Born and raised in California to a Japanese mother and an American father, I was shaped early on by the values of cultural understanding, curiosity, and connection. Fascinated by people’s stories and life histories, I studied psychology at Amherst College in Massachusetts, where I developed a deep interest in the mind-body connection. After graduation, I was awarded an academic scholarship to spend a year in Japan, where I further explored that interest through the study and practice of meditation. I went on to earn my medical degree at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. 

Choosing a medical specialty wasn’t easy, as I loved all aspects of medicine. But I soon realized that family medicine was the perfect fit — it allowed me to work with people of all ages and care for them at each stage of their lives. I returned to California for residency at the Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency and completed an additional year of fellowship training in Integrative Medicine. During that time, I strengthened my knowledge of science and healing, led group medical visits, taught residents, and worked as an attending physician at the hospital. I also developed a growing interest in lifestyle medicine and the power of prevention in promoting wellness.

After my training, I worked for a decade at Hayward Wellness Community Health Center and then at Sutter Palo Alto Medical Foundation, where I had the privilege of caring for individuals and whole families — from newborns to adults. Then, life changed when my son was diagnosed with cancer at the age of two. Suddenly, I found myself on the other side of the medical system, learning how to advocate as a mother and caregiver. It was a challenging time, but one that gave me a deeper appreciation for the healthcare workers who cared for him and a renewed sense of empathy and purpose in my own work as a physician.

Now, I am excited to bring my knowledge in evidence-based medicine, lifestyle and wellness, and my experience as a healthcare advocate, to my concierge family medicine practice at Crescendo MD. 

Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors with my husband and two children, practicing yoga and meditation, exploring local farmers markets, and trying out new recipes.