About Me

I was born in Portland but grew up in Alaska. When I returned to Portland in 1980 it felt like home. I began seeking personal growth in my 20s, starting with Transcendental Meditation (TM). As a TM teacher, I realized that my passion is teaching, and I have been teaching some form of personal development ever since. I'm happily married with 2 stepchildren and 2 delightful grandchildren.

About my practice

I have been practicing and teaching mindfulness since 1975 and have been working in the field of mental health since 1985, starting at Portland’s Dougy Center, where I ran the volunteer training program. I studied at Marylhurst University and at Lewis and Clark College, receiving a master's degree in counseling psychology, and for more than 15 years have been a licensed professional counselor. I tend to seek out and learn the latest skills, then share them with anyone who will listen. I am a clinical hypnotherapist and certified trauma specialist. I am also trained in dialectical behavior therapy, and use and teach Emotional Freedom Technique.

How I thrive

My favorite pastime is golf. I enjoy building my skills by practicing a little almost every day and playing once or twice a week.