I am a South Asian American and unwavering ally. As a bicultural person who grew up in India, but stuck out as a US-born kid, and who struggled to belong after returning “home” to California, I have my own experience with otherness.
I humbly recognize my privileges. I recognize that I will never fully understand your own experience of otherness. You probably deal with enough assumptions being made about you. I believe in learning about you from you, while lightening the burden society puts on you about ableism, shapism, racism, sexism, ageism, and all other isms.
As a health psychologist, I’m familiar with the challenges faced by diverse individuals and families in the health system. It’s harder to feel understood. It’s harder for your symptoms to be understood or taken seriously, sometimes even by well-meaning providers. Having an advocate matters, whether you’re living with cancer or trying to fix your sleep. As your advocate, I see you and support you as a whole person.
Credentials, Experiences, and Awards
University of California San Francisco
Psycho-Oncology Service: Cancer Survivorship Wellness Program
VA Palo Alto Healthcare System
Behavioral Medicine, Palliative Psychology, Family Therapy
Awards/Fellowships
Gerald Davison Award for Excellence in Science-Based Practice
National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, T32 Fellowship at UCSF
