MY JOURNEY
My initiation into this work was through my own lived suffering. I have my own background of extensive childhood and adult traumas, I was an emergency room nurse though the pandemic, and a several years ago went though a profound spiritual awakening/ emergency, that finally pushed me beyond what I could manage.
When my body finally said "no" the tools I had weren’t cutting it, and I found myself desperately searching for something that actually worked for my body, energy, and spirit, even if it seemed weird. Qigong and somatic healing were the glue that put me back together better that I ever was before. I also found incredible support being with nature, in community, finding my voice, and dancing with others. Piece by piece I built a foundation that allowed me to return more wholly and authentically to myself, more than I dreamed possible. Somatic Experiencing and Qigong specifically helped me recover from debilitating CPTSD, fear, dissociation, shame, and a feeling of being haunted by darkness.
I was surprised to discover more than just relief though! The healing journey unlocked more playfulness, curiosity, presence, and pleasure in life, even more than I experienced as a child. What started as a means of survival has been the catalyst for what I passionately share now. While no one can do this work for you, I know that having someone with a guidebook and a reassuring, supportive hand along the way can make all the difference.
I'm excited to support you in finding your own inner healing magic and learn how to rest in and call upon the steady strength that has always lived inside you.
TRAININGS
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner in Training:
Completion of Beginning and Intermediate Years with renowned senior teacher Abi Blakeslee SEP, CMT, MFT, Ph.D.
Private Medical Qigong Apprenticeship:
Four years and ongoing.
Mind Body Coach:
The Embody Lab.
Somatic Attachment & Developmental Therapy:
Training in progress - The Embody Lab.
200 Hour Yoga Teaching Training:
Vinyasa Yoga School in Rishikesh, India.
Registered Nurse (RN, BSN):
Seven Years of Experience as a critical care nurse and travel nurse in emergency rooms, anesthesia recovery, and youth residential community summer camps.
just for fun facts...
When I was younger, I was captivated by movies where the 'good guys' could expertly read body language to track down the 'bad guys'. Now, and my inner child is thrilled that I'm developing the ability to notice even the subtlest shifts in body language. Instead of chasing villains though, I use these tracking skills to guide healing and transformation.
I can see energy, or qi with my eyes. I’ve been able to since I was a tiny kid, though I didn’t know what it was at the time. I see it as a white hazy glow around people, animals, and trees, and it's evolved over my years of qigong practice. It’s fascinating to watch my qigong students essentially “light up” as they increase their qi during practice.
I love contact improv! It was the start of my embodiment journey in a way that yoga never quite reached. It made me realize that dancing with others is my favorite form of medicine.
I have an unwavering opinion that Avatar the Last Airbender is one of the greatest works of art of all time. Qigong makes me feel like a water bender and I absolutely love sharing it.