In an effort to understand and heal from my educational trauma/ADHD symptoms, I have been studying and  practicing mindfulness, consciousness and healing since 1990.  In 1998, I graduated from an Interpreter Training Program (Ohlone College), which led me to becoming an American Sign Language Interpreter and Park Ranger in Yosemite National Park.  That one summer led me to get a bachelor's degree at Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt) in Natural Resources Planning and Interpretation.  My degree opened the door to me working at variety of parks.  My career as a park ranger led to 25 years of professional speaking, training and coaching.  In 2022, upon graduating from IFS Level 1 training, I retired from the park service and turned full time to my mindbody healing practice.

 

While I did go to school formally for my bachelors, because of my negative experiences in school as a child, I have been highly resistant to formalized learning, particularly around healing.  I have been largely self-guided in my education with healing - finding content, places and mentors that could prioritize self-honoring, presence and connection over any specific content.   I have read over 100 books in psychology, Eastern religion and philosophy, communication, interpersonal neurobiology, attachment, trauma and healing, not to mention the reading and studying of resources on the internet plus live classes whenever I can!  (See below  for my self study list.) I have completed a Level 2 training in couples work (Intimacy from the Inside Out), have enjoyed assisting in Level 1 training and continue to learn and practice with others.

 

I strongly believe true learning involves body and spirit in addition to mental learning (see my thoughts on embodiment ).  Luckily, in time, my nervous system settled enough that I could develop trust of myself as a learner and others as trustworthy teachers.  I have been blessed to practice under a variety of teachers and modalities exploring somatic, emotional, cognitive and spiritual awareness and integration.  In-depth trainings and practice include Internal Family Systems, Nonviolent Communication,  Joanna Macy's grief work -The Work that Reconnects, Thomas Hubl's Transparent Communication, Vipassana Meditation, and Landmark Education. 

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Trainings

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•  2-day Advanced Somatic Trauma Treatment Method; Trainer: Linda Thai, PESI, 2025

• Healing Nuerodivergent Trauma with IFS: A Neurodiversity Affirming Approach; Trainer: Tasha Oswald; IFSI Conference, 2025

• Embracing Passion, Pleasure and the Power of Positive Trailheads for Personal and Collective Liberation; Trainer: Patricia Rich; IFSI Conference, 2025

• Finding Each Other in a Crowded Room: Integrating IFS and Interpersonal Group Therapy; Trainer: Annie Weiss, IFSI Conference, 2025

• Self-Led Approaches to Empowerment, Activism and Intimate Partner Violence; Trainer: Quin Rich, IFSI Conference, 2025

• IFS Therapy Training Level 2: Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO); Trainers: Ann Drouilhet, Sallie Ingle, IFS Institute, 2025

• The Work That Reconnects Climate Grief Workshop; Trainer: Lydia Violet, TWR Network, 2024

• Program Assistant for IFS Therapy Training Level 1; Trainers Jory Agate & Ellie Cunanan-Petty, IFS Institute, 2024

• Program Assistant for Introduction to IFS in American Sign Language; Trainer: Jory Agate, IFS Institute, 2023

• Polyvagal Theory in Action: Creating Safety and Connection with Trauma Clients; Trainer: Deb Dana, PESI, 2023

• Violence, Trauma and Boundaries; Trainer: Jenny Buechner, Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, 2022

• IFS Therapy Training Level 1; Trainers: Ann Sinko, Sue Richmond and Madeline Warren, IFS Institute, 2022

• Allies for Inclusion Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Training, National Park Service, 2020

• The Work That Reconnects Climate Grief Workshop; Trainers: Molly Brown & Jolie Elan, TWR Network, 2020

• 40 Hour Mediation Training; Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, 2020

• Allies for Inclusion Group Facilitation Training; National Park Service, 2020

• Embodying the Healing Wisdom Weeklong Retreat; Trainer: Dick Schwartz, IFS Institute/1440, 2018

