Hi there! My name is Ari and I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. I earned my bachelor's degree from UCLA (Go Bruins!), and also played Division I soccer there where my team won the program's first National Championship. After college, I moved to New York City to attend Columbia University where I earned my master's degree in Social Work. I am now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and am working toward becoming a Registered Play Therapist through UC San Diego Extension. I truly enjoy and appreciate learning about other people's backgrounds, interests, goals, and areas for growth. Each of us has our own experiences and journeys, and I integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered, and strengths-based approach in my work with young people. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside, exploring new hiking trails with my two dogs, and discovering new dessert spots!