I get really playful when I teach. I've been known to break into a cheer (no, I wasn’t a cheerleader). I grew up in the ATL (hooty hoo!), but have enjoyed mountain life in Asheville, NC the last 20 years. When I'm not training, I love my weekly hip-hop dance fitness class (yep, with my salt-n-peppa hair). I love hiking alone with my dog in the woods (I know, so clichéd!). I love baking with my daughters, and a good tea party with my grandma’s china. I honestly love to do laundry (you know, the dirty to clean process, so clear, as opposed to the challenging work of helping people change!). And just about the only sugar I eat is a good dark, dark chocolate bar or bonbons. Also, you will find me in bed by 9:30p because I love my sleep, unless I have been invited to a 90’s hip-hop dance party.

What lights me up the most, perhaps, is sitting with a person and being a part of witnessing their change. You know, those moments when a client looks at you with damp eyes and you can tell they somehow have just realized that they are OK at their core. Powerful stuff we do, helping others. Important stuff.

Contact me to explore training options.

I love sharing what I have learned with others and have provided MI training to hundreds of healthcare providers as well as a variety of mental health professionals. I also practice the Lifestyle Medicine philosophy of care, which uses lifestyle choices to make positive change in one's overall physical and emotional health. Due to this work, I have incorporated a greater focus on nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness/meditation into my own life. 

If I could choose to do anything in my free time, I would travel.  I love seeing new places and learning about new cultures and people. My husband does, too, so we try as often as we can to pack up our camper trailer and take our two kids and West Highland Terrier, Fenway, out on the road. He's the first dog I've ever had; I am crazy about him to the point that my kids are clearly a little jealous!

I love the evolving nature of training and group work - pulling out the wisdom and experience already present, and helping the group shape it towards a shared goal.  I work hard to listen, so that I can honor each individual's unique character, and help him or her to tap into inner strengths and values. Humor is important to keep energy up, so there's a good bit of that in my trainings as well! Outside of my professional life, I like spending time with my family, running, playing board games, and watching movies (generally not at all the same time).