What I'm Really About

We have not come here to take prisoners,

But to surrender ever more deeply

To freedom and joy.

We have not come into this exquisite world

To hold ourselves hostage from love.

-Hafiz

I draw nourishment from progressive Christianity and contemplative practices of wider faith traditions. I am a current student of the Diamond Approach contemporary path to inner realization, and have long studied and used the Enneagram, a tool for transformation. I value the wisdom of ancient spiritual traditions and modern developmental psychology where they meet each person in this present moment.

Tell me, what are you going to do with your one wild and precious life?

-Mary Oliver

Poet Mary Oliver's question challenges, enthralls and enlivens. I love opening to new and creative responses in myself and my clients.

Credentials

Master of Divinity with Post Master Certificate in Spiritual Direction, Seattle University

Rigorous Ecumenical Studies program with at least 13 different denominations and faith traditions. Seattle U emphasizes the whole person. My program included scripture study, preaching, pastoral care, leadership, creativity and spirituality.

Post graduate Spiritual Direction included practical work with individuals, small groups and supervision.

Within a life-long love of learning, these and other rich studies bring me particular delight.

Master of Arts in Speech Communication, San Diego State University

In a research-based program, I specialized in the areas of interpersonal, nonverbal, and small group communication. During post-degree work, I taught entry-level and advanced public speaking in academic and government settings. I have trained Marine Corps recruiters in presentation skills, facilitated work-groups decision process and led communication and spirituality workshops in non-profit, for-profit, and government organizations.

Member, Spiritual Directors International

Glad to be part of this professional community that shapes ethics and accountability as well as heartfelt skills for persons in spiritual companion roles. I'm particularly gratified to have helped create a meditation room for the 2008 "Seeds of Compassion" Seattle visit of the 14th Dalai Lama.

Affiliate Member, Reiki Membership Association, International Center for Reiki Training

This member association offers on-going support, training, standards of practice, ethics, and accountability for Reiki energy work. I'm a Reiki Master and teacher in the Usui School since 2003 and in private practice since 2010. For 10 years I was active in a commissioned Healing Ministry at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church and St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Bainbridge Island, WA. I'm also trained in Karuna Reiki, and am separately certified in use of Tuning Forks in sound therapy.

Ordained Minister, Universal Life Fellowship

The Universal Life Fellowship is a world-wide organization which promotes freedom of religion, adheres to the core tenet, "do that which is right," and believes that "we are all children of the same Universe."

I'm also a lay Eucharistic minister at my current faith community, Grace Episcopal Church, Bainbridge Island, WA. Prior to that I was an active lay minister in The Presbyterian Church, USA.