In the last thirty years, I've worn a lot of hats: I'm a widely recognized and highly acclaimed Trauma Psychologist, a Professional Muse, a talented retreat facilitator, a prolific author, a sought-after public speaker, a highly-trained educator, an aspiring filmmaker, a deeply spiritual Intuitive Consultant, a Reiki Master, and an Ordained Minister!To many, it may be difficult to discern how all these services are related, but to those that know me, it all makes sense. My mission is as a Global Messenger: to bring hope to the inhabitants of a world that need uplifting- in every fashion I can possibly muster: through individual contact, through couples consultation, in small and large group settings, in real and virtual classrooms, through the written word, via the radio waves, and through film and television.

Through rigorous internal exploration and experiential intensives, our clients gain clarity about all that stands in the way of achieving greatness. At Sage Wisdom Institute, we infuse traditional structure with contemporary, innovative techniques for a powerful, transformational approach. Whether you are eager to build skills, reduce or resolve symptoms, enhance communication, improve your motivation, or deepen your connection with self and others, we've got you.The development of presence and fearlessness enables our clients to become capable of truly playing their edge so that they can experience life at its most brilliant.​Whether you are an entrepreneur, an administrator, an athlete, a performer, or simply tired of not sucking the marrow out of life, we can help you shift gears from surviving to THRIVING!

I have been in the healthcare field for 32 years! I am a born nurturer and my entire family was in the medical field, so as a career it was really a very natural progression for me. In 1996, I was inspired to start my own business, Healing Heart Center.  In 2016, I rebranded as Sage Wisdom Institute in order to reach a larger audience. Our Not-for-Profit, Healing Heart Center Foundation, raises funds to provide intensive psychotherapy and retreat services for those unable to otherwise afford them.

While I think that the career really chose me, I did do a little legwork!  I attended UCSD, Revelle College and received a BA in Psychology, then completed my Master's degree and my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at Northwestern University.  I am licensed as a Psychologist in the States of California, Tennessee, and Georgia. I have since retired my Tennessee and Georgia licenses as I work primarily in California now. 

My life has been filled with very difficult circumstances, including a history of sexual assault, pregnancy loss, accidents resulting in both Traumatic Brain Injury and paralysis, divorce, and the death of many close to me.  Despite harrowing circumstances, I have accessed an amazing resilience and have embraced post-traumatic growth from all that I have endured.

I have a unique gift of clairvoyance, and the intuition I have enables me to listen at an entirely different level. I am also comfortable working one-on-one with people or speaking to a group of thousands. I connect with people heart-to-heart, and whatever audience I work with, big or small, feels that connection.

On a personal level, my greatest accomplishments are my five beautiful and uniquely special children. They are all phenomenal people and I am so proud of them.  

On a professional level, I have been blessed with a perseverance that has enabled me to obtain multiple degrees, certifications and licenses.  I have provided hundreds of speaking engagements, written hundreds of articles, chapters and courses, and have authored two books!  The clients to whom I provide service may appear at the worst times of their lives, but when they finish their work with me, their lives are uplifted, sometimes as to be nearly unrecognizable!

My personal goal is to work smarter not harder, so by focusing on the work which enables me to be effective and efficient, I can lead a more balanced life and role model that for others as well!

My grandparents were my greatest role models.  My grandfather was the foremost researcher in cures for pancreatic cancer, but was also a beautiful soul and a spirited adventurer.  My grandmother raised four children and eight grandchildren, all with grace, diplomacy and kindness.  They provided unlimited emotional support and encouraged me to stretch myself to achieve all that I could.

I want to be remembered for bringing hope to the world!

• San Diego Psychology Association
• California Psychology Association

I received the Daily Points of Light Award from the Bush Foundation.

• Girls on the Run
• Casas de Luz
• Healing Heart Center Foundation, Founder
• American Heart Association

I enjoy hiking, writing and cooking.  I also love to play with my kids- whether in the water, on the beach or in the snow!