense of kinship and solace amidst the earth’s timeless rhythms. This rekindling serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring wisdom and resilience woven through the tapestry of all living beings across generations.
Born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Canada, I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of British Columbia. Upon graduation in 2007, I worked as a psychometrist supporting the work of neuropsychologists conducting intellectual, personality, and disability assessments. I also volunteered my time at Crisis Center BC as a crisis services responder supporting those in need of mental health support. Eager to pursue additional psychological training in a different part of the country, I moved to Toronto, ON, Canada to complete my Master of Education in Counseling Psychology at the University of Toronto. In 2012, feeling deep pride in my accomplishment as a first-generation graduate degree holder, I returned to Vancouver, BC and founded ClearPoint Counseling Services, a private practice offering counseling services to adults needing support in addressing mood, anxiety, and relational difficulties. Eventually, I would find myself enrolling in the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program at Adler University Vancouver, BC, an institution with an emphasis in social justice and community engaged healing practices. Over the course of my degree, I received applied training in community and multicultural psychology, behavioral health, workplace wellness, and chronic pain management.
For the last year of my doctoral training, I interned at Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA working as a clinician at the student counseling center. Upon graduation from my doctoral training in 2018, I pursued post-doctoral training at the Willamette University student counseling center in Salem, OR working as a Psychologist Resident and Liaison for Diversity and Inclusion. I received my designation as licensed psychologist in Oregon while working as a Staff Psychologist and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator at Pacific University in Portland. I later received an additional license in New York state. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and world-wide racial justice reckoning, I placed greater emphasis in my consultancy practice in equity, diversity, and inclusion related matters. Prior to moving to Seattle, WA in May 2023, I worked as a Partner at BIPOC Executive Search in Toronto, ON, Canada supporting the recruitment and retention of BIPOC peoples in executive leadership positions and offering cultural transformation support in organizations looking to create more socially just working environments. In addition to holding licenses in Oregon and New York, I also hold a third psychologist license in Washington state, where I practice as a private clinician.