Biography

Dina started her career working with children and teens who suffered from severe emotional disabilities. She provided them and their families with in-home treatment and coordinated services as well as ongoing crisis intervention. While in this role she also co-facilitated a weekly parent support group that provided an outlet for the families to engage with one another while learning effective coping skills. Working with adolescents and their families has been something that is meaningful and special to Dina and is an area she would like to continue to assist. Dina also has an extensive work history within the clinical setting which includes individual counseling and coordination with the medical team to ensure medication compliance and correspondence.

Dina tries to make a person feel welcome and comfortable within the first interaction and offers a non-judgmental approach to all struggles. Psycho-education is important and is something that she feels is necessary so that an individual, as well as their family, can try to understand the diagnoses as well as the treatment that will assist and provide the best outcome. Dina puts a lot of value into guiding clients to identify and find effective coping skills and positive self-care. This includes encouraging them to practice mindfulness and engage in exercise. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques are utilized as well as a Person-Centered approach. “I believe everyone has a story and one that is worth telling. I try to be open and honest as well as empathetic to everyone’s needs. I know that I cannot change a person’s situation, however, I can help them explore ways to cope with it and try to focus on what they do have control over. Life is full of ups and downs and I know that if I can help one person not feel alone and know that someone cares, that is a good day. I believe we all have a purpose and sometimes you need others to help you find it.”