I am the founder of Metolius Basin Institute. I understand and know what it feels like to live a life that is out of alignment with your true self.

It started when I found myself in a relationship that did not serve me yet I was committed to it while suffering the consequences of not following what my soul desired.

The truth was I wasn't quite sure who I was or what I needed in order to be in alignment with my soul's original intent.

When I found myself in that relationship/situation I faced difficulties daily. The universe took all of the opportunities it could to mirror back to me my lack of alignment with my true self. The struggles were reflected in my dreams, chronic body aches/pains and the “Characters” unfolding in my daily drama along with stress and bouts of depression. My suffering made me feel as though I was off course and offending the gods/goddesses.

I had fallen into the trap of being conditioned and influenced by family and society while deviating from who I truly was and my own unique path. I gravitated towards the ‘security’ of what I thought or perceived relationships and jobs could offer while learning later the only sense of security we have is a false sense of one. When I learned that I was taken back and eventually that particular relationship ended.

Through my own grief process and my journey towards wholeness I discovered tools and practices along the way that helped me align with my true self. By pursuing a masters in ecopsychology/human development and becoming a Nature-Connected Coach/Transformational Wilderness Guide I learned how to create a safe container to assist clients in discovering their own truth while navigating their issues.

I transformed my wound of loss/grief into a gift by founding Metolius Basin Institute with a vision of helping others on their own healing journeys while now equipped with empathy, wisdom and practical tools. I am here to offer transformational education so people can discover who they really are and what they are meant to offer in this life. It is not learning something new about ourselves but rather (re)membering who we were originally intended to be.

Some of my biggest influences include the answers I have received from wandering in nature, paying attention to my dreams and studying Shamanic Astrology. One of my biggest epiphanies is that the universe has the ability to reflect back to us our current situation or whatever we may be experiencing in life. By being present and paying attention to the signs around us we have the opportunity to gain a lot of wisdom and insight.

When I am not coaching or facilitating people’s transformation in a formal setting I am working seasonally as a backpack guide. I have accumulated nearly 1000 days of professionally guiding individuals through the mountains and deserts of the western U.S. and internationally in Patagonia and Nepal.

Nepal holds a special place in my heart. After spending time wandering the streets of Kathmandu and trekking among the highest peaks in the world, it became obvious that I would spend a lifetime returning and deepening my connection to the mystical country. I have returned multiple times to Nepal where the people and the mountains first broadened my horizons and changed my perspective on life. It is one of the best places in the world for a personal quest due to the culture, landscape, breathtaking views and the way the prayer flags flutter in the wind.

To learn more about my adventures feel free to visit my blog and check out my stories by clicking here. You can also read my False Summit where I received the “prescribed wound” that led me to this work.