Before completing my doctoral degree, I trained in a variety of inpatient and outpatient clinics with child, family and adult clients. After completing my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at George Mason University in 1995, I worked for the Northwest Center for Community Mental Health in Reston, Virginia, where I provided outpatient psychotherapy services for children and families. I then joined the Psychology Department of the Clifton T. Perkins Hospital Center, a forensic psychiatric institute in Jessup, Maryland. At Perkins Hospital, I conducted pre-trial evaluations of Competence to Stand Trial and Criminal Responsibility (Sanity), as well as post-trial evaluations of violence and sexual violence risk.
From 2017 to 2019, I served as the Forensic Services Manager for the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness. In this capacity, I oversaw forensic services for adults and children in all regions of the county and worked closely with my criminal justice system counterparts to improve access to services. I also assisted with the development and implementation of programs focused on Outpatient Competency Restoration, Crisis Intervention and Mental Health Diversion.