About
The road to now.
My professional experience includes individual and family therapy, team building for profit and non-profit organizations, and communication building/conflict resolution. I have worked as a counselor in schools internationally for many years, supporting children and parents through life challenges. I have developed programs to decrease violence in California schools, taught self- defense to girls and women, and worked as an advocate for victims of domestic violence as part of the District Attorney’s office in the Boston area.
I work with clients world wide, via virtual sessions, to support my clients to overcome their obstacles and live their best lives. Currently, I am based in the San Francisco Bay Area, after living and working in France, Italy and Malta. After receiving my BA from Tufts University, I completed a Masters in Social Work degree at Simmons University. I extended my education to include Coaching by attending the Coaches Training Institute, in California and Mentorcoach in the Washington DC area.
As a native Californian, I have always loved the outdoors. Between college and graduate school, I spent time leading hiking and backpacking trips throughout the Yosemite Valley. Since then, outdoor adventure has been an integral part of my life and travels. My true passion however, is helping other people pursue their dreams and make the most of their lives. I have worked extensively with facilitating retreats, allowing me to combine my two great passions of helping people find their own fulfillment and the outdoors. From corporate retreats (including team building exercises and rope course work) to couples retreats, as well as workshops focusing on career/life change, my focus is on helping my clients to make the changes they want in their lives.
My avid interest in outdoor adventure, mountaineering and rock climbing led me to attempt and successfully summit some of the world’s most beautiful peaks while trekking the world. Some of my most favorite adventures have included: ice climbing in New Zealand, rock climbing in Thailand, bareboat sailing in the Caribbean and backpacking in Yosemite National Park.
My desire to climb and hike in the Himalayas led me to embark on a year-long trip of travel, exploring and writing about 27 countries. I saved money, rented out my home, and did my best to quiet the fears of those around me who thought it was crazy to leave a job and stability to take a risk for adventure. This opportunity gave me a strong understanding of a variety of cultures. My passion for cultural exploration allows me to understand and support my clients in leaping over their own hurdles be it on their home turf or in a foreign country.
Several years later, after resettling in California, I took another risk and moved to Paris, France. I wanted to experience living in, not just traveling through, another culture. I continued working with clients via phone, while I established a practice in Paris. Additionally, my former husband and I renovated an Italian farmhouse and opened a luxury food and wine holiday retreat business. Most recently, I spent several years living in Malta and providing school based and individual counseling and social emotional learning education.
My two young daughters have spent their lives going to school and living between France, Italy and California. Being a parent allows me an additional layer of perspective from which to assist my clients.
My perspectives as a counselor, therapist, adventurer, advocate, foreigner, group facilitator, mother, wife, employee, business owner, allow me to understand where my clients are coming from and, more importantly, how to help them take their next steps.
I work with my clients virtually, or in person. Together we assess the sticking points and create a plan to move forward.
I am also a LGBTQI+ & POC ally.
Education & Accreditations
BA, Tufts University - Medford, MA
Masters in Social Work, Simmons College - Boston, MA
Coaches Training Institute - San Rafael, CA
Mentorcoach - Bethesda, MD
Living Abroad
As an American mom who has lived abroad in several countries I understand the challenges of living and parenting in a foreign country. I provide support to English speaking moms who are living far from home, juggling a foreign culture, schooling in a different country, adapting to new cultural norms, and supporting your kids as they negotiate life in a different country.
