About Me

Career

My name is Thekla; I am a clinical psychologist and bridge builder from research to real life. I am a national leader in addiction medicine and a strategic advisor to NIH (NIAAA/NIDA). I advise tech companies in product development, guide health systems in implementing evidence-based practices, and consult on self-compassion. I actively share thought leadership through podcasts, speaking engagements, educational mini-series, and individual and team-based consulting. My journey in the field of mental, social, and behavioral health began two decades ago, during which I honed my skills in teaching, training, coaching, facilitating, leading, and continuously learning. Before my tenure at Kaiser Permanente, I served my community in Addiction Medicine Recovery Services, Integrated Primary Care, Bilingual Family Counseling, and Jail Psychiatric Services.

Portfolio

Currently, you can find me:

· Advising cutting-edge tech companies in social and behavioral health

· Consulting with CEOs, medical students, physicians, parents, abortion providers on self-compassion

· Delivering presentations and podcasts on digital overwhelm, addiction, and resilience

· Guiding NIH strategy and supporting health systems in implementing evidence-based practice

Additionally, I leverage my clinical expertise and lived experience to foster connection, heal our healers, and serve on an art and sculpture garden board. In my tenure at Kaiser Permanente, I led the addiction leaders of operations and research across all eight markets, spearheaded the implementation and sustainability of evidence-based practices, created the National Harm Reduction Strategy, and developed a curriculum for numerous large-scale NIH studies. I advised national strategy for healthcare professionals' psychological well-being throughout the pandemic by facilitating healing circles and Balint groups, ultimately nurturing a more sustainable continuum of care.

As an experienced communication coach, I have contributed to medical education in the Foundations of Doctoring program at the University of Colorado and facilitated self-compassion sessions for students in the Colorado Permanente Longitudinal Clerkship program. Since 2009, I have been leading Provider Share Workshops in partnership with the Planned Parenthood Federation and the University of Michigan, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, I have been a member of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) Abortion School Faculty since 2016 and have served as a consultant to the Consortium of Abortion Providers.

Education

Living in Bolivia and Argentina as a young person profoundly shaped my worldview. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Colorado College and a Master's and Doctorate degree from the California School of Professional Psychology. Upon completion of my PsyD, I attended the University of Massachusetts Medical School for Integrated Behavioral Health Consultation and Management, UC San Diego School of Medicine for Self-Compassion in Healthcare Leadership, and the Center for Compassion and Altruism at Stanford University School of Medicine for Applied Compassion.

The world needs each of us; the best way to give is by nourishing from within.

I am an imperfect human, a mother, a partner, a sister, a daughter, a cousin, a friend, a neighbor, a student of somatic abolitionism and a citizen of the world.