My roles are as teacher, health guide, coach, healing facilitator, advocate & light bearer to those I serve.
Recognizing and seeing connections is in my nature. Often, we need that in healing & medicine ~ a medically trained, science-loving, objective & practical perspective combined with nature-inspired, compassionate, intuitive ways of knowing ~ calling upon both brain hemispheres as well as other organs of intelligence, including the heart and gut. I can reflect back what you may deeply already know but may not have words for yet. Often, I simply need to hold the space, witness, and watch your discovery of what you know is true for you.
In short, I help people find & remember their light within. This radiant light is what is needed for true healing. We can shine light into places that have been hidden for so long, but not without resourcing and creating a safe & sacred container first.
To heal is “to transcend” beyond suffering and the limitations of words, stories, narratives, beliefs, situations, perspectives, and veils of illusion.
I value sustainability in my work, whether with recommendations, therapeutics, or in teaching others to live more kindly and sustainably for themselves and planet Earth, which ends up being a mutually supportive collaboration.
I work well with those interested in having a deeper connection with their whole being ~ body, mind & spirit.
I love supporting those stepping into a more empowered, informed role within their own healing, healthcare, and medical team, with a well-educated and experienced ally, student, & practitioner in the realm of medicine from many traditions, not just conventional. A “medical translator” is often a term I use to refer to this kind of work. My role is as a guide, leading you into the Wilderness of possibilities that reside outside of mainstream medicine & culture.
It is not uncommon, in sessions of mine, to go from a simple education of recent lab results, exploring the biological and physiological “landscape” of one's tissues, & hormones, to finding ourselves diving into soul work, supporting your chakras, healing your maternal lineage, to dancing out emotions. Together, we will remove obstacles to cure and interferences that disconnect you from your true essence, wisdom, vitality, and the body’s innate ability to heal.
Now is the time.
Education
Hamline University - Bachelor's degree, Pre-Medical Program, Majors in Anthropology & Biology
Bastyr University - Doctorate Naturopathic Medicine
What is included in the training in order to earn a doctorate in naturopathic medicine?
Everything taught in a conventional medical school, plus extensive training in Herbal Medicine, Nutrition, Counseling, Physical Medicine, Nature Cure Philosophy, Homeopathy and more.
A little more about me…
I served in Peace Corps Morocco from 2007-2009, assigned to a village in the Middle Atlas Mountains, doing environmental education, health & wellness, youth & women’s empowerment, and cultural immersion & connection. No English was spoken, and I learned Moroccan Arabic, Berber (Tamazight), and the many unspoken ways of communication.
During my education at Bastyr University, I bike commuted EVERYWHERE, in all seasons. I challenged myself to use my car as little as possible in the name of earth stewardship and was inspired by that exhilarating PNW air, the feminine warrior within, & avoiding Seattle traffic.
I am a Virgo sun, Virgo rising and Pisces Moon
I have called many lands home. I was born and raised in Globe, AZ, until I was 12 years old. Then, Northern Minnesota became my home for 10 years, where I continued to grow and come of age. NW Washington then summoned me, where I lived for over 10 years. I have also called the lands of Morocco, Oregon, Nevada, New Mexico, and now Spearfish, South Dakota, my home. I know what it feels like to be an outsider and a participant observer and how to transition, adapt, and find belonging. No matter where I am, I connect with the land and walk with respect, humility, gratitude, and awe. I now know that “home” is something that I find within myself. As Brandi Carlile sings, “Wherever is your heart, I call home.”
I fought forest fires for six fire seasons, serving on Minnesota fire crews as well as the Prineville Hotshots.
When I was a little girl, I wanted to grow up to be a professional dancer. Specifically, I wanted to be a dancer at Disneyland in the Lion King parade. Later on, I wanted to be one of Janet Jackson’s backup dancers. Now, I give myself permission to be a dancer. I will often put my earbuds on, hit the trails, roads, streets, or fields, and dance my heart out. “A silent disco of one” as I call it. These days, I think of it more like therapy, somatic release, a blessing, prayer, ceremony, and activism of joy and expression rather than performance.
I have found 7 four-leaf clovers in a row, 2 different times, in 2 entirely different locations - Bellingham, WA & Deadwood, SD.
a few of my passions
being in nature
Nature is my “primary care provider.” An epic hike, cold plunge, laying on the ground to gaze at the trees and listen to the bird songs. It is more about the being, not so much the doing.
Motherhood
The biggest, hardest, most significant thing I have done. Every step of the way. My love for my son is deep, beyond this lifetime. He is my teacher. My inspiration. My mirror.
family & Community
We are meant to be connected. Our brains identify it as essential as water, food and air. The way my community supports, both near and far, is beyond words. I love you all.
And perhaps, along this Journey,
you find yourself returning home,
Returning to You.
