As a first-generation college student and former community college attendee, I began my academic journey with an AA in Psychology from Cerritos College, followed by a BA in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), and a Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an MFT track from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). This degree provided me the opportunity to engage in research on pain, anxiety, PTSD, virtual reality, and program evaluation at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. My career then shifted towards clinical practice, where I provided mental health services to high-risk youth that require the highest level of outpatient services through the Department of Mental Health (DMH). I have over a decade of various evidence-based practices and specialized training in crisis intervention. Throughout this time, I have also been teaching psychology since 2011. I have always had a passion for teaching and mentoring community college students no matter what area of psychology I was involved in. As an educator, I find it incredibly rewarding to empower my students to pursue fulfilling careers and higher education.