Paula received her Masters Degree in social work from University of Hawaii, Manoa in 1999. She serves as the coordinator for the Eating and Body Image Concerns (EBIC) team and Coordinator of Social Work Training. Paula joined the Duke University Counseling and Psychological Services team in September 2006. Prior to her arrival at Duke, she has provided clinical services and outreach for the Asian-Pacific Islanders and supervised Master’s level social work interns at the University of Hawaii, Manoa. While in Hawaii, Paula co-developed the first intensive outpatient treatment program for disordered eating with Dr. Anita Johnston (author: Eating in the Light of the Moon) and has focused her efforts on the prevention and treatment of disordered eating for the past 10 years.

Her special interests include body-oriented therapy, mindfulness, and creative arts approaches. She enjoys providing outreach to Duke students through her creative dance workshops. Paula is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and is a certified Journey Dance and Shake Your Soul instructor.