Please share what you do in 10-15 words:
I help people strengthen their capacities for resilience — from disappointments, difficulties, and even disasters — in clinical practice, workshops, and writings.

Why do I do what I do?
I feel most alive when I am helping people come alive to their own strengths, wisdom, and compassion for others.

What are you currently fascinated by in your work?
I am fascinated by constant new discoveries in neuroscience and behavioral science research about how the brain works. We can use that knowledge to make our practice, our lives, and our relationships work better.

How did you come to your path? Any aha moments or key teachers?
My first moments in Sylvia Boorstein’s meditation class at Spirit Rock Meditation Center (20 years ago!) I knew I had found “home.” I’ve had many teachers and teachings since then. I’ve been blessed with wise and caring mentors, as well as resonant and loyal friends on the spiritual path.

What book(s) did you like reading this year?
Many. I’ll mention The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Healthier, Happier, and More Creative by Florence Williams. It describes the current research that shows that spending time in nature, especially in forests and surrounded by trees, is restorative to the body, mind, heart, and soul.

What is one surprising thing about the ashram for you?
Under the umbrella paradigms of yoga and spiritual study and practice, the Sivananda ashram brings presenters and participants from many different backgrounds, traditions, and points of view. Experiencing people’s eagerness to learn new tools from different perspectives, and to learn from each other, is what makes teaching at the Sivananda Yoga Retreat such a joy.