About Me
I’m a Psychiatric Physician Assistant (PA-C) who believes care starts with listening. My path began in psychobiology at UCLA, followed by three years as an EMT, and clinical training at Salus at Drexel University. During my training, I rotated through psychiatry, addiction medicine, LGBTQ+ community health, pediatrics, family medicine, emergency medicine, surgery, and OB/GYN.
At ISL Psychiatry, I provide outpatient care for children, adolescents, and adults. At Fairmount Behavioral Health, I work in acute care settings, providing medical management for patients experiencing psychiatric crises.
My Path
I’ve always been fascinated by the way the mind and body are connected. That curiosity first took shape during my studies in psychobiology at UCLA, where I explored how thoughts, emotions, and physical health are woven together. Later, as an EMT, I found myself sitting with people in their most vulnerable moments, realizing that sometimes presence matters as much as treatment. Those experiences planted the seeds. Service deepened that pull. I supported people through Crisis Text Line, volunteered at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, mentored underserved youth, and worked with GlobeMed’s Mpoma Community HIV/AIDS Initiative in Uganda. Again and again, I saw that people want to be heard, understood, and met without judgment.
My own life has shaped me too. Living with a mental health condition has been a process of learning to use therapy and medication as tools rather than seeing them as weaknesses. And having to navigate stigma and the long work of self-acceptance has given me a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly seen and respected.
During PA training, I sought out rotations in psychiatry and addiction medicine, knowing this was where my interests and values aligned most closely. Every step along the way reinforced that psychiatry is where science, medicine, and human stories come together.
Philosophy
I didn’t always know psychiatry would be my path. But the more I learned to listen — really listen — the more I understood how vital it is to be seen. I’ve questioned my own beliefs, unpacked internalized stigma, and faced the quiet frustrations of a system that doesn’t always feel just or kind.
What I’ve found is that healing often begins with presence — with being seen and heard without judgment. I believe that real care is collaborative.
My role isn’t to dictate, but to walk alongside. My patients are the experts on their own experience. I offer knowledge and tools; we choose the direction together.
Beyond Medicine
I grew up in San Pedro, California, and now live in Pennsylvania with my partner and our two cats, Macho and Rocco. They remind me to be silly, curious, and kind. When I’m not working, I’m walking under the sun, mishearing lyrics, or dreaming up ideas that make no sense but still make me smile. Mindfulness has been a grounding part of my life — a reminder that showing up fully, awkwardness and all, is more than enough. I believe in care that is human, hopeful, and a little bit imperfect — because that’s where the real connection lives.
What I Treat
I currently provide medication management for children, adolescents, and adults
experiencing a wide range of mental health challenges. Every person’s story is unique,
but these are some of the areas I often help patients navigate
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Mood Disorders: Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
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Anxiety Disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Trauma Disorders: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and related conditions
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Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
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Psychotic Disorders: Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder
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Sleep Disorders: Insomnia and other disruptions in sleep
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Eating Disorders
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Substance Use Disorders
Care That Meets You Where You Are
I take a collaborative, trauma-informed approach to care. My clinical interests are more than diagnoses — I focus on understanding each person in context. What’s happening in your life? What matters to you? What are you hoping to feel better about? Together, we tailor medication plans, build insight, and navigate healing in a way that feels right for you.
From the Blog
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What People Are Saying
Rooted in Prescence, Guided by Stories
I’ve never felt as understood by a provider as I do with Joe. He takes the time to truly listen and makes me feel seen in a way I haven’t before. His ability to connect on a human level, while also guiding me through my challenges, has made all the difference in my healing journey.
Review Approvals
Emily R
Share Your Experience
If you’d like to share a few words about your experience with me — whether as a colleague, patient, or professional peer — please use the form below. You may remain anonymous. To protect your privacy, please do not include sensitive health or medical details. Thank you!
Get in Touch
I’d love to hear from you — whether you’re a fellow provider, a future collaborator, or simply someone interested in connecting.
Important Note:
For your safety, I cannot provide medical advice or respond to clinical concerns through this form. If you’re experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
Connect With Me
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