Driven by an insatiable curiosity, the central theme of my journey has been to explore: What does it mean to live a remarkable life? How does one find peace in the midst of chaos? How do we provide a voice for the voiceless? How do we invite diverse groups of people together to participate in shared leadership? How do we find common ground between people whose values and cultures may clash, while maintaining dignity for all? My personal and professional path has led me on a brilliant and compassionate journey of understanding and experience.
I believe that ‘peace’ is not the absence of conflict, but rather being able to live with conflict, with peaceful resolve, in the presence of dignity.
A few significant early-life experiences have offered a touchstone and direction. As a Hospice volunteer, I served as a bereavement counselor and was at the bedside of patients in their last hours. Being in the presence of those who were close to death, and listening deeply to their stories, brought invaluable lessons and meaning for life.
My interest in cross-cultural understanding and communication inspired me to travel and work overseas. I was profoundly influenced by being witness to civil war, poverty and living among people rich in culture, language and resiliency.
Drawing upon my years as a competitive athlete, mountain climbing endeavors, and raising children with learning disabilities, I bring a wealth of experience into the hearts and minds of all those who aspire to challenge themselves, to move beyond adversity, uncover their innate gifts, and find meaning and balance in their life.
I have been designing and facilitating innovative workshops throughout the Pacific Northwest since 2000, with a focus on youth advocacy, leadership, community engagement & wellness, peace building, fostering philanthropy, and restorative practices. I have an innate ability and passion for bringing diverse groups of people together, and guiding them through conflict in an atmosphere of dignity.
Achievement Highlights
- Presenter: World Conference on Restorative Practices - England October 2010
- Community Outreach & Education Specialist for Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (2010) Designed a music and arts-based prevention program for native american youth. (www.Evergreencpg.org)
- International Board Member: To Love Children (www.ToLoveChildren.org)
- Collaborative trainer: Green Think Education - Vancouver, Canada (www.GreenThinkEducation.com)
- Program Designer, Lead Trainer & executive team member of International Training Associates (INTA) delivering experiential programs to schools and communities in the Pacific Northwest. www.TrainingWeal.org 2006 - 2009 (Seattle, WA)
- Workshop presenter at the Idaho State Prevention Conference since 2006 - 2009. (Sun Valley, ID)
- Facilitator, Program Evaluator & Grant Writer for company delivering youth mentoring programs in schools across the United States
- Partner in Blue Heron Global Educational Services, a company that specialized in community and international education, youth advocacy, integration of indigenous knowledge and human rights education. (Victoria, Canada)
- Co-authored, Growing Strong: A Training Manual Promoting the Rights of Indigenous Children
- Production assistant for the documentary film The Courage of Women: Walking Beyond Domestic Violence which aired on Global TV and was presented at the 7th International Conference on Domestic Violence