About Dr. Porter

I am an educator, life-long learner, and people person.

I wear several hats as a licensed psychologist (TX #34515), adjunct professor, and professional speaker and trainer. I spend most of my work life delivering virtual keynotes and workshops to organizations large and small, from Fortune 500 financial firms to tech startups, national nonprofits to institutions of higher education. I also teach learning frameworks courses to first-year college students and maintain a small private practice where I counsel folks who are navigating big questions, like figuring out roadblocks to success, identifying and harnessing their strengths, taking values-guided action, cultivating meaningful relationships, and building their resilience via positive psychology.

With a track record of success as a management consultant for a Big Four professional services firm, college faculty member, university wellness programming chair, career counseling center director, and therapist with 20+ years of clinical experience, I bring a unique perspective to my work: I understand both the business need for soft skills development and the deeply personal impact that core skill-building can have on each of our lives. I love to translate the latest behavioral science research into actionable strategies that increase individual and organizational well-being.

I am a proud Stanford University alum who completed my bachelors and first masters degree there before continuing my education at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where I earned a second masters, a certificate in college and university teaching, and a PhD in Counseling/Clinical/School Psychology. I have had the good fortune to publish research in multiple peer-reviewed journals, present extensively at national conferences, and serve in leadership positions within my profession, including as a member of the Commission for Counseling and Psychological Services directorate for the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). Along the way, I have garnered accolades for my work, including ACPA’s Early Career Achievement Award, St. Edward’s University highest honor for innovation and excellence in service delivery, and Austin Community College’s Excellence Award.

People describe me as energetic, empathic, and equity-minded.

My style is highly collaborative and warm with a healthy dose of humor. I am an extrovert with a dash of nerd who enjoys bringing the head and the heart together in every session. I am attentive to the ways in which our various identities intersect, how inequity can be perpetuated by systems, and how we can play an important role in advocating for change. I am a hope hustler who is unafraid to tackle the tough stuff and who truly believes that there is always a way to get unstuck.

Curiosity and compassion are my calling cards.

Outside of work, you’re likely to find me with my nose in a good book, planning my next trip, spending time with loved ones, or retreating to my favorite spot on earth: the Big Sur coast. I value experiences over things, reach peak contentment when amidst tall trees, and am an avowed pop culture fan.