My roles are as teacher, coach, guide, 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 the 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 you discovery of what you know is true, for you.
I value sustainability in my work, whether with past treatment plans or in teaching others to live more kindly and sustainably for themselves and planet Earth, which ends up being mutually supportive.
I work well with those interested in having a deeper connection with their whole being ~ body, mind & spirit ~ as they trek along on their own healing journey.
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 in the world of conventional medicine. A “medical translator” is often a term I use to refer to this kind of work.
My role may also be one who can also enter and guide you into the Wilderness of possibility that resides outside of mainstream medicine & culture. We can learn to call upon our allies and healed ancestors for support, find our inner guidance and compass within to navigate the Wild. Together, we can forage and harvest food and medicine together, listen to the songs and wisdom of the birds and crickets, jump into the cold waters and realize we WILL survive, even though we were scared, because there really is more to medicine, healing & YOU than you really knew. We can shine light into those spaces that have been hidden, but not without resourcing and reassuring you that it is safe enough to do so.
Now is the time.
To heal is “to transcend” beyond the limitations of words, stories, narratives, beliefs, situations, perspectives, veils of illusion…. I value sovereignty, freedom & love. For self, first and foremost. For all, is how I hope it goes…
It is not uncommon, in sessions of mine, to go from a simple education of recent lab results from your doctor, exploring the biological and physiological “landscape” of one's tissues & cells, to the finding ourselves diving into soul work, chakras, earth medicines and story telling. The stories are beautiful, and the journey, although difficult and frustrating at times (as journeys can be), can also hold much so much beauty and wisdom. What unfolds is healing and transformation. Often, it does not stop at self, but transcends to family, community and beyond.
Education
Hamline University - Bachelor's degree, Pre-Medical Program, Majors in both Anthropology & Biology
Bastyr University - Doctorate Naturopathic Medicine
What is a Naturopathic Doctor Degree?
Everything taught in a conventional medical school, plus extensive training in Herbal Medicine, Nutritional, Counseling, Physical Medicine, Nature Cure Philosophy, Homeopathy and more.
My services and medicine
Naturopathy
Health & Wellness Guidance & Coaching
Teaching
Herbal Medicine
Nutritional Guidance
Homeopathy
Mind-Body Medicine & Biofeedback
Energy work
Soul Work
Ceremony & Rites of Passage
Ancestral Trauma ~ including family constellation therapy
Herb Walks / Outings
Birthing Work - birth classes and doula services
A little more about me…
I have found 7 four leaf clovers in a row, 2 different times, in 2 entirely different locations - Bellingham, WA & Deadwood, SD.
I served in Peace Corps Morocco from 2007-2009, assigned to a community in the Middle Atlas Mountains, doing environmental education, health & wellness and youth & women’s empowerment. Living there, no English was spoken. I quickly learned the nuanced 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. It it was a combination of earth stewardship, that exhilarating PNW air, the feminine warrior & sheer stubbornness.
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. Washington then summoned me to her for 10 magical 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, a participant observer (no wonder I majored in Anthropology), as well as how to transition, adapt and find belonging. I strive to walk with respect, humility, gratitude and awe which each land I find myself upon.
I fought forest fires for six seasons, serving on Minnesota fire crews and the Prineville Hotshots.
When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a dancer when I grew up. 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 will put my earbuds on, hit the trails, roads, streets or fields and dance my heart out. These days, I think of it more like medicine, blessing, prayer, ceremony, somatic release or activism rather than performance.
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.
