My primary work, before being swept off my feet by the helping spirits during a workshop on core shamanism, was Traditional Chinese Medicine. I received my Master’s in TCM from Five Branches University in 1989, was licensed to practice acupuncture and herbal medicine in 1990, and maintained a clinical practice for 29 years. During this time I also spent many years devoted to the parallel studies of Feng Shui, Pole Star Astrology, and traditional Chinese martial arts.
In 2002, following a soul nudge, I began my studies with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. After taking the Basic workshop, Way of the Shaman, with Dr. Michael Harner, I knew I had found my passion. I went on to complete the Two Week Shamanic Healing Intensive, and the Three Year Program of Advanced Initiations in Shamanism & Shamanic Healing, joining the FSS faculty in 2015. In 2019 I retired from my TCM clinical practice to devote myself entirely to teaching and practicing core shamanism.
I currently teach all FSS online and in-person workshops, and assist for both the Pacific Northwest and the West Coast Three Year programs.
I also continue to practice and teach Tai Chi at the Academy of Martial Arts in Santa Cruz, and to train and volunteer with my chocolate Labrador Retriever, Rosie, who is a certified pet therapy dog. When recently asked when I plan on retiring, I paused only for a heartbeat before replying “never!”
