I often share with others the importance of being open. Open to change, open to the possibilities, and open to the fact that we don’t know what we don’t know. I feel this is essential in my message both professionally and personally because this has been my experience as a lifelong learner and seeker.

I started my professional career knowing I wanted to be a therapist and help individuals and families through difficult times. My early career involved supporting the elderly, the disabled, the drug addicted and chronically mentally ill. After 7 years in the field I realized I was having trouble finding my place in it all. I realized I was completely burnt out! Who knew? Not one course I took focused on self-care or the idea of secondary trauma as a hazard in the helping profession.

I made a conscious decision to become open to different possibilities and my journey led me to my local funeral home. I became a Funeral Director and later the Director of Grief Services for 15 years. My focus was on supporting the community, and companioning grieving individuals and families. This was certainly not where I would have thought life would lead yet it was one of the most rewarding experiences.

While on this path I continued to be open to the possibilities. I became a public speaker, educator, and knowledgeable on grief, loss, trauma and all things related to coping with the struggles of the human experience. My path continues to flow in this direction and is the main focus in my private practice.