My journey began with divorced parents and an absent father before my second birthday, resulting in a deep sense of unworthiness and insecurity, and leading me to seek love in all the wrong places — outside of myself.

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Starting from age 19, my intimate partners often struggled with moderate to severe addiction issues, despite my determination to avoid this pattern. However, I was provided with incredible opportunities to do The Work! After years of intense suffering, I finally had to realize I was not a victim and also played a key role in the dysfunction of the relationships. I had to face my controlling, codependent, insecure, fearful, and faithless self that lacked the necessary tools to face life with confidence and courage.

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Throughout these years I was the mother of two beautiful sons who struggled with their own issues while I worked full time as a paralegal for over 20 years. Life was not easy! However, as I began to take full responsibility, practice true forgiveness, and turn to a Higher Power, life took some miraculous turns.

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I was unexpectedly and magically offered a job in my version of paradise, the U.S. Virgin Islands, which began a thrilling new chapter. I found mySelf and a spiritual Tribe where I was able to heal, thrive, and be of service. I discovered A Course in Miracles which provided profound healing and led me to become an Ordained Minister Spiritual and Relationship Counselor through Pathways of Light. I discovered the gift of yoga, became a 200-hour registered yoga teacher, and remain dedicated to my practice. I discovered Dr. Marshall Rosengberg’s Nonviolent Communication (NVC) process and have attended and shared hundreds of hours of training.

 

I completed a family mediation certification program and realized the power of using NVC to support people in resolving their conflicts and healing their relationships. I helped create a spiritual community and nonprofit which offered free community events weekly and annually to raise our consciousness. I have attended and facilitated numerous healing workshops and retreats. Along the way, I’ve experienced higher levels of spiritual growth and awakening, which is my foundation and inspiration.

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Unfortunately, my oldest (adult) son returned to Ohio after an unfulfilling semester at the University of the Virgin Islands and began a downward spiral as the opioid epidemic was heating up. I left paradise and returned to Ohio, inspired to change careers and become a social worker as well as to live near my family. I did not realize the extent of my son’s addiction problems until I returned.

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The next seven years were a roller coaster of epic proportions. I attended The Ohio State University’s College of Social Work and graduated with both a Bachelor and Master of Social Work degrees (and a minor in Addiction studies) while I desperately sought to help my son overcome his addiction. While I initially would not even entertain the idea of working in the field of addiction, I eventually realized Life had been preparing me for it all along and I had a profound passion for the field!

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Thinking this knowledge and my love could help me save my son, however, was wrong. Tragically, my beautiful son Cory overdosed July 5, 2021. I walk the path of grief forever more. My practice is dedicated to his memory and helping individuals and families navigate the brutal path of addiction and liberating path of healing and recovery.

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Life has brought me to my knees again and again and again. In the process, I continue to discover the vital lessons and hidden blessings which empower me to Rise and Shine. I am passionate about helping others do the same, while we walk each other Home.

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I am a lifelong learner, constantly reading and taking courses to increase my skills as a therapist and human, to understand the mysteries of our psyche, Soul, and body, and to grow and evolve towards ever greater Self-Realization.