About

I have had a strong fascination and connection with nature since childhood when my parents would frequently take me camping, hunting and fishing. I specifically remember a time, at the age of 9, off of Unalaska Island, in the Aleutian Chain of Alaska. While returning from a salmon fishing trip in our 15′ Lund Skiff, we were accompanied by a pod of porpoises, riding our bow. I was amazed at how close they were and how high they were jumping out of the water. My father helped me to lean over the edge of the bow, while safely holding me, and I stretched my arm out as far as I could. Incredibly, I actually got to touch a porpoise as it lept out of the water in front of our boat. The awe that I felt from that wild animal encounter has never left me. At 10 years of age, we moved to Cordova, and our house was on the edge of an old growth forest. I spent countless hours alone exploring the moss covered forest floor, among the giant conifers, skunk cabbages and devils club. I have had a deep love of forests and trees ever since.

After graduating high school, I became interested in the healing arts and massage therapy called to me. I love being able to offer comfort and relaxation to people in such a stress filled society. It is supremely satisfying to see someones physical and mental well being positively change so quickly. After 13 years of working with the body, I felt called to become more holistic in my approach to wellness and attended the Hypnotherapy Academy of America to become a Certified Medical Support Hypnotherapist. These professions of assisting others to focus on self care, and my personal healing experiences in nature, have organically led me to becoming a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide.

New scientific studies are consistently showing that spending time in nature is essential to the well being of our species. The molecules produced by trees strengthen our immune systems and reduce stress hormone production. The sounds of birds, animals and wind through the trees calm our nerves and relax us. The sight of an inquisitive chickadee or a playfully chattering chipmunk can elicit a sense of wonder and joy within us. Nature heals our bodies and minds. Beyond that, it is imperative to the survival of our species, and possibly all others, that our global society embraces our place as an integral part of the environment of this planet. We are the self-aware, conscious aspect our planet. We must remember, re-evaluate and re-imagine our relationship to the other beings with whom we share our home. There is only one way out of the climate catastrophe we have created and that is through repairing our relationship with the environment that created us.