the individual

At the heart of my work is a commitment to cultivating meaningful, long-term relationships. I feel most fulfilled when collaborating with curious individuals motivated to understand themselves better through reflection and experimentation. I feel grateful for the opportunities to witness everyday progress—the sometimes tentative, sometimes confident, and occasionally stumbling steps people take toward themselves, towards alignment, ease, and contentment.

I’ve always been fascinated by people, their inner and outer worlds, unique stories, and lived experiences. To be present with someone in their most vulnerable moments is a privilege and a responsibility.

My approach is rooted in humility rather than authority, guided by the understanding that each person holds the compass to steer their healing journey. While I find meaning in sharing my knowledge and expertise, I also recognize that every patient has something to teach me. I see my role is both educator and student, not a perfect professional, but a human doing their best, just like you.

Authenticity and connection are the foundation of my life’s work, shaping how I show up in my clinical practice and personal relationships. At the heart of my work is a commitment to growth and integrity. That involves tending to my own inner world: reflecting on my beliefs, examining old patterns, and showing myself the compassion I offer to others. I believe in practicing what I teach.

Outside clinical care, I enjoy spending time with friends, immersing myself in nature, reading, and dabbling in artistic expression. I value lifelong learning, community, self-exploration, and creativity.

As I’ve worked to define my identity and values, I’ve had to acknowledge the role of privilege in shaping the course of my life. Immigrating to the United States during childhood allowed me to pursue my passions in adulthood. My parents fled Serbia in 1999, seeking safety from the turmoil of war. We were the lucky winners of the green card lottery and granted a Diversity Immigrant Visa. With a couple of suitcases in tow, my parents made the difficult decision to leave everything else behind.

Growing up with hardworking parents who had to rebuild their lives from the ground up instilled a deep appreciation for perseverance and resourcefulness. I watched my parents navigate an unfamiliar country, start over in jobs far below their qualifications, and find creative ways to provide and thrive. Their ability to create stability and reestablish community left an enduring imprint on how I understand strength and resilience.

My parents set an example for facing uncertainty and overcoming hardship, which I would look toward as I navigated challenges in my life. My interest in mental health began long before formal training. Living with chronic pain from a young age gave me firsthand insight into how profoundly our psychological and physical health are intertwined. My experiences with various therapies have given me a more nuanced understanding of healing and continue to inform the compassion I bring to my work.

Those early experiences sparked deeper questions: What mechanisms underlie chronic disease states? Why do so many conventional approaches fall short? How might healing unfold outside traditional models of care? I began exploring these ideas during high school (and have been ever since).

I’ll never forget the argumentative, evidence-based essay I wrote for my AP Language class defending the therapeutic potential of MDMA for the treatment of PTSD. It was the first time that I took a stand in support of psychedelic medicine. This was in many ways the seed that bore my career.

In clinical practice, I’ve had the chance to witness how psychedelic-assisted treatments can help people move forward in remarkable ways. I’ve seen individuals break free from limiting beliefs, cultivate self-acceptance, gain clarity about life choices and priorities, and discover renewed hope.

Psychedelics enhance neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new pathways. This creates a powerful window for learning and change. When paired with careful guidance and integrative support, psychedelics can help patients access their root causes of suffering, not just manage symptoms. They have the potential to foster deep psychological insights and lasting shifts in perspective.

Many years have passed since I first started learning about integrative therapies for promoting neuropsychiatric wellness, and my dedication continues to deepen alongside clinical experiences guided by curiosity.

As much as I love learning about psychedelics, nutrition, and holistic health, I’m just as passionate about sharing that knowledge with patients, clinicians, and community members. That’s why this site exists. Thank you for being here. I hope this space offers something meaningful.

– Valentina