About Me
With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I bring an integrative approach to psychiatric care that blends scientific research, psychotherapy, and contemplative traditions to support deep healing and self-awareness. As the founder and sole practitioner of Adhara Insight NP in Psychiatry, I provide compassionate, holistic mental health care, helping individuals navigate their inner world with clarity, resilience, and a sense of empowerment.
Education & Training
My educational journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Lafayette College, where I developed a strong foundation in the science of the mind and brain. Building on this, I pursued both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing at Columbia University, specializing in Psychiatric-Mental Health Advanced Practice. This training equipped me with the clinical expertise to provide comprehensive mental health care while deepening my understanding of the intricate connections between biology, psychology, and emotional well-being.
Alongside my formal medical training, I have devoted years to exploring contemplative and somatic approaches to healing. I hold multiple certifications from the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science, including Contemplative Psychotherapy with a focus on Mindfulness and Compassion Practices, Compassion-Based Resilience Training (CBRT) Teacher Training, and a certificate in Yoga Psychology. Additionally, I have completed the Gradual Path Contemplative Studies Program with Dr. Miles Neale, further integrating Buddhist philosophy and psychology into my work.
My commitment to holistic healing continues to evolve. I am currently enrolled in the Somatic Attachment Therapy Certificate Program through The Embody Lab, as well as a Clinical Certification in Stress, Anxiety, and Self-Regulation with HeartMath. As a 200-hour certified yoga teacher, trained through YogaWorks and registered with Yoga Alliance, and with almost 20 years of a personal yoga practice, I incorporate gentle movement and breathwork as valuable tools for nervous system regulation and emotional resilience.
Through this diverse and integrative training, I seek to bridge neuroscience, psychotherapy, contemplative traditions, and somatic healing to offer a truly holistic approach to mental health and well-being.
Clinical & Research Experience
With 14 years of experience as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I have dedicated my career to providing compassionate, holistic mental health care. As the founder and sole practitioner of Adhara Insight NP in Psychiatry, I have spent the past nine years in private practice offering individualized care that integrates clinical expertise with a deep understanding of the whole person.
My work has taken me into some of the most underserved communities in New York City, where I spent a decade providing psychiatric care to individuals facing complex challenges, including those living with HIV/AIDS and transitioning from incarceration.
Before becoming a nurse practitioner, I worked as a psychiatric nurse at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, where I gained firsthand experience supporting individuals with severe mental illness. My commitment to advancing the field of psychiatry also extends to research—at the Nathan Kline Institute, I studied schizophrenia, focusing on sensory processing, cognitive functioning, and the neurological underpinnings of psychosis.
Beyond clinical care, I have contributed to the education and mentorship of future mental health professionals. As a former clinical supervisor for Columbia University’s Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner program, I guided advanced practice students in their training. I also host undergraduate externs from Lafayette College each year, providing hands-on education in neuroscience and psychology.
Buddhist Studies & Contemplative Practice
My work is deeply informed by my longstanding commitment to Buddhist studies and contemplative practice. I have studied the Lam Rim for many years and have undertaken spiritual pilgrimages across Asia and the Himalayas, deepening my understanding of Tibetan Buddhist psychology and philosophy.
My primary teacher, Geshe Tenzin Zopa, is affiliated with the Gelugpa Lineage and the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). Beyond study, I have been actively involved in service projects with nunneries in Ladakh and the Tsum Valley, further integrating the values of compassion and resilience into both my personal and professional life.
Healing as a Path of Self-Discovery
At the heart of my work is the belief that healing is a profound journey of self-discovery—one that requires both curiosity and courage. I specialize in working with individuals who are deeply committed to personal growth, whether that means navigating emotional challenges, transforming long-held patterns, or cultivating a greater sense of self-awareness.
My approach is integrative, blending psychodynamic therapy, attachment theory, somatic awareness, and relational therapy with Buddhist psychology, yoga, mindfulness, and compassion-based practices. I also take into account the effects of intergenerational trauma and inherited patterns, helping clients recognize how unconscious influences shape their emotional lives.
If you are ready to engage in deep, meaningful self-inquiry while also developing practical tools for healing, I invite you to begin this work with me.