My Story

There is no doubt my approach to Healing and Coaching have been shaped by my own life experiences and experiments.

I lived in a yoga center, Kripalu, for 10 years beginning in 1983, age 20. I worked as a manager and learned the organizational side of running a large holistic program center. At Kripalu I gained holistic lifestyle practices that continue to be the foundation of my life today including yoga, pranayama (breathing),  meditation, healthy diet, self-care practices and listening to my heart.

I have firsthand experience with many approaches to personal development, healing and spirituality including workshops, retreats, psychotherapy, leadership trainings, wilderness immersions, medicine journies, ecstatic dance and world travel.

I have also learned a lot from my relationships including step-parenting 3 wonderful kids who have grown up into creative, generous and loving adults.

It’s been a long road for me to find inner peace. In spite of my disciplined commitment to personal growth, I continued to struggle with anxiety, depression, shame and low self-esteem/imposter syndrome. Thanks to some outstanding research (see The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk) it is now understood that negligent parenting (whether it be due to addiction, absence or mental health issues) imprints a child’s nervous system from the earliest age with coping patterns to their environment. I came to understand, with the support of good therapists, the insideous nature of my cPTSD was at the root of my issues. This understanding has helped me tremendously but it is still a daily practice to catch myself when I trigger and to do the self-care I need to stay balanced.

Given my own story and 40 years in personal development spaces, I can be synical of anyone who sells their service or product as a magic bullet to healing or enlightenment. I have had profound break throughs in workshops, with teachers and healers and in plant medicine ceremony but I can honestly say, that no matter how much I thought I had a permanently transformed, my depression always returned over time. I have come to respect a humble and integrative approach that recognizes complexity and the influences of trauma on one’s psychology and encourages daily practice of mindfulness, exercise and self compassion. My respect goes to those of us who embrace our human vulnerablity and see it as a strength.

Another important chapter of my life focused on cultural sensitivity and diversity. I learned just how much I don’t know! I have come to value conversations with people who are different from me, and the ways we can grow each other, if we are willing to listen.

I love nature, gardens, local organic food and the simpler things in life. I lived in Santa Fe, NM for 27 years and have recently moved north to Taos. I am loving this small mountain town rich in spirit and good people. I take daily hikes my dog Tiba.