Humans are born within a community. We are known in relationships, through experiencing life not just as an "I," but also as "we." I approach others with the understanding that our impressions of life and world are based upon what we experience with others, and sometimes those experiences are obviously beneficial, and sometimes they are painful and less obviously beneficial.

I passionately believe that dissociation is a result of traumatic experiences and is not, in itself, a disorder. However, it is true that dissociation can become a coping skill that no longer serves the purpose for which it came into being. And the learned dissociative behavior can be changed, and, in fact, can become a superpower.

I became a therapist later in life, after finishing my doctorate in intercultural communication and conflict and mentoring people at my church. I found that I was drawn to work with people with trauma, because of healing in my own trauma background, and studied EMDR while still an intern working with Native clients. Now, I enjoy working with my clients to overcome various barriers toward fulfilling, meaningful relationships with themselves and others.

I am currently studying in order to develop practice with autistic adolescents and adults, who face challenges similar to those who have experienced significant traumas.