My Story…
In my young 20s, I was living in upstate New York, playing music with friends, working with children, and getting ready to move to Colorado. Life was truly beautiful but little did I know that by the end of that summer, I would no longer be able to sing due to a mysterious pain in my throat.
Over the years this pain became chronic and spread throughout my body as I developed chronic digestive issues, bouts of severe insomnia, long Covid symptoms, and intense fatigue. Coupled with physical symptoms were feelings of depression, anxiety, and struggles with an eating disorder, which I used to cope with the pain.
At times, I could barely walk and speak due to widespread pain. I spent days and nights in bed — awake, hysterical and afraid. Clouded by exhaustion, I sometimes wailed for it all to end.
For years, I was on a quest to heal but what was underneath this intent was the deep-seated belief that I was broken and needed to be fixed. I felt at war with my own body, neither trusting nor loving her. I felt disempowered and beaten down by my issues, living in an almost constant state of fear.
After years of navigating chronic symptoms, I met a doctor who offered a new perspective. He shared about the world of neuroplasticity, nervous system regulation, and mind-body medicine, introducing me to the work of Dr. Sarno, Alan Gordon, and Howard Schubiner. I was reminded that I wasn’t broken or defective, but that there was power and possibility within me. I explored the world of embodiment, training as an embodiment coach, and learning to listen to the language of my body and the symptoms.
From there, I joined a course called Be Your Own Medicine by Rebecca Tolin, where I explored practices of mind-body awareness, mindful self-compassion, and somatic healing, alongside a community of others living with chronic symptoms.
Little by little, I began to reconnect with life in new ways. I learned to slow down, sit with discomfort, embrace my sensitive nature, and welcome the sensations and emotions that arose. Over time, I found myself expanding beyond former limitations—dancing, hiking, traveling, and meeting life with more courage and compassion.
My mission today is to support people living with chronic symptoms in finding greater ease, presence, and freedom within their lives.
I have traveled to different countries, holistic communities, and healing centers, studying a variety of modalities in the healing and creative arts, including Feminine Embodiment Coaching, Transpersonal Psychology, Mind-Body Medicine, Poetry, Meditation & Mindfulness, Reiki, Peace Studies, and Ayurveda.
I have lived and learned at centers like the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, the School of Embodied Arts, the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Naropa University, and Hale Pule Ayurveda & Yoga Center. Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Prescott College.
In addition to coaching, I assist in the Be Your Own Medicine course that supported me through a time of immense pain and darkness.
If my story resonates with you, know that I am here to support you to live as the most full expression of you.