I grew up in the Philippines during a time of political and economic turmoil. Witnessing how my family served the community through health care reinforced my decision to be a doctor. It was a less-resisted path to alleviate peoples suffering amid the oppressive society we were in. After medical school in 1991, I ran a clinic in my hometown as a general practitioner. A work visa through my undergraduate degree gave me an opportunity to immigrate to the US. My Physical Therapy career was successful but I missed practicing medicine. I went into residency training then worked as an Attending Psychiatrist at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston. I also held a teaching position as Assistant Clinical Professor at the Medical School.

For over two decades I worked as a psychiatrist in private and public sectors doing direct patient care, research, health care management and education. My evidence based medicine practice aims to assist adults from diverse backgrounds as they navigate life transitions. A special focus of my work in this clinic is helping women manage their mental health needs across the lifespan. I offer expertise in integrating Medication Management, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Complementary and Alternative medicine in managing complex and treatment resistant conditions. I rely on Collaborative Care Model to address the interplay of medical, social and psychiatric conditions. The best outcome is possible when patients and families are empowered as active agents for their own health and healing. I foster a strong therapeutic alliance to help patients progress from illness management, to pursuing a life worth living.

In the underserved field of psychiatry patients continue to suffer the consequences of disparities. My commitment to bridge gaps in healthcare inequities keeps me active in platforms aside from patient care. I volunteer as a consultant for Post Partum Support International Filipino Bayanihan Center and Project Steady: Asia. We partner on passion projects to train the next generation of psychiatrists, increase mental health awareness, improve delivery of care, and expand services to the community.

Living in the Pacific NW has allowed me to fully enjoy traveling, gardening, hiking, improvisational cooking and crafting.