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.
Education
2000
Penn State University, Dual major BA in Journalism/Sociology
2003
Columbia University, MSSW, Master's in Social Work
NYC
2003-2004
Crisis Counselor, NYC Public Schools
2004-2008
School Social Worker, Preschool, Special Education
2008-2014
Vocational Program Manager and Social Worker, Cooke School, Special Education
Bay area
2014-2016
Therapeutic classroom therapist, Woodside HS, Ralston MS
2016-2024
Lead School-based Mental Health Therapist, Aragon High School
2023-present
Present, Private Practice
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.