“Because the relationship
between self and the world is reciprocal,
it is not a question
of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting.
As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.”
―Robin Wall Kimmerer
My path, as that of many, has been non-linear and often unexpected. With a background in communications, women’s studies and photography, I did a short stint in the corporate world. I soon realized I needed more connection to spirit and began exploring how to better connect in the world – to myself and to others – to really live this one precious life. That journey has been rich in creating beautiful things – for many years making, teaching and showing art. Guided by a deep love of nature and natural materials, I trained as a furniture maker, and taught art and woodworking all over the SF Bay Area, sharing love of the creative process to students as young as 3 and as old as 93.
While healing from a motorcycle accident, I became more curious about the mind-body-spirit connection, as well as how we create strategies to cope with our life experiences. I began an ongoing exploration about how to weave the teachings I have received and offer to others an integrative and co-creative healing environment. In support of that inquiry, I have been and remain committed to personal work on issues related to diversity, equality, and inclusion, and to gaining tools and continuing to explore how our experiences live in the body and inform our actions. My studies have included but are not limited to:
- Hakomi Comprehensive Training: two-year training in mindfulness-centered somatic psychotherapy
- From Trauma to Dharma: a one-year somatic Buddhism informed trauma training with Manuela Mischke Reeds
- Relational Somatic Healing: Foundations, Touch and Character Map trainings around embodied touch in psychotherapy with Dr. Shirley Dvir
- Re-Creation of the Self (R-CS): Intensive Training, interweaving neurobiology, mindfulness and somatic, experiential psychology, with Jon Eisman
- Body-Mind Centering: an integrated and embodied approach to movement, the body and consciousness with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen
- Foundations and Therapeutics of Western Clinical Herbalism, including medicine making: Two-year training at the Berkeley Herbal Center
- Energetics of Herbalism One-year program with Liz Migliorelli of Sister Spinster
- Herbalism in support of Treating Trauma with Karyn Sanders of Blue Otter School and The Herbal Highway
- Global Ethnobotany with a Local Focus with Kathleen Harrison of Botanical Dimensions
- Delving into the Divine Feminine Nature in Archetypal Form: Exploring transformative creative processes with Chris Zydel of Creative Juices Art
- Finding Ourselves in Fairytales: A Narrative Psychological Approach Graduate Certificate program with Dr. Sharon Blackie
If you are ready for change, need support during a life transition, are sitting with experiences that need integration, are curious about what’s next for you, or would like to explore a more unconventional way of navigating in your world, I offer you a unique approach in support of your journey. My commitment is to meet you wherever you are with an open mind and heart and provide guidance as you explore what it means to be in flow. I welcome you to follow your own pace as you befriend and integrate all your parts: growing, expanding, creating, healing and thriving.