I was born and raised in southeastern Idaho, the oldest of 10 children. My interests include music, photography, gardening, and mild exercise.
My formal education includes a Bachelors Degree in Humanities, and a Masters Degree in Theatre for Young Audiences.
I love storytelling and have performed locally as a storyteller to a variety of audiences.
My belief in Jesus Christ and his teachings is central to my life. It brings me peace when the world is in chaos.
Just as a story is written word by word, line upon line, page by page, my interest in the holistic healing arts has been a life journey – not an epiphany.
Because of my own journey, I’m passionate about helping people recognize that we can become conscious creators of our lives, rather than passive participants shaped only by pain, our circumstances, or expectations – of ourselves or others.
Self-defeating Behavior Class
My journey began with a self-defeating behavior workshop. I had struggled with poor self-esteem since I was very young. When I was 19, my best friend and I were attending the same college. She had recently completed a self-defeating behavior class required for the nursing program she was in.
“It’s a great class,” she said. “You should consider taking it.”
With some trepidation, but trusting her recommendation, I signed up.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but with the guidance of a caring, well-trained counselor, the experience became a turning point in my life.
Turning Point
For six weeks I met weekly with the counselor and completed the homework, which included interactive journaling assignments. I did some serious and honest self-examination.
How did I feel about myself and my relationships with others? Why? What could I do about changing my thoughts, feelings and actions that were self-defeating?
During my last session, the counselor took me through a visualization. As he coached me, I struggled to see anything but the darkness behind my eyes. Slowly light broke through, and I saw myself as a beautiful being of light, freely and joyfully dancing through a sunlit meadow filled with beautiful white flowers – an image I still recall vividly.
Ongoing Journey
It was not a one and done fix, but a stepping stone experience – the beginning of a journey leading me to work with youth, young adults, and parents who struggle with a variety of challenges that keep them from seeing themselves as they truly are – beings of light, agents for change.
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I firmly believe that Jesus Christ is the Master Healer. I respect the beliefs of others and whatever higher power they may recognize.
It would be an honor to assist you in editing, revising or rewriting the stories in your life that are keeping you stuck by releasing old, negative emotions, ideas and beliefs that may be stopping you from moving forward in life with enthusiasm and joy.
