This onion has many layers, and I've only gotten through a few! As I continue to learn, change, and grow in my journey of self discovery, I hope to encourage you on yours. I have much to share as my journey has had several detours, cul de sacs, scenic routes, dead ends, and  many pots of gold!

Where to start?                                           

I feel like my life really began the last few years, but then I would be dismissing all the fun and wonderful stuff I experienced prior.

I was born in Richland, Washington and there I have spent most of my life. I am an only child and contrary to many beliefs, only children tend to be generous and giving people. After all, we didn't have to compete for food, fun, and attention in our childhood years. 

Overall, primary and secondary school was not easy for me. My adolescence was full of rebelliousness, anger, and self-loathing. My parents divorced when I was 12 years of age. I was depressed and unknowingly suffering from significant anxiety. I hated school and only attended enough to barely make an impression. I started using drugs and alcohol to numb the pain I was experiencing and to self medicate my anxiety. This only got me through temporarily. Fortunately, by age 17, I had enough and sought help. Actually, help sought me. Thankfully, I had high school counselor that supported me all throughout my highschool career. I wouldn't have made it without him.

Anyway, after barely graduating high school and being told that I wouldn't be very productive, I got a job, actually a couple. And in truth, had there not been certain turn of events, I probably would not have been very productive. Going to school wasn't for me, I had enough of that unpleasant experience. I wanted to be out in the "real" world. UGHH!

I began working at a radio station. I worked there for 3 1/2 years. First as a receptionist. Next, it was radio sales and advertising, then is was traffic.  It was at this time that I began questioning the "why's" of the world and I found myself back in school, but this time I loved it and I excelled.

I attended the first two years at a community college, pursuing my Associates of Arts degree with an emphasis on Business. My Major changed many times....Mechanical Engineer, Accountant, Lawyer, Social worker, etc.  No matter what my Major, I found myself taking lots of psychology classes. I wanted to understand "why people behave the way they do?" This question has many times propelled me to learn about the human being on many different levels. 

I attended the University of Washington, which in highschool I would have never dreamed of being capable of doing. I never thought I had what it took. But there I was! What a wonderful experience.

However, during my third year, I kept getting this inner pull. It's that pull that never goes away. It comes from your inner knowing that propels you to take this or that path. I found myself being pulled toward helping those who have lost their way. I found myself switching majors, one more time. It was one of the many times I have felt lost in my direction, where I have found my self searching for some higher truth. In the end, after completing three more years of college I graduated from Washington State University with a Masters of Education in Counseling Psychology.

Since then, I have completed several certifications and trainings: Let me summarize to save time. Aromatherapy, Reiki, Spiritual Healing, Hypnotherapy, Ordained Ministry, Spa Treatment. I have educational training in Acupressure, Energy Psychology, Herbal Medicine, Intuitive Arts, and Native American Spirituality, (I'm sure I'm forgetting something). I belong to the National Board of Certified Counselors and the Association for Heart Centered Hypnotherapists. I have been propelled to fulfill an inner desire to assist others on their journey of self discovery.

In between all these fun endeavors, I have worked with school districts, the business community, and in the counseling field. I have been married and divorced, raising two wonderful children, and living out my soul's unique purpose.

Update 2010 - To add to my adventure, I began a Master's of Business Administration program in 2009.  What will I do next?.....

AND IT'S ONLY THE BEGINNING...