I thought I was an alien. My whole life I tried to figure out why I could never quite fit in. At one point, I had come to the conclusion that this must have been my first lifetime as a human, I must come from some alien civilization reincarnated to study humanity, because even after decades of trying to “fit in” with society, being a “typical” human never made sense to me.

It was not until I was in my 30’s that I discovered my own neurodivergence as an Autistic and ADHD human, that my entire life began to make sense. It changed everything for me. For the first time in my life I understood not only that nothing was wrong with me, but that I am not alone. There are many incredible neurodivergent individuals on this journey too.

As a Vanderbilt-trained, holistic, board certified, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I have witnessed the harm that comes from our traditional, western mental health system and the harmful misunderstandings regarding neurodivergent folx even within the mainstream mental health community.

Stardust Neuroaffirming Wellness was created to work collaboratively with folx on their journey to better understanding themselves, their neurotype, and available supports and communities. We take a non-pathologizing approach with your voice and lived experience centered throughout.

I personally have an eclectic background working in a wide variety of environments including teaching at an alternative school for youth with behavioral/emotional struggles, non-profit work advocating for human rights and a broad range of social issues including racism, immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, poverty, healthcare and more, facilitating trauma-sensitive yoga sessions, working with those struggling through acute mental health crisis, and providing holistic mental health care and medication management specializing in working with neurodivergent and LQBTQIA+ folx.

In my free time I love to travel, watch trashy TV like Vanderpump Rules with my partner, hike, and read a good Octavia Butler or N.K. Jemisin book. I’m also incredibly passionate about social justice, harm reduction, and creating a more equitable world.