I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in research psychology and completed a second major in mental health psychology at Southern Connecticut State University. I attended Tristate Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine; a three-year Chinese medical institute in New York City and received my first diploma in acupuncture.
I obtained a second degree, an M.S. in Oriental Medicine after attending a four-year program at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco. My osteopathic training has been an integration of two Japanese based neuromuscular reeducation systems, Sotai-ho and Anma, and the powerful Chinese system of Tui-na. These modalities are all focused on returning natural body alignment by working with the breath and moving toward comfort rather than adjusting toward pain while untwisting muscular holding patterns.
My training continued with extensive experiences in community medicine in clinics such as the Sidney Hillman Healthcare Clinic in New York City, Fourteenth Street Methadone Clinic in Oakland and the Zen Hospice Project in San Francisco. I have trained extensively with Mark Seem, Kiiko Matsumoto, Bob Flaws, Honora Lee Wolfe, Ted Kaptchuk, Chip Chase, Jeffery Yuen, Arya Nielson, Jim McCormick, Peter Thompson, Eric Stevens and Donna Finnando.
In 1986, at the Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu, I had the auspicious opportunity to take refuge in the Buddha and received my first teachings in Tibetan Buddhism. I later received the Medicine Buddha Empowerment from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
I am a certified Death Midwife and trained at the California Institute of Integral Studies in psychedelic-assisted therapy and research and with MAPS, the multi-disciplinary association for psychedelic studies in San Francisco.
I am a mother of four and all but one child is out of the house. My happy place is in my garden and getting my whole family together. I am passionate about honeybees and good food, enjoy studying botanical illustrations, and working with my loom. I love to travel and experience new cultures, food, and places. One of my many side projects is a community, honor-based farm stand where I sell my homemade baked goods, honey from my beehives, handmade candles and soap, and produce from my garden.
