About Me
I received my Master's in Social Work at Columbia University in 2003, followed by 11 years working in New York City, and 11 in the Bay Area. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults, as well as parents. I also have extensive experience working with neurodiverse teens and adults.
I believe that it is never "too late" to heal. We can all shift and grow at any age. I believe that progress is a slow but a very possible process. I don't believe in shortcuts when it comes to your mental health. There is no quick fix. But there can be quick bursts of insight and joy that can keep you motivated to continue.
Work history & education
SF Bay area
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Therapeutic classroom therapist, Woodside HS, Ralston MS, 2014-2016
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Lead School-based Mental Health Therapist, Aragon High School, 2016-2024
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Private practice, 2023-present
NYC
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Crisis Counselor, NYC Public Schools, 2003-2004
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School Social Worker, Preschool, Special Education, 2004-2008
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Vocational Program Manager and Social Worker, Cooke School, Special Education, 2008-2014
Education
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Penn State University, Dual major BA in Journalism/Sociology, 2000
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Columbia University, MSSW, Master's in Social Work, 2003
My Story
​​"Kilaine" is a mix of my parent's first names. My mother is from the Midwestern United States, the daughter of an Australian immigrant with Czech roots. My father is an immigrant from Hong Kong, who came to the US solo at 19 years old for school. When they met in college, they found family in one another. Over time, they built a life together based on love, trust, and adventure.
I relate to the adventurous side of my father, who took a chance on moving 8000 miles away to a place he had only read about. I think I inherited his energy, playful personality, and his direct and honest approach.
I do my best to exude my mother's kindness, dedication to her family, and her drive to help others. Growing up, she always created a home where I felt safe, loved, and heard. I try to be the kind of mother that she was to me.
We lived in Tokyo in the 1980s for the majority of my childhood. I grew up with kids from all over the world, mostly who were living in a place that they were not from and likely would not stay. It allowed me to learn the importance of adaptation to change and how to see the world through a global perspective.
As a "Third Culture Kid", I'm passionate about work with youth and adults to sort through the challenges and celebrate the benefits of these communities.
Here's a little more about me
Pottery As My Center
I love the process of pottery. Turning mud and sand into something beautiful and useful is extremely gratifying. It takes frustration tolerance, patience, and perseverance. It often turns out differently than you were expecting, despite following all steps "properly." It can also be beautiful and surprising. Anyone see a metaphor for life?
Check out an article from Psychology Today about the benefits of working with clay.
My Personal Interests
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Hosting people in my home! Especially as we get older, I think we need to remember to connect.
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Taking my family (or just myself) out to eat ramen, the world's most perfect food.
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Getting muddy in my pottery studio, trying to make my cylinders taller.
The Human Side
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My struggle to keep my house organized is real. I'm constantly trying to find my inner Marie Kondo.
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After 20+ years of working with human behavior, I have yet to understand why my kids "can't" put their shoes away.
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I need to remind myself that exercise won't really help my health if I only do it "when I feel like it."