As a psychotherapist, I was fortunate to work alongside the best Clinical Supervisors and colleagues with professional experience in community mental health, substance disorders, LGBTQ-affirmative therapy and at-risk populations, in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. 

 

After more than a decade of counseling individuals, couples and groups, as well as adolescents in residential treatment and their families, I am thrilled to be stepping into this next phase of my professional life.  

 

As a Certified Transformational Coach and Psychedelic Integration Guide, my work remains grounded in trauma-informed practices and professionalism, while my Buddhist practice grounds me firmly in ethical conduct and mindful presence. My greatest joy is to support others to explore the mysteries of mind/body wisdom and plant medicine healing with curiosity, humility and compassion.

 

Having endured chronic pain and debilitating immune system dysfunction for decades, precipitated by trauma from a near-fatal car accident in college, and losing my mother while still a teenager, I am no stranger to the many realms of suffering that are possible in the course of a human life. 

 

Having worked with my own PTSD and physical pain with the support of alternative, non-western approaches to healing such as acupuncture, meditation and Reiki energy, I am deeply familiar with a multitude of somatic, meditative and holistic approaches to wellness. But my journey is not the focus here- your life experiences and unique challenges will be at the center of all that we do together if you choose to work with me as your personal Transformational Coach and Integration Guide.

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In 1995, l attended my first Zen Buddhist retreats at Green Gulch, San Francisco Zen Center and Tassajara. In 1997, I took the Five Buddhist Precepts of ethical conduct with Thich Nhat Hahn, Vietnamese Zen Teacher, author and social activist. 

 

I've deepened my study and practice of Mahayana and Vipassana Buddhist meditation for more than twenty-five years, learning from the Dharma and striving to embody the Noble Eightfold Path of ethical conduct in my life and work.  

 

I continue to offer meditation instruction, dharma talks and individualized support for Buddhist study and practice, both online and in-person.  

 

As a student of Thich Nhat Hahn (“Thay”) I consider myself to be of the Mahayana Heart Lineage.  My Buddhist name is  “Peaceful Bodhisattiva of the Heart.” 

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I consider myself fortunate to be on the path of dharma practice every single day. In 2024, I completed an intensive residential program of Buddhist Study for Dedicated Practitioners at Spirit Rock Meditation Center. I have spent more than 120 days on residential silent meditation retreats and have lead or co-facilitated sanghas and small groups in Zen, Mahayana and Vipassana Buddhist traditions for the past three decades.

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I have taught and facilitated groups in Outdoor Education, Creative Writing, Self-defense for women, Buddhist meditation and nervous system regulation/somatic practices for more than three decades, as well as horseback riding, equine learning, dog training and Reiki for animals and humans, and have co-hosted live radio shows.

 

Perhaps most important to my own heart practices, I have loved, cared for, trained and fostered many beloved horses and dogs for more than forty years! Since 2002, I have facilitated equine healing programs and equine assisted learning sessions for individuals, groups and therapy clients, as well as for couples and families.

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My daughter is my greatest teacher and wisest friend - she is 27 now and was adopted as an infant from an orphanage. Parenting is a profound practice of learning and heart opening that can bring great joy and push us to the edges of compassion - I love working with parents and supporting all the stages of life that challenge and nourish us.

 

With great humility, I consider myself a “Wise Elder in Training” as I enter my 60th year.  It is my deepest joy to work with others in this rich and challenging stage of life!

 

May All Beings Be Well!