​     Brief History - I was born in Miami, grew up in New Orleans, married in San Francisco, had two daughters in Los Angeles and chose to settle with my husband and children in SE Portland over 36 years ago.
   I continue to appreciate living in the Pacific Northwest.  When not working, I love being with my family and friends, exploring forests, practicing Buddhism with the Zen Community of Oregon, and traveling with my husband to faraway places, i.e. Kerala, India (pictured above).

 

 

 

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     My therapeutic focus helps people reduce their stress and learn to navigate adversity with more self-compassion, clarity and ease.   I have 30 years experience working in Portland with adults and families facing complex issues related to parenting, relationships, depression, anxiety, and addiction recovery.  I also offer presentations and trainings for health care providers, schools, and businesses interested in using mindfulness and stress reduction skills in the workplace. 

    I am deeply inspired by the courage and perseverance shown by the wonderful people I am privileged to work with.  I find purpose and connection in my life by joining with all who are willing to face life's challenges with a compassionate, courageous heart and the abiding strength of a good sense of humor.   

 

 

Experience in Mental Health and Addictions

 

Private Practice  2006 to date
  Therapeutic counseling for stress, relationships, grief,
  depression, anxiety, and addiction recovery.
  Group facilitation for Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction,
    Depression, and Addiction Relapse Prevention.  
  Yoga and Reiki for emotional balance and well-being.

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Mindfulness Consultant and Instructor   2008 to date

   Volunteers of America Oregon 
  Women's Residential Treatment Center
  Prison Re-Entry Program Director                   2004-2006

 

University of Western States 2015-2018 On-Line Course
  Human Nutrition and  Functional Medicine

Psychology of Eating & Wellness 

Behavioral Health Clinician      1996-2008

  Cascadia Behavioral Health

Program Director      1996-2004

  Metropolitan Family Service
  Adult and Family Support

 

Mindfulness Trainer & Consultant Contracts

 

Women's Residential Treatment Program, Volunteers of America Oregon
Providence Health System

eMindful, a leading provider of evidence-based programs targeting health care

Mindful Medicine, Portland based non-profit addressing health care provider stress

 InAct, Gambling Addiction Treatment, Volunteers of America Oregon

University of Western States
Tulane University School of Social Work, New Orleans LA
NIKE, Inc Sustainable Business, Portland OR
Oregon Attorney Assistance Program, Portland

Oregon Mediation Association, Portland
Tuality Healthcare, Hillsboro, Oregon
UCSF Medical School, Opiate Addictions Unit, San Francisco
InsightLA Center for Mindfulness, Los Angeles
Against the Stream Buddhist Center, Los Angeles
Align Integrative Wellness Centers, San Francisco, CA and Portland, OR
See True Mindfulness Center, Maastricht, Netherlands

 

Education and Training

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Professional Buddhist Chaplain 2021

Upaya Buddhist Chaplaincy Training Program, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Professional Facilitator Certification in five Mindfulness-Based Curricula
UC San Diego School of Medicine          2009/2016

Training in Stress Reduction, Relapse Prevention for Addictions, Depression, Mindful Self-Compassion, Mindful Eating

Annual Continuing Professional Education    20 hrs/year    

Studies include: trauma, neuropsychology, somatic treatment, gender, race, decolonization of therpeutic treatment, psychedelic drug treatment, spirituality in treatment

Licensure by Oregon State Board of Clinical Social Workers  1999

Masters in Social Work, Portland State University  1996
Bachelors in Science, Communications, University of Texas, Austin  1974Continuing

Jukai (Taking Formal Buddhist Vows) Zen Community of Oregon 2018; Upaya Zen Center 2020

Professional Yoga Instructor Training - Yoga Union, Portland 2007