My journey
I have studied and worked within the realm of human psychology for the past twenty years.
I have both Masters and Doctoral degrees in Counseling Psychology (Master of Arts, Bethel University, St. Paul, MN, 2005; Doctor of Psychology, University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, MN, 2011). Counseling Psychology notably differs from Clinical Psychology in that it tends to be less pathology-focused and places greater emphasis on humanistic, person-centered approaches to change.
There is a greater emphasis on community-based systems of care, collaborative vs. hierarchical helper relationships, and coaching focused support. My doctoral studies were taught within a strong social justice framework and included training in coaching methodology in addition to clinical intervention.
In addition to my fervent desire to see the good and strengthen what’s already working, I have also perpetually been drawn to complexity and challenge as some of my greatest teachers. In my previous professional roles I have worked extensively with chronic and complex co-occurring disorders, trauma, complex trauma, and dissociation, addiction, and codependency.
My curiosity for complexity evolved to become known professionally for being a provider that other clinicians would refer complex and “difficult to treat” clients.
I have trained and worked alongside some of the world’s leading experts in treating addiction, trauma, complex trauma, and dissociation and have been trained extensively in polyvagal theory and interpersonal neurobiology. I have presented my work at both national and international professional psychology conferences and have been sought out in the community for public speaking engagements.
I have previously worked as a senior clinician at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and supervised countless graduate psychology students, predoctoral interns, and postdoctoral fellows.
My yoga studies include 20 years of personal practice, 15 years of meditation facilitation, six years of teaching the physical (asana) practice of yoga, and over 1000 hours of professional yoga teacher training. I am certified through Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga Teacher at the 500 level. I have trained with Yoga Sanctuary and Uplifted Yoga with Brett Larkin for my 200 level and 500 level yoga teacher trainings respectively. I am a self-described anatomy and fascia geek and have participated in a yoga-anatomy cadaver dissection lab as well as specialized yoga anatomy training with Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews. I have studied chakra psychology and the intersection of psychology and yoga with Anodea Judith. Further expanded my spirit-led, artistic and creative, visionary yoga teaching style (while also learning principles of yin, restorative, and kundalini yoga, and personal transformation via the chakra system) with Erica Jago. I have studied yoga for mental health with Ashley Turner, trauma-sensitive yoga with YogaFit for Warriors (PTSD), and accessible, body positive and inclusive yoga with Dianne Bondy and Amber Karnes at Yoga for All.
I teach yoga that is fun, playful, accessible, transformative, and healing. Where making peace with our bodies, selves, and each other is at the forefront. We heal in community. When we have a sense of belonging. A shared purpose. Mutual vulnerability and legit validation and support. I love you. You belong. You have a purpose and the world is awaiting your gifts.
Phew. That’s a lot of words thrown your way.
Thank you for witnessing my story.
My forever evolving self. I am a storyteller, I love words and details, this is Me.