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My Professional Path

My journey in nursing began in the Philippines, where I earned my BSN, and then migrated to the United States in the mid-90s, driven by both responsibility and hope for better opportunities for myself and my family. From my earliest years as a staff nurse, I embraced leadership roles—charge nurse, preceptor, educator, and hospital committee leader—because I believed in not only caring for my patients but also in shaping the future of nursing.

I completed my MSN with a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) focus and became board certified by ANCC in 2012. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working across specialties—family practice, neurology, primary care, and cardiology. I also obtained my full practice authority license.

While practicing as a cardiology NP, and through my previous diverse experiences, I discovered a common thread: many patients who came to me with medical concerns were also silently struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma. I realized that physical health and mental health are deeply interconnected—and that true healing requires addressing both. I then pursued a post-graduate certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practice (PMHNP) and achieved board certification, while moonlighting in a psychiatric clinic. 

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Why I Chose Psychiatry

Psychiatry was not an obvious path for me. My earlier exposure to psychiatry felt impersonal—many practiced mainly on prescriptions and symptom management. I saw the gap this model left behind, and I envisioned a different way to practice: one that honors the whole person, tailors treatment plans to each individual, and empowers people to rediscover their inner strength. That vision led me to create my own private practice, where I can provide care rooted in compassion, listening, and holistic healing.

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Who I Am Beyond My Work

I grew up in the Philippines as the oldest of five children. At an early age, I was taught the ethics of hard work, responsibilities, honesty, and integrity. I immigrated to the U.S. in my early-20s and arrived in Chicago in the middle of winter with just a small bag of clothes, a pair of shoes, no coat, little money, a lot of debt, and a great deal of determination. I learned to overcome being intimidated by the culture, language, and way of life. My mantra was simple: I am here to stay, so failure is not an option.

These early challenges shaped who I am today—resilient, grounded, and deeply committed to service. They also remind me that growth is not stagnant; we evolve through our struggles, and our environment profoundly shapes us. I believe each of us carries unique strengths waiting to be uncovered, and part of my role is helping patients discover those strengths within themselves. 

Outside of work, I find joy in the simple things: gardening, sewing, reading for hours, exercise/yoga, meditation, walking to clear my mind, and traveling. My family is my anchor, and some of my happiest moments are when we’re together, doing nothing special at all. I love to laugh, dance a little in unexpected moments, and remind myself not to take life too seriously. My friends and colleagues often say my laughter is infectious, and my patients tell me they appreciate my calm presence, honesty, and the way I truly listen.

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The Patients I Serve

I help adults who appear to have “it all together” but carry unseen burdens—those balancing careers, families, and countless responsibilities, yet quietly struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or burnout. Many of my patients describe sleepless nights filled with racing thoughts, the pressure to keep performing, and the fear of being judged as weak if they ask for help.

I have a special interest in supporting women navigating postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause—transitions in life that often go underrecognized yet profoundly affect mental and emotional well-being. My care is especially attuned to immigrants, professionals, and working parents who feel the weight of expectations and silently long for relief, resilience, and peace.

Accepting new patients in Illinois

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What I Offer That’s Different

As a dual-certified nurse practitioner, my approach is patient-centered, relationship-based, deeply holistic, compassionate, and empowering. I believe healing happens when people feel heard, understood, and unhurried. That’s why I prioritize longer visits, active listening, and meaningful conversations.

In treatment, I combine evidence-based medicine with integrative options. This may include:

  • Lab testing >> to help identify underlying medical issues that may contribute to anxiety, depression, or mood symptoms.

  • Medication management >> judicious use of medications (as one of the tools) tailored to your needs.

  • Nutraceuticals and supplements >> it is important to address any nutritional deficiencies that may contribute to energy, mood, gut and brain health.

  • Psychotherapy >> delivered in a safe, no judgement space, to help uncover and heal root causes.

  • Mindfulness practices >> learn tools to build resilience and presence.

  • Lifestyle coaching >> build healthier routines and self-care practices to develop a healthier you.

My goal is not just to reduce symptoms, but to help patients feel empowered, grounded, and hopeful. I want every person I work with to walk away knowing that they are not alone, that healing is possible, and that they already hold the strength within them to transform their lives.

Schedule a Free Phone Consultation
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My Philosophy

I believe that:

  • Every person has unique strengths that can be uncovered and used for healing.

  • True well-being requires nurturing both the mind and body.

  • Healing begins with being seen, heard, and accepted without judgment.

  • Resilience is built not by avoiding struggle, but by growing through it.

And above all, as long as there is life—there is hope.