My work springs from this central question:  How can life events help us transform into better, more compassionate and connected humans?  How can we approach each day, each relationship, with awareness and love?

When my husband died suddenly in May 2005, I discovered that I could get through the pain by tapping my creativity. I used every resource available to me - journaling, poetry, crafts, dancing and moving meditation were part of my own path towards healing.  I decided to go back to school to pursue ways to help others, and gained some theoretical knowledge as well. I studied humanistic psychology and creative expression and noticed that my innate creativity provided ways to deal with the trauma of personal loss. My creativity reconnected me to my own essential wholeness.

I believe we can live life as creatively as possible. All my life I have delved into arts and crafts, music, dance, ceremony and other forms of performance art. I have been a musician, dancer, choreographer, teacher, innovator and a chef. This creative approach to life has taught me skills to deal with difficulty and has led to greater understanding of relationships.

As a dancer and choreographer for many years, I produced and performed works in New York City and the greater metropolitan area.  I have a B.S.in Dance from SUNY Empire State, where I blended literature, philosophy and choreography. Performance art has provided me with the ability to connect with people, to spontaneously gather information by responding to body language and other subtle forms of communication.

I have a Master's in Transpersonal Psychology, specializing in Creativity and Innovation from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. This holistic approach to becoming a full actualized human being gives equal emphasis to physical, emotional, cognitive, relational and spiritual health. The transpersonal is that which synthesizes all aspects of our Selves, making us more than the sum of our parts. Transpersonal views are uniquely compatible with grief work, since integration after loss feels very important to the bereaved.

I have an Advanced Grief Counseling Certificate from Brooklyn College, and was a Bereavement Intern at Visiting Nurse Service of New York Hospice Care in New York City. As a volunteer at Hospice of the Hudson Valley,  I have worked with patients and their families in Dutchess County, New York.

I have experience with creating and participating in relevant spiritual ceremony, through work with New Song Ceremonials under the direction of Kabbalist and Ceremonial Leader, Elizabeth Cogburn.

I supplemented the education of my three children with a multitude of resources, including travel, books, artistic exploration and encouraging guidance. Parenting has been the deepest learning experience, since my children have taught me more than I could ever teach them.

My eyes, ears and heart have been opened through extensive travel to how we are both different and similar no matter what culture we live in.