Nani joined Summit in June 2022 as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 2017. Nani enjoys working with adolescents, young adults, adults, and families. She has experience working with individuals struggling with addiction and substance use disorders, along with co-occurring mental health diagnoses, such as anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD and trauma.
After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Mary Washington, Nani spent two and a half years working in wilderness therapy and outdoor programming with adolescents struggling to succeed in conventional programs. She has over a decade of professional experiences working with adolescents, adults and families in various settings, including facilitating group therapy and individual sessions.
Nani uses a strength-based approach when working with clients and families, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques throughout the session. She is passionate about working with her clients to help them to better understand the disease of addiction, repair relationships, eliminate stigma against mental health disorders and return to a healthy and balanced life. In addition to being a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Nani is trained in American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria, a Qualified Mental Health Professional working with Children (QMHP-C), and a certified SMART Recovery group facilitator.
In her free time, Nani enjoys hiking, drinking iced coffee, painting, exploring National Parks, laughing with friends, and spending time with her dog. She uses she/her pronouns.
