.png)
About Me
I am a wife and mother, two roles that mean more than anything to me. My family and I live in St. Cloud, MN on a rural acre lot. We enjoy taking walks, mushroom hunting, cooking, singing, playing cribbage, and lots of snuggles! I also like to read when I can, dabble in creative design work, and cozy up with a cup of tea.
I have an eclectic background of occupations: massage therapist, wholesale business sales, life coaching, wedding officiant, birth doula and educator, prenatal bodyworker, healer, and a retail maternity store owner. I will be a life-long learner as I have a myriad of interests and passions! I wear many hats each day, but I keep my focus on the golden thread of my passions: empowering women through transformative life experiences. I have had the privilege of walking alongside women as they become wives, mothers, grandmothers, empty nesters, and entrepreneurs. It is rewarding for me to explore identity changes and witness someone finding their unique voice. Connection, calm, and compassion are values that direct my work with others.
Professional Development
BA in Religious Studies at University of WI, Eau Claire - 2005-2009
During my time in college, I studied abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand and trained in Thai Massage. I also minored in Global Studies and graduated summa cum laude.
Massage Specialist - 2008-2009
I worked for an electrology institute, working supervised hours as a masseuse and learning Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Hot Stone, and Pregnancy techniques.
Spiritual Deepening For Global Transformation - 2009-2011
Nearing the end of college, I committed to an ongoing retreat program at The Christine Center in Willard, WI that met every 3 months for 3 years.
CTI Life Coach Training - Sept to Dec 2010
A mentor in my life suggested I pursue life coaching and I resonated deeply with CTI's coaching model. I now use a substantial amount of it with my expectant clients and in my doula agency.
DONA Doula Training - May 2012
I chose DONA International for their mission, "A doula for every woman who wants one." I loved my workshop with Marla in Fridley, MN and just re-certified as a birth doula with the organization for a third time.
Rebozo Certification with Gina Kirby - September 2015
I attended a workshop by Gina Kirby to learn more about the history and sacredness of the rebozo, as well as a plethora of techniques for use.
Spinning Babies® Workshop - July 2016
My first experience with hands-on instruction from Gail Tully! What a memorable workshop and one that would change the trajectory of my career in birthwork.
Spinning Babies® World Confluence - October 2016
I attended the first ever World Confluence and got to connect with amazing teachers and mentors.
Dynamic Body Balancing - 2017
After a workshop with Dr. Carol Phillips at the World Confluence, I signed up to take all 5 levels of her training. Her unique body balancing methods incorporate myofascial unwinding, craniosacral therapies, and biofield therapy.
Spinning Babies® Parent Educator Training - July 2018
I chose to certify as a Parent Educator (SpBCPE) so I could bring the Spinning Babies® paradigm directly to parents. I love helping people enjoy their pregnancies more and build confidence in physiological birth.
Integral Touch of Birth Workshop - Apr 2019
This 4 day workshop from Northern Lights Education in Duluth, MN was the final step towards my SpBAP certification. Learning hands-on techniques specific to pregnancy from Deb McLaughlin, Adrienne Caldwell, and Marcello Windolph was a dream come true!
Spinning Babies® Aware Practitioner Certification - May 2019
I completed my SpBAP certification just before my first child arrived! This designation means my prenatal bodywork practice is informed by the principles and values of Spinning Babies®.
2 Day Spinning Babies® Workshop - August 2019
This very special workshop inaugurated the new Spinning Babies® Approved Trainers from around the world. I was privileged to learn from all of them over the course of this two-day workshop in Two Harbors, MN.
Spinning Babies® Workshop - March 2020
Another opportunity to learn directly from Spinning Babies® creator, Gail Tully, and this time, much closer to home at Stellis Health in Monticello, MN.
​
.jpg)
My Philosophy
My life's work has come to revolve around the golden thread of empowering women through major life transitions. I have enjoyed the privilege of witnessing identity transformation in so many ways - from young woman to wife, to mother, to widow, to empty nester, to entrepreneur... I love helping women define their identity and build confidence in their voice. I believe that pregnancy and motherhood is often the point where this becomes crucial but also the most challenging. The current atmosphere in our world is not the easiest to parent in!
I have also recently become infatuated with two ideas foreign to American culture: hygge and haptonomy, and how they relate to pregnancy and motherhood. I intend to learn more so I can integrate these delightful Danish concepts into my work. Be sure to keep an eye out for a blog and/or podcast where I explore this more!