Meet Our Team - Dinaz Vilms
Dinaz Vilms, LCSW
Position at the Hallowell Todaro ADHD Center:
Clinical Director, Director of School-Based Services, Senior Therapist
How long have you been working at Hallowell Todaro ?
Since the first day we opened the CA office at the beginning of 2020.
Where did you grow up?
I spent much of my childhood living between what felt like two different worlds, both in India and California.
What are some of your favorite books, movies, and/or TV shows?
I enjoy reading anything inspirational and watching light-hearted, funny things, as there is already enough seriousness in our day-to-day lives.
What is your favorite sport and/or sports team?
I’m not really big into sports (my husband is an avid Packers and Cardinals fan, though), but I will sometimes watch a good tennis match or my little cousins competing on the squash court.
Complete the following sentences:
When I’m not at work, you can find me...
socializing with friends, trying a new restaurant, or spending quality time with my husband, my two energetic boys, and our dog.
When I want to de-stress, I...
like to sing, listen to music, watch Broadway shows, and lounge by the pool imagining I’m on a tropical island.
My favorite time of year is...
fall in the City, watching the leaves change color…
My favorite thing to cook is…
I’m not much of a cook, but I love baking all kinds of treats.
The best gift I ever received was…
learning to find happiness and joy in the smallest things.
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I’d go...
back to Bora Bora or Crete and continue my quest to explore every exotic beach in the world.
What led you to pursue a career in helping others?
My social work journey began with the desire to help bridge the inequities around us. I’ve always been deeply interested in understanding people’s stories and encouraging them to find their inner strengths. My own personal experiences of having to navigate between two very different cultures and expectations growing up fueled this passion to help others find their voice and advocate for what they believe.
What education, skills and expertise do you bring to your role?
I have a B.S. in Psychology (with a minor in Music) from Santa Clara University, and a master’s in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University in New York. At the heart of my work is a deep respect for each person’s unique story. Drawing from my own multicultural background, I encompass a holistic, strength-based approach that integrates a variety of evidence-based models, as well as mindfulness. Through empathy, humor, and authenticity, I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to “unwrap their gifts,” often revealing strengths they had not recognized before.
Prior to joining the Hallowell Center, I spent many years as a psychiatric social worker for Santa Clara County working with addiction and at-risk youth in the juvenile justice system.
As a longtime Palo Alto resident, a former Palo Alto High School student, a school-based mental health provider at the Children’s Health Council, and now a parent and advocate, I have a deep connection to the community and am able to offer both professional expertise and personal insight into the unique challenges families face—especially those navigating complex educational, emotional, and neurodevelopmental needs.
I also enjoy providing support and mentorship to my colleagues, and as a certified California State supervisor, I work with associate-level practitioners and interns to help guide their clinical skills and expertise as they prepare for licensure.
Who/what inspires you?
I am inspired by the resilience of the human body and mind.
“The road of life twists and turns, and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination”
- Don Williams Jr.
What’s your personal philosophy/approach toward the work you do?
I believe in the power of connection and meeting people where they are at through listening without judgment, using compassion and curiosity.
What are a few small things people can do to increase their happiness?
Trust your instincts, give respect and expect respect, and most importantly, live each day to the fullest without regret. Don’t let your past get in the way of your present or your future.
We provide a range of support for people with ADHD.