• Nonviolent Communication 9 day International Intensive Training; Trainers: Miki Kashtan, Sarah Peyton, Kristin Masters, Roxy Manning, Bob Wentworth, Center for Nonviolent Communication, 2017

• Vipassana Meditation 10 day residential course; teacher: S.N. Goenka (recorded), Vipassana Research Institute, 2010

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Practice
 

• 2x/Monthly Mystic Cafe Practice; Teacher: Thomas Hubl, Inner Science LLC, 2024 - ongoing

• Weekly Transparent Communication Practice Group; Facilitators: Bill McCart & Alissa MacPherson, Thomas Hubl Bay Area Practice Group, Jan 2024 - ongoing

• Biweekly Authentic Communication NVC & IFS Group; Facilitator: Martha Lasley, ACG, 2022

• Weekly Somatic Experiencing therapy (myself as client), 2025 - ongoing

• Weekly EMDR therapy (myself as client), 2023-2024

• Weekly IFS therapy (myself as client), 2015 - ongoing

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Professional Support
 

• Weekly IFS Professional Consultation, 2024 – 2024 - ongoing

• Monthly IFS Professionals working with Deaf clients consultation, 2024 – ongoing​

​Self Study ​

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Beattie, Melody. Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself. Reissued, Harper, 1992.
Beattie, Melody. The Grief Club: The Secret to Getting Through All Kinds of Change. Hazelden, 2006.
Beattie, Melody. The Language of Letting Go. Hazelden Meditation Series. Hazelden, 1990.
Beattie, Melody. The New Codependency: Help and Guidance for the Today’s Generation. 1st Simon & Schuster hardcover ed, Simon & Schuster, 2009.

Bendell, Jem, et.al. Deep Adaptation: Navigating the Realities of Climate Chaos.  Polity, 2021.

Blanton, Brad. Radical Honesty: How to Transform Your Life by Telling the Truth. Sparrowhawk, 2005.
Brach, Tara. Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha. BANTAM, 2023.
Bradshaw, John. Healing the Shame That Binds You. Expanded and Updated edition, Health Communications, 2005.
Brown, Brene.  Braving the Wilderness.  Random House.  2017.
Brown, Brené. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead.  Avery, 2015.
Brown, Brené. The Gifts of Imperfection. 10th Anniversary Edition, Hazelden Publishing, 2020.
Cameron, Julia. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. 25th anniversary edition, TarcherPeregree, 2016.
Chapman, Gary.  The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts.  Northfield Publishing.  2010.
Chodron, Pema.  Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion.  Shambhala.  2003.
Chodron, Pema.  Living Beautifully: with Uncertainty and Change.  Shambhala.  2012.
Chodron, Pema.  No Time to Lose: A Timely Guide to the Way of the Bodhisattva.  Shambhala.  2005.
Chodron, Pema.  Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living.  Shambhala. 1994.
Chodron, Pema.  Taking the Leap: Freeing Ourselves from Old Habits and Fears.  Shambhala.  2010.
Chodron, Pema.  The Places that Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times.  Shambhala, 2005.
Chodron, Pema.  The Wisdom of No Escape and the Path of Loving-Kindness.  Shambhala.  2001.
Chodron, Pema.  When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times.  Shambhala.  2002.
Cochran, Tracy.  Presence: The Art of Being at Home in Yourself.  Shambhala. 2024
Cohn, Ruth. Working with The Developmental Trauma of Childhood Neglect: Using Psychotherapy and Attachment Theory Techniques in Clinical Practice. 1st ed., Routledge, 2021.
Cori, Jasmin Lee. The Emotionally Absent Mother: How to Recognize and Heal the Invisible Effects of Childhood Emotional Neglect. Updated&Expanded Second Edition, Experiment, 2017.
Cornell, Ann W. The Power of Focusing: A Practical Guide to Emotional Self-Healing. New Harbinger Publ, 1996.
D’Ansembourg, Thomas. Being Genuine. PuddleDancer Press, 2007.
Dodson, Betty. Sex for One: The Joy of Self-Loving.  Harmony.  2012.
Ecker, Bruce, et al. Unlocking the Emotional Brain: Eliminating Symptoms at Their Roots Using Memory Reconsolidation. Routledge, 2012.
Elliott, Carolyn. Existential Kink: Unmask Your Shadow and Embrace Your Power (a Method for Getting What You Want by Getting off on What You Don’t). Red Wheel/Weiser, 2001.
Estés, Clarissa Pinkola. Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype. Repr, Ballantine Books, 1997.

