ABOUT ME

In 2009, I began my social and medical transition and have focused my work entirely on the transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary communities since.

The challenges and experiences I faced accessing care early in my transition have shaped my work and passion for making gender-affirming care accessible. 

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In 2013 I moved to Los Angeles and was hired as the Transgender Health Program (THP) Coordinator by St. John's Well Child and Family-Centered, a Federally Qualified Health Center located in South LA. At the time, there was a significant gap in transition-related medical care for adults in Los Angeles, with the primary provider being the Los Angeles LGBT Center. When I began, there were ten active patients. When I left in 2015, there were over 400 active patients in THP. In 2015 I joined the Los Angeles Gender Center, and in 2016 became the Executive Director. 

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I attended California State University, Chico, for my bachelor's degree in Social Science, focussing on multi-cultural and gender studies, sociology, and social work. In 2013 I graduated with a master's in social work. I am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Social Work from Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts.  

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In addition to my clinical work, I've provided training to thousands of medical and mental health providers throughout the United States and internationally. To learn more about my training experience, you can view my Curriculum Vitae in the Services tab.