Sara began her career as client services director at the Monterey County Crisis Center, where she led crisis intervention teams and developed countywide response protocols for trauma, sexual assault and domestic violence. She went on to manage complex behavioral health programs across California — including developing a transitional age youth program in San Diego County, redesigning Butte County's substance use disorder system of care, launching a medication-assisted treatment program and overseeing intensive outpatient services for youth and families.

As program manager for clinical and substance use disorder services at Butte County Behavioral Health, she spearheaded program development, quality assurance and interdisciplinary collaboration across multiple agencies.

Currently, as a private practice therapist, Sara provides trauma-informed, relationship-centered therapy for clients navigating transitions, mental health concerns and recovery. She integrates her background in crisis response, nutritional therapy and diversity training to address the mind–body connection and create sustainable pathways to healing.

In addition to her private practice, Sara serves as a contracted clinician for the NVCF Cares program. Sara provides case oversight to the Care Team and the Crew by ensuring high standards for care coordination, supporting coaches in safety assessments, resource navigation and transition planning. Through this work, Sara helps bridge immediate response efforts with long-term supports, ensuring families and youth receive seamless, trauma-informed interventions. Sara also leads NVCF’s free-of-cost caregiver support group via telehealth for parents of teens and children in Butte County.

Sara holds a master’s degree in psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy from Chapman University and a bachelor’s in sociology from San Francisco State University.When she’s not in session, Sara can often be found mentoring interns, training community responders or developing innovative family support tools that bridge clinical insight with practical, real-world application.