Falconer, Robert.  The Others Within Us: Internal Family Systems, Porous Mind and Spirit Possession.  Great Mystery Press, 2023.

Fern, Jessica.  Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma, and Consensual Nonmonogamy.  Thornapple Press, 2020.

Fisher, Janina. Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors: Overcoming Internal Self-Alienation. 1st ed., Routledge, 2017.
Ford, Debbie. Spiritual Divorce: Divorce as a Catalyst for an Extraordinary Life. 1. ed, HarperSanFrancisco, 2001.
Frankl, Viktor E. Man’s Search for Meaning. Beacon Press, 2006.

Gatto, John Taylor.  Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling.  New Society Publishers, 1992.

Gatto, John Taylor.  Weapons of Mass Instruction: A School Teacher's Journey through the Dark World of Compulsory Schooling.  New Society Publishers, 2010.

Gottman, John.  The Science of Trust: Emotional Attunement for Couples.  W.W. Norton & Co.  2011.
Gottman, John.  The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work.  Harmony. 1999.
Greene, Ross.  Lost at School: Why Our Kids with Behavior Challenges are Falling Through the Cracks and How We Can Help Them.  Scribner.  2014
Greene, Ross.  Raising Human Beings: Creating a Collaborative Partnership with Your Child.  Scribner. 2017
Gill, Raj, et al. Nonviolent Communication NVC Toolkit for Facilitators: Exercise Manual : Interactive Activities and Awareness Exercises Based on 18 Key Concepts for the Development of NVC Skills and Consciousness. BookSurge Publishing, 2009.
Heller, Laurence. Healing Developmental Trauma: How Early Trauma Affects Self-Regulation, Self-Image, and the Capacity for Relationship. North Atlantic Books, 2012.
Herbine-Blank, Toni, et al. Intimacy from the inside out: Courage and Compassion in Couple Therapy. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2016.
Holt, John Caldwell. Escape from Childhood: The Needs and Rights of Children. Penguin, 1975.
Hubl, Thomas.  Attuned: Practicing Interdependence to Heal Our Trauma – And Our World.  Sounds True.  2023
Hubl, Thomas.  Healing Collective Trauma: A Process for Integrating Our Intergenerational and Cultural Wounds.  Sounds True. 2023.
Hubl, Thomas.  The Power of We: Awakening in the Relational Field.  Sounds True.  2014.
Jenkinson, Stephen. Die Wise: A Manifesto for Sanity and Soul. North Atlantic Books, 2015.
Johnson, Susan M. Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love.  New York: Little, Brown & Co.  2008.
Johnston, Anita. Eating in the Light of the Moon: How Women Can Transform Their Relationships with Food through Myth, Metaphors & Storytelling. Gürze Books, 2010.
Kashtan, Miki, Spinning Threads of Radical Aliveness: Transcending the Legacy of Separation in Our Individual Lives.  Fearless Heart Publications. 2014.
Kasl, Charlotte Davis. If the Buddha Dated: A Handbook for Finding Love on a Spiritual Path. Penguin Publishing Group, 1999.
Kurtz, Ron.  Body Centered Psychotherapy: The Hakomi Method: The Integrated Use of Mindfulness, Nonviolence and the Body.  Life Rhythm. 1990
Lasley, Martha.  Facilitating with Heart: Awakening Personal Transformation and Social Change.  Discover Press. 2010.
Levine, Amir, and Rachel Heller. Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find--and Keep--Love. Jeremy P. Tarcher, 2010.
Levine, Peter A. Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program for Restoring the Wisdom of Your Body. Sounds True, 2008.
Levine, Peter A. In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness. North Atlantic Books, 2010.
Levine, Peter A. Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. North Atlantic Books, 1997.
Loori, John Daido. The Eight Gates of Zen: A Program of Zen Training. Shambhala, 2002.
Lowe-Charde, Elia.  Life Serving Boundaries: 6 Practical Skills for Creating Thriving Relationships. Self-published, 2025.
Macy, Joanna, and Chris Johnstone. Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We’re in without Going Crazy. Finch Publishing, 2012.
Maté, Gabor, and Daniel Maté. The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture. Avery, 2022.
Maté, Gabor. When the Body Says No: Exploring the Stress-Disease Connection. J. Wiley, 2011.
Mellody, Pia, et al. Facing Codependence: What It Is, Where It Comes from, How It Sabotages Our Lives. 1st ed, Perennial Library, 1989.
Menakem, Resmaa. My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies. 1st ed, Central Recovery Press, 2017.
Nagoski, Emily.  Come as You Are.  Simon and Schuster, 2015.
Ogden, Pat.  Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Trauma and Attachment.  W.W. Norton and Co.  2015. 
Perry, Bruce D., and Oprah Winfrey. What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing. First edition, Flatiron Books, 2021.
Peyton, Sarah. Your Resonant Self. W. W. Norton & Company, Incorporated, 2017.
Peyton, Sarah.  Your Resonant Self Workbook: From Self-Sabotage to Self-Care.  W.W. Norton & Co. Inc. 2021
Prechtel, Martín. The Smell of Rain on Dust: Grief and Praise. North Atlantic Books, 2015.
Real, Terrence. I Don’t Want to Talk about It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression. Scribner, 1997.
Rogers, Carl R. On Becoming a Person: A Therapist’s View of Psychotherapy. 1st ed, HarperCollins Publishers, 1995.
Rosenberg, Marshall B., and Deepak Chopra. Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Empathy, Collaboration, Authenticity, Freedom. 3rd edition, PuddleDancer Press, 2015.
Scaer, Robert C. The Body Bears the Burden: Trauma, Dissociation, and Disease. Third edition, Routledge, 2014.
Schnarch, David.  Passionate Marriage: Keeping Love and Intimacy Alive in Committed Relationships.  Echo Point Books and Media.  2009.

