Center for Elders’ Independence PACE de Berkeley

As a Center Director, I’m thrilled to lead a wonderful team of providers who work so hard to ensure the needs of each individual senior are valued, respected and prioritized. In my previous roles, I worked closely with CEI as my clients’ developed needs for higher levels of care. I was always so impressed with CEI’s services and their compassionate providers. My goal is to ensure each elder feels empowered and finds purpose in their life in a supportive and caring environment.

After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University, I worked as a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist helping seniors with mental illness and substance use disorders. I witnessed over and over again the resilience of older adults and saw firsthand their strength to overcome huge challenges and struggles. They became a source of inspiration for me and I knew then working with seniors was my passion and purpose in life. I continued my formal education at UC Berkeley completing my Masters of Social Welfare with an emphasis on Community Mental Health, then joining a memory care residential care community as a director of resident and family services.

Immediately before joining Center for Elders’ Independence in 2021, I worked directly with seniors by providing social work consultation and case management services as well as individual therapy and grief counseling sessions at the Jewish Family & Community Services of the East Bay. I speak English and conversational Spanish.

During my time off, I love spending my time with my husband and two dogs plus visiting friends and family in the East Bay. I love to bake cookies, explore farmer’s markets and try new restaurants. For quiet times, reading and listening to podcasts are a top favorite.