I received my M.S. in Dance Movement Therapy from Pratt Institute in New York in 2013, and my undergraduate degrees in English and Philosophy from the University of Michigan.  I was certified as a brain injury specialist and as a registered yoga teacher in 2014 and 2016.  I have studied many forms of bodywork and movement therapy for my own interest, and those are Somatic Experiencing, Esalen massage, Shiatsu, Healing Touch, Cranial sacral therapy, Feldenkrais technique, Alexander technique, Pilates, Gyrotonics, Thai Yoga massage, visceral massage, and emotional release work. I have worked as a dance therapist and movement specialist at a nursing home, at a center for brain injuries, in an outpatient addiction program, and on inpatient psych and detox units.  I currently do dance movement therapy groups at a day program called Envision, for adults with cognitive delays and chronic mental illness. I am hearing impaired, which has given me the capacity for greater empathy for anyone who suffers from a disability.

In addition to my therapy training, I have had a meditation practice for about 15 years that includes mindfulness in movement, Metta, Tong Len, Vipassana, and Shamatha practice.  I have studied Qi gong for 6 years, learning from classes at a Buddhist temple and from Paulie Zink, the founder of Yin yoga.       

 I was a competitive figure skater growing up and competed in two world championships.  I won multiple medals at the intermediate, novice, junior, and senior level nationally for ice dancing. I was lucky to compete internationally in Europe, Asia, and North America for several years.  After competing, I performed in both figure skating and modern dance, and was a performer for 15 years. In addition to therapy, I have coached figure skating for over 20 years, which I continue these days in a small capacity in order to give back to the sport that has given so much to me.  I conduct dance movement therapy sessions on the ice if the client prefers to skate instead of being on the ground. 

I consider dance my first language, and have some proficiency in folk dancing, flamenco, argentine tango, and ballroom dancing, and advanced proficiency in ballet, modern dance, improvisation, contact improvisation, swing dancing, salsa, cha-cha, merengue, bachata, west coast, and hustle.  I find that improvisation, modern dance, and folk dance have been the most helpful forms of dance for my work as a dance movement therapist.