Growing up, theater was my safe haven. I first debuted as Mary in a nativity play at age 4 and was hooked— every chance I got, I was performing at my local community theater or school and going to theater camps. I loved performing, but I also really loved the process of creating the show. I loved learning about my characters, the community between the cast and crew, and the rituals.

I was equally invested in human rights, culture, and people. I wondered whether I could find a place for both in my career.

When I decided to attend New York University as an undergraduate student I did not know that drama therapy was a field, and I definitely did not know that NYU is one of a small handful of schools with a drama therapy program. Upon realizing this, it felt meant to be. Of course the creative arts can be used to help people, the same way they had always helped me! In the words of a late mentor, “in a way, we all feel like we discovered drama therapy for the first time.”

Since then, life has been a winding road. I’m mom to three. I have moved between 5 states and 2 countries, and found my way back home to the Pacific Northwest. I’ve faced speed bumps and road blocks along the way.

In my own life and in my work, I am continually reminded that we all need support to thrive— and that many do not have the village they need. I’ve also learned and re-learned the need for play. For spontaneity. For creativity. In the busyness of work and shuttling kids to practices and housework and errands, it can be difficult to find spaces to rediscover your humanity. This can be especially true for those who have been robbed by trauma, or who have never really had the support to discover themselves.

This is part of the reason I’m passionate about what I do. My hope for the people I work with is that they can find a place to explore those sometimes forgotten and left behind parts of themselves.

If you are interested in working together, please contact me to schedule a free consultation.