I am a second-generation Egyptian American. I was born in Chicago, Illinois but both of my parents are from Cairo, Egypt. My work with the American Indian Counseling Center has given me a background in cultural psychiatry that allows me to be sensitive to the diverse needs of my patients. I also have extensive experience working with youth who have been adopted or are in the foster care system as one of the clinics I am staffed at specializes in this population (TIES for Families).  I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology from Harvey Mudd University where I published several papers about the ecology of several lizard species. I completed my medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine. I received both my trainings in general psychiatry residency at Loma Linda University and went on to obtain a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at Harbor UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles), where I continue to teach fellows in training. I have spent over 13 years practicing psychiatry and it gives me great satisfaction to walk alongside my patients on their road to whole-person recovery. Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy traveling to new places, reading fiction, spending time with my lovely family, baking, composing music on the piano, and bike riding.