About Cristina

Thank you for considering me as your child’s therapist. It is important that you and your child feel comfortable with your new therapist as the relationship between your child and the therapist can be an important and powerful agent of change. So please let me tell you about myself. I am a mother of two and have been married for more than 20 years. My oldest daughter is a freshman in high school and my younger daughter is in elementary school.  As a mother, I understand the struggles that you and/or your family may face, and I can provide practical and real-life solutions to help your family.

As a therapist, I have worked most of my career in non-profit mental health community agencies where I have worked as a therapist, supervisor, and most recently as the Program Director. I have been licensed for over 10 years and am also a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. I have worked with couples, individuals (adults), families, and children but find the work with families and children the most rewarding. I incorporate Play Therapy in my treatment to help children find their own voice and express themselves in the language they know best – play.

Education and Certifications

Bachelor of Arts from UC Irvine, 1999
Master of Arts from Chapman University, 2003
Clinical Supervisor, 2009
Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, 2016

Professional Affiliations and Leadership Positions

Association for Play Therapy 

  • Member                   

California Association for Play Therapy 

  • Treasurer- 2020-2022
  • Treasurer- 2018-2020
  •  Member 

Orange County Association for Play Therapy

  • Immediate Past President- 2018
  • President – 2017
  • President Elect – 2016
  • Secretary 2014 and 2015
  • Member

Orange County Association for Marriage and Family Therapy 

  • Member