My Backstory:

In 2011, my then 8-year-old son Alex was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, craniopharyngioma. Following surgery, our lives were permanently transformed by the long-term consequences of the disease, including hypothalamic obesity and hyperphagia—conditions with profound impacts on quality of life and no effective treatments at that time.

Driven by love for my son and a determination to improve his future, I became an advocate, internationally-read blogger (Hope for HO), and researcher. In 2016 I conducted an experimental treatment for Alex using oxytocin and its success led to the publication of a case study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. In 2020, I joined the Board of Directors of Raymond A. Wood Foundation (RAWF), where I continue to work to improve the lives of hypothalamic-pituitary brain tumor survivors and their families through advocacy, patient education, support programs, and scientific research.

Along the way, I discovered painting and documentary filmmaking as powerful tools for advocacy. Through creative expression, I seek to make visible the often-unseen experiences of patients and caregivers, foster empathy, and inspire action. My work is rooted in the belief that storytelling through art can illuminate the obscure sides of rare disease and help build a future with greater awareness, better treatments, and stronger support for those whose lives have been forever changed.

Besides my work with rare disease, I work as a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma. I am also a very active volunteer in my local community and serve on the board of directors of Albany Community Foundation. I am the founder and organizer of several arts and music events, including Seen&Heard (art exhibit), Albany COVIDchella (music festival), and Move’n’Groove (5K race and music festival). Finally, for my own musical enjoyment, I sing in the Oakland Jazz Choir and sing and play bass in two rock bands, the Bassments and RetroActive.