I've worn a lot of hats in my life. I've trained horses, worked in hospitality, launched a startup, built a digital marketing company, worked with some amazing organizations, and burned myself out along the way.
It's been an interesting journey, to say the least. Through it all, one thing has always fascinated me: people. How we think, communicate, handle challenges, and figure out what matters to us.
A change in direction
When I burned out, I had to admit something I'd been ignoring. I wasn't taking very good care of myself. But I was successful. I was doing what I'd set out to do. What was the problem?
Turns out, success and taking care of yourself aren't necessarily the same thing.
I began exploring self-care, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and how our minds work. I found it fascinating, and when I started putting what I learned into practice, it helped.
That curiosity led me to study compassion, meditation, positive psychology, and eventually mediation and conflict management. I've learned from some remarkable teachers, taking what resonated with me, drop by drop, and making it part of my own life.
Along the way, I also realized that while I'd enjoyed my career in marketing, it wasn't what I wanted to spend the rest of my life doing. I wanted to help people on a different level, using what I'd learned to make a more personal difference. So I changed direction.
What I've learned along the way
For as long as I can remember, I've been someone people come to when they're working through something difficult. Not because they expect me to fix it, but because they know I'll listen.
Over the years, I've met people who loved what they did and others who were successful but wondered if there was something more. I often found myself in conversations with people navigating change, feeling stuck, or trying to figure out what came next.
I wasn't giving advice or handing out solutions. We talked. I listened, asked questions, and often they began to see possibilities they hadn't considered.
My studies helped me better understand what I'd been seeing in myself and others all along, and gave me more ways to support people. I've learned how valuable it is to have someone really listen without trying to fix things. We don't get nearly enough of that.
These days, whether I'm working with an individual, a group, or helping people navigate conflict, that's where I begin. I'm not there to fix anyone. I'm there to open the windows a little, help people see themselves and their situation more clearly, and give them room to decide what comes next.
If they want tools or practices to help them move forward, I'm happy to share what I've learned. But the person always comes first.
Where I am now
I'm especially interested in how we live well in uncertain times, manage change, care for ourselves and each other, and stay connected to what matters.
I write, work with individuals and small groups, and explore these ideas through conversations and shared experiences.
I founded Nearly Mindful, where I offer meditation, workshops, and sound experiences, and created Microdosed Mindfulness®, a collection of small reflections and practices for everyday life. You can find more of my writing on my Substack newsletter/page.
I'm still learning, still curious, and I enjoy sharing what I discover along the way. If something here resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you.
A little more about my background
I'm a lifelong learner, and I've been fortunate to study with some remarkable teachers and organizations. My training and experience include:
- Mindfulness & Meditation: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) through UC San Diego, Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute (SIYLI), trauma-aware mindfulness, and Positive Neuroplasticity with DR. Rick Hanson.
- Compassion & Emotional Intelligence: Stanford's Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE), emotional intelligence training through SIYLI, and HeartMath.
- Positive Psychology: Applied Positive Psychology, with a focus on well-being, resilience, and human flourishing.
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation: Mediation and conflict resolution training through Edwards Mediation Academy and Community Boards, where I also volunteer in community-based conflict resolution and restorative justice.
- Teaching, Coaching & Facilitation: More than a decade of experience working with individuals, groups, and organizations through mindfulness education, emotional intelligence, leadership development, workshops, and facilitated conversations.
- Professional Experience: More than 25 years in technology, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and community building, including founding Tatu Digital Media and working with organizations of all sizes.
I'm also the author of When Life Hits the Fan, a podcast host, and a two-time TEDx speaker.
These experiences have shaped how I work today. They've given me many ways to understand and support people, but I've learned that the most important thing I can bring to any conversation is my willingness to listen.