About

I am a shamanic practitioner, psychotherapist, educator and artist of First Nations (mixed Eastern Woodlands, Cherokee, and Sioux) and European (British Isles) descent.  I live and work in Burlington, Vermont, which is nestled snugly between Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains. Most days I can see the Adirondack Mountains across the lake. In childhood I had Polio, an event that taught me much about challenge, struggle, isolation, and healing.

In 2002, my teachers told me I must become more visible, and teach. That was not a simple directive to fulfill. I have always been taught that one never calls oneself a shaman or medicine person. Only the elders and teachers, and the people one aids, can speak to who is, or is not, a shaman. Traditionally, when asked about being a shaman one responds, ” My teachers, and my teachers’ teachers, were shamans”. In many Native communities, persons who claim to be shamans are highly suspect. I was taught to always run the other direction when confronted with someone claiming to be a shaman. Yet, the world has changed and I do not live in traditional culture. The time is near when the ancient teachings and healing practices of First Nations people will find their rightful place in the world. My teachers believe it is now important for visionary healers to stand true and straight, to acknowledge our training, and to share the teachings and practices we know.

I am Mixed Blood, and, as seems right, my work draws from both First Nations and contemporary Western traditions, and reflects my connection to the forces and processes of Nature. Always my work supports others in developing intimate, transformative relationships with both Self, and the natural world.

Our spirits and psyches are aspects of Nature, given to unimaginable complexity and surprising transformations. Within us are the great storms, tides, yearnings, and passions of the world.  We are each  a force of Nature, larger than we can dream or know. As we open to our vastness, we may find love and acceptance, and develop compassion, even for ourselves.

To learn more about our work, please visit our website .