Schwartz, Arielle.  Trauma Recovery: A Mind Body Approach to Becoming Whole.  Sounds True.  2021
Schwartz, Richard C. No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma & Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family System Model. Sounds True, 2021.
Schwartz, Richard C. Internal Family Systems Therapy, Second Edition. 2nd ed, Guilford Publications, 2019.
Schwartz, Richard C. You Are the One You’ve Been Waiting for: Bringing Courageous Love to Intimate Relationships. Trailheads, 2008.
Siegel, Daniel J. Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation. Bantam Books, 2011.
Solden, Sari.  Women with Attention Deficit Disorder: Embrace Your Differences and Transform Your Life. Ebookit.com. 2012
Tatkin, Stan. Wired for Love: How Understanding Your Partner’s Brain and Attachment Style Can Help You Defuse Conflict and Build a Secure Relationship. New Harbinger Publications, 2011.
Tsu, Lao.  Tao Te Ching.  Translated by Stephen Mitchell.  2009.
Van der Kolk, Bessel A. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books, 2015.
Walker, Pete. Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving: A Guide and Map for Recovering from Childhood Trauma. Create Space Indie Publishing Platform. 2013.
Walker, Pete. The Tao of Fully Feeling: Harvesting Forgiveness out of Blame. Second edition., Azure Coyote Book, 2015.
Weller, Francis. The Wild Edge of Sorrow: Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief. North Atlantic Books, 2015.

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