Despite all odds stacked against me, I became a yoga instructor at 41, sober at 42, went back to college at 49 , became a chemical dependency counselor, housing advocate and self taught singing bowl artist.
I have been a full figured yogi since I first started yoga and bring compassion to each yoga session. Trained and certified in Body Positive Yoga, Curvy Yoga and Recovery Yoga, I specialize in welcoming classes with laughter, movement and community building.
Having learned from one of the best intuitive music teachers, Jay Sicilia , my singing bowl music comes from the heart and the energy in the room where I am playing. Each time the music is different. My singing bowls have helped to calm people who are dealing with depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. My Cd, Singing to the Soul has been played from inpatient treatment centers to day cares, bringing a sense of joy and calm to all who hear the music.
As a doula, childbirth and lactation educator and midwife's assistant, I learned from the pioneers in the birthing business such as Ina Mae Gaskin, Penny Simkin and the Farm Midwives who taught me how to be present with people in times of transition and bring that skill to every interaction that I honored to be a part.
Additional training in Moral Reconation Therapy ( MRT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CSC), and Motivational Interviewing ( MI). Additional work experience is in hospital settings as a CNA , phlebotomist, palliative support in hospice and oncology.
In 2014 , I brought together much of my personal and professional training to author the books, Building Blocks of Recovery. In the series, I bring together all the aspects of recovery for a full life change. My focus is to help you to have all the tools that can help you to gain new focus and momentum in your recovery. No matter what you are recovering from, Building Blocks of Recovery can be a strong resource for you life. I am available for book signings or private sessions online or for your small group. Contact me for more information. My experience in public speaking begins with theater and performing since I was 5 years old . Being comfortable speaking in front of any size crowd, I have been a well loved speaker for events such as The Yogipreneur, How I Bounced Back and 2015 and 2016 CoOccuring Treatment Conference in Yakima Washington.
I wrote my book, Building Blocks of Recovery from my life experience of being a single mother of 6 kids, overcoming addiction, poverty, surviving childhood sexual abuse, divorce, a brain injury and the tools I used to survive to thrive.
The information written on the pages is the very information that allowed me to change my life, it is personal and deeply moving with affirmations, body movement and lifestyle choices.
It is my honor to be able to be of service to your group and thank you for allowing me to share the items that are the closest to my heart, my work and my healing.
