My story
I have been working in the Healing Arts for over 36 years. It was quite a circuitous, adventurous and challenging journey getting there.
Trying on many hats as a young adult —traveling the world, working as a camping tour leader, refinishing boats, coaching girls summer leagues and playing intercollegiate softball – I had a lot of wonderful experiences that influenced me later in life. In my 30s, I ended my travel career and followed my heart overseas, but the love ran out before the visa. I was heartbroken, struggling with chronic health issues, had very little money and nowhere to live. I was at a difficult crossroads and needed a new direction and support. But what to do?
Have you ever felt called to something? Fortunately I was. Upon talking about my ideas, a friend recommended I visit Heartwood Healing Arts Institute in Northern CA. The moment I walked onto the beautiful land where it was located, I knew I had found my new home and new direction in the healing arts. And I got more than I could have ever hoped for.
Living and studying in community
The year I spent at Heartwood gave me the opportunity to delve into a variety of courses in bodywork, counseling, personal growth, nutrition and hypnotherapy. I received certification in massage therapy, natural health education and acupressure. With an array of healing modalities, I was able to delve into my own health issues as well. A whole new world view emerged to be of service, and my life was forever changed.
During the next 18 years I had a very successful practice as a bodyworker and self-help counselor. I continued my studies in nutrition, learned EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), and attended many personal growth and spiritual workshops and retreats. All the while, I was not only growing professionally, but also personally, focusing on my own body, mind and spirit.
Another crossroads, another calling
At the point I could no longer withstand the rigors of being a bodyworker, I was at another crossroads. I took a hiatus and got hired to work with a spiritual organization in Mt. Shasta: Genesis. One of my colleagues, upon hearing of my dilemma of what to do next, suggested I look into Life Coaching, a burgeoning field at the time. I was intrigued. I hired a Life Coach to help me figure out my next steps, and found that Coaching was absolutely my next calling. It was the perfect next step to the work I had already been doing. I chose the International Coaching Federation's highly accredited Coaches Training Institute’s certification program (now called Co-Active Training Institute) which started me on my way. I have been Life Coaching since 2002, have worked with hundreds of clients, and have continued my studies (currently Internal Family Systems - IFS, and Compassionate Inquiry - CI) to enhance my skills. This coaching path has turned out to be one of the most fulfilling and greatest joys in my life.
I have worked through and learned a lot in my life, doing my best to walk my talk to be more healthy and grounded in how I show up in the world. In my view, life is a journey, a process of paying attention, being curious, taking responsibility, making better choices, opening one’s heart and mind, and ultimately loving oneself.
Education and certifications
- Coaching for Self-Leadership, Internal Family Systems
- Graduate of Co-Active Leadership Program, Coaches Training Institute, San Rafael, CA
- Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, Coaches Training Institute, San Rafael, CA
- Certified Nutritional Consultant, Bauman College, Cotati, CA
- Certified Movement Therapist, Institute of Educational Therapy, Reuti, Switzerland
- Certified Massage Therapist, Certified Natural Health Educator, Certified Acupressure Therapist, Heartwood Healing Arts Institute, Garberville, CA
Affiliations
- Leadership Mendocino
- Ukiah Unified School District
