For the past 30 years I have partnered with individuals, families and organizations to overcome challenging situations and to facilitate change that lasts. My credentials, professional experience and some personal notes follow.
Licenses and Certification:
Licensed Psychologist (1993), Lic.# PSY13311
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (1986), Lic# MFC22524
Board Certified Behavior Analyst – Doctoral (2012-2017), Cert.#1-12-11590
Education:
Ph.D. Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (1992), Alliant University Scripps Ranch, San Diego (formerly United States International University)
M.S. in Clinical/Community Psychology (1985), California State University, Fullerton
B.A. in Psychology (1982) California State University, Fullerton
Experience
During the 1980s I received comprehensive marriage and family therapy training at Turning Point Family Services in Garden Grove, CA. I received predoctoral psychology training at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station Family Services Center and then completed an APA approved internship at the University of California Irvine Student Counseling Center. During the 1990s I had a general private practice in Newport Beach. Many of my clients were United States military family members who sought therapy during, and after the Desert Storm conflict.
Public service included 24 years as Psychologist with California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). In 2002 I received the DDS’s Superior Accomplishment Award for work with adolescents who have developmental disabilities and co-occuring psychiatric disorders. For 6 years I served as predoctoral psychology internship Training Director. My public service career culminated with an appointment as Facilitator for the Statewide Behavior Best Practices Workgroup and Chair of the Human Rights Committee for the State Developmental Center. It was a privilege to serve.
In 2016 I resumed private practice.
Upbringing and Influences
I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I am an American descendent of free Europeans and enslaved Africans. I identify as Black, African American. My people are often referred to as Creoles of Color. Although I was born in California I was deeply influenced by New Orleans Catholic culture. Nothing has impressed, nor influenced me more than my parents’ story of ascent from the Jim Crow (i.e., segregated) South to financial independence. They built a business in manufacturing, saved their money and invested wisely. We always lived below our means. My parents were a secure, stable, and happy couple. We truly lived the what most would call the American Dream. My nature as a curious, inquisitive kid and my developing personal identity led me to explore the fascinating, and often painful topics race, ethnicity, culture, caste, marginalization etc. My nature, educational and life experiences have made me a clear-eyed optimist.
Another part of my identity, that is being a cisgender, heterosexual male, has also influence how I see the world. Fortunately, I grew up in a family without any overt hostility toward the LGTBQ community. My parents were too busy working and raising kids to waste time judging others! I believe that my educational experience, training along with personal and social awareness have allowed me to be helpful to members of the Community over the years. I am an ally. Regarding gender roles I grew up with egalitarian parents. There was equal and flexible division of labor and mutual respect between them. We kids were loved, but expected to pull our own weight. When it was time to fledge we were expected to make our own way. I believe that my father’s example and my mother’s expectation makes me a good man in relation my clients and all the women in my life.
I settled in Orange County to complete my studies and to build my career. I now live in South Orange County with my wife of 20+ years. We’ve been friends for over 30 years! We have two cats who are thoroughly spoiled and Linus (pictured above) the sweet, but stubborn dog. I am an avid gardener and enjoy cooking, walking, bike riding, playing guitar and being with family and friends. For about a decade I’ve had a daily practice of mindful meditation that has been a great help for managing stress and achieving balance in life.