About Me

​

 After a 15-year career in advertising, I found myself at a crossroads. I was feeling unfulfilled. At the age of 40, and in the face of great uncertainty, I decided to start over. I re-examined my values, and rewrote my life goals to include a more meaningful career in helping others.

 

In 2010, I moved from New Mexico to California to attend John F. Kennedy University's Masters in Counseling Psychology program, and the rest is history. While studying somatic psychology, I gained a new understanding of how our bodies and nervous systems respond to trauma, and everything began to click for me. Teaching others about trauma and the body, and encouraging others to find themselves and manifest their dreams, is now at the heart of what I do.

​

My approach begins with empathy and warm acceptance, which I believe are some of the most important ingredients of a healing relationship - ones that help us feel loved and understood by others. I value open-heartedness and humor as integral parts of the work. My work is inspired by a wide range of somatic, creative, and body-based approaches, and informed by my trainings in techniques such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Guided Imagery, Expressive Arts Therapy, and IFS (Internal Family Systems). 

​

Affirming of sexual and gender diversity. 

I welcome and celebrate the broad spectrum of identities that exist around sexuality, sexual orientation, gender, and relationship style. My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for ALL people, including LGBTQIA+ identified people and those in poly & kink communities.

​

Racial justice allied.

The legacy of white supremacy is real and has a negative impact on the mental health of everyone. I recognize the existence of race-based traumatic stress, and support the work we must all do to dismantle that legacy and embrace the changes needed to move toward a more equitable society.

​

Appreciative of all things art and feline. 

I love cats, most especially my faithful feline friend Sammy. I am in the midst of exploring my artistic side – current pursuits include jewelry-making, silversmithing, and beading.