About my full story

In my earlier days, I was on a lifestyle and emotional rollercoaster. From the outside, my perfectionism made it look like I had it all—from straight As to a thriving career. Inside? I was a mess and living with a longstanding eating disorder. Still, I often heard, “You’d make such a good therapist!” People noticed that I listened well and without judgment.

I knew that before I could help others claim their full lives, I had to do that work myself.

A skilled, attuned therapist—after a number of unhelpful experiences—was my turning point. I learned how to accept and then embrace my own full story (even the cringe moments and “growth opportunities”) and healed from my eating disorders. Eventually, I pursued graduate training in psychology. From there, my work expanded into leadership, speaking, and published writing.

Along the way, there was an experience that clarified what I believe healing can feel like—my 40th birthday. I walked into a small, dimly lit karaoke bar carrying polka-dot party hats, feather boas, glow sticks, and a pink birthday cake, and began offering them to everyone who came through the door. What started as polite hesitation turned into laughter and connection.

Strangers who arrived guarded and separate softened. People from many walks of life stepped out of corners, put on hats, shared cake, and let themselves be seen. Watching armor drop and belonging take shape—even briefly—made something unmistakably clear to me: Wholeness isn’t about fixing yourself; it’s about feeling safe enough to show up as you are. And that’s what I want every client to experience, in their own way.

Today, you’ll find me in my private practice—computer- or couch-side with clients, sometimes cheering them on with pom-poms stashed in my desk—and in my broader work as an author, speaker, and educator. For nearly two decades, I’ve helped people meet and value more of who they already are (AKA freakin’ amazing humans!), moving toward lives with more peace, purpose, and joy.