My Story…
In my young 20s, I was living in upstate New York, playing music with friends, working with children, and getting ready to move to Colorado. Life was truly beautiful but little did I know that by the end of that summer, I would no longer be able to sing due to a mysterious pain in my throat.
Over the years this pain became chronic and spread throughout my body as I developed chronic digestive issues, bouts of severe insomnia, long Covid symptoms, and intense fatigue. Coupled with physical symptoms were feelings of depression, anxiety, and struggles with an eating disorder, which I used to cope with the pain.
At times, I could barely walk and speak due to widespread pain. I spent days and nights in bed — awake, hysterical and afraid. Clouded by exhaustion, I sometimes wailed for it all to end.
For years, I was on a quest to heal but what was underneath this intent was the deep-seated belief that I was broken and needed to be fixed. I felt at war with my own body, neither trusting nor loving her. I felt disempowered and beaten down by my issues, living in an almost constant state of fear.
After years of suffering with chronic symptoms, I discovered the Center for Mind-Body Medicine where I met a doctor who explained that the source of my symptoms were due to a hyper-vigilant nervous system and learned neural pathways in the brain. He introduced me to the work of Dr. Sarno, Alan Gordon, and Howard Schubiner. He explained to me that I was not broken or defective but rather that within me was the power to heal.
From there, I took part in a course called Be Your Own Medicine by Rebecca Tolin where I devoted myself to the practices and teachings of mind-body medicine, mindful self-compassion, and somatic healing along with 100 other kindred spirits, also navigating chronic symptoms.
Day by day, I began to reclaim my big, beautiful life. I learned to slow down, sit with discomfort, embrace my sensitive nature and welcome the family of sensations and emotions stirring within.
Today, I feel energized in my body. I walk, hike, create, and dance with true enjoyment. I sleep many nights with ease. I enjoy time with loved ones and am deepening into partnership and intimacy for the first time in years. And the greatest gift is that I get to give back to others with chronic symptoms through my work as a mind-body coach.
My mission today is to support people with chronic symptoms reclaim their freedom and life.
I have traveled to different countries, holistic communities, and healing centers, studying a variety of modalities in the healing and creative arts, including Feminine Embodiment Coaching, Transpersonal Psychology, Mind-Body Medicine, Poetry, Meditation & Mindfulness, Reiki, Peace Studies, and Ayurveda.
I have lived and learned at centers like the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, the School of Embodied Arts, the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Naropa University, and Hale Pule Ayurveda & Yoga Center.
In addition to coaching, I assist in the Be Your Own Medicine course that supported me through a time of immense pain and darkness.
If my story resonates with you, know that I am here to support you to live as the most full expression of you.