About me
My own journey of self discovery has taken me down many paths and I’ve enjoyed numerous vocations and intellectual pursuits along the way. This has led me to graduate school (twice!), once to study human sexuality and clinical sexology, and again to study clinical social work.
My studies ultimately led me to my own practice of meditation, now based on Tibetan Buddhist techniques. In addition to receiving degrees in psychology, sexology, and social work, I have also participated in teachings and retreats with many prominent meditation experts, including the lineage holders and leaders of all four schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Pema Chodron, Sogyal Rinpoche, Jon Kabat-Zinn, and Saki Santorelli.
I am currently receiving training at the Sacred Art of Living Center as an Anamcara, which is a soul friend engaged in the art of sacred relationships, trained to help relieve spiritual pain and suffering throughout the lifespan, and especially at end-of-life. See Resources for more information.
My Background
Professionally, I am trained in clinical sexology, oncology social work, medical social work, mental health counseling and therapy, suicide risk assessment and harm reduction, crisis intervention, dignity conservation, multigenerational care, cross cultural competency, end of life care, and hospice. I have worked with children, teens, and adults of all ages, though my practice now focuses on adults only. Most of my career as a social worker has been spent in the medical setting working with, and advocating for, people dealing with cancer.
Academic
University of Washington – Master’s Degree in Social Work, focus on health, mental health
Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality – Master’s in Human Sexuality, focus on clinical sexology, education, erotology
The Evergreen State College – Bachelor of Arts, focus on Psychology, Buddhist Studies, Integration of East/West Psychology
Licensure and Associations
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) #LW60540069
Professional Member, Aging Life Care Association
Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager
Member, American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists
Member, National Association of Social Workers
Member, Association of Oncology Social Workers
“Success is the ability to go from one failure to the next with no loss of enthusiasm.”
Winston Churchill
