My Journey
Surviving to Thriving
A huge theme in my life has been about survival.
At the age of 16 I was kicked out of my house after an incredibly challenging childhood. Trauma and wounds were deeply rooted in my psyche. This formed a baseline of incredible anxiety. Surviving meant leaving.
In 1993 I was infected with HIV at a time when there were very few treatment options. I was given a death sentence. I was 23 years old. Surviving AIDS was unheard of.
A few years later antiretrovirals came out, and I tried many, but ultimately they greatly affected my quality of life. I couldn’t handle the side effects, I opted out. So began my journey to treat my disease with diet, healthy lifestyle and alternative medicine. I spent two decades researching and trying everything I could to improve my immune system and slow down the virus. It was messy, hard and humbling.
I survived 24 years mostly off medication. For over a decade I lived with full-blown AIDS. I treated most everything that came up naturally. I explored many alternative health treatments, some with success and many without. Surviving meant making healthy choices for mind, body and spirit. AND staying open to miracles.
Radical Acceptance
In 2014 I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma ( an AIDS related cancer) in my small intestine. As someone who thought they would NEVER do chemotherapy I felt backed into a corner. With an NG tube down my throat knowing time was NOT on my side, I chose chemotherapy, spent 65 days in the hospital and left cancer free. At one point in the hospital I said a prayer to the universe to either take me home or keep me here, healthy, so that I could live a life of service.
Surviving meant a balance of conventional Western medicine and natural therapies.
During cancer treatment I was given benzodiazepines at high doses to deal with the stress of life in a hospital, and very aware that if I did not start HIV medication (I had 50 T cells) that I would die. Six months later (after being told hospice was my only other option), I finally started HIV meds. I am THRILLED to say I am undetectable, unable to transmit the virus and living a healthy, happy life!!!!!!!
Initially, I was given benzodiazepines to help with the side effects of my HIV meds… anxiety/insomnia, and told I could take them long-term. They are meant to be prescribed for a two week maximum. After two years, the benzos stopped working due to tolerance. I didn't want to up my dose, so I chose to come off of them, better now than later. I never took more than prescribed, actually I took much less. Benzos are the most addictive and challenging class of medication to withdraw from. It took me 2 1/2 years of tapering to finally break free of the mental torment of withdrawal. This hellish nightmare was more challenging than chemotherapy. I survived benzo withdrawal.
In 2019 I found out I had ovarian cancer. With a grapefruit sized tumor on my right ovary, I once again was thrown into survival mode. I had a very successful surgery that has left me cancer free. I survived another cancer because I agreed to be cut open. Again Western medicine saved my life.
I consider myself as someone “living” with chronic health condition along with an anxiety disorder. I am able to manage my life, and continue to Thrive because of the commitment I have made to living a healthy, balanced life. My intuition has been my guide, and laughter has been the best medicine. You can eat all the kale in the world but if you’re not laughing, you’re not living!
Once upon a time...
Olympic Dreams
For 33 years I dedicated my life to figure skating. I spent my childhood training for the Olympics. I had big dreams and discipline. I competed at the highest level. I never made it to the Olympics, but the journey itself set the foundation for an incredible amount of strength, courage and focus.
A showgirl at heart
For 10 years I traveled the world performing as a professional figure skater. It was a rockstar lifestyle, and I am forever grateful for all the memories of wonderful people, travel and fabulous productions. I’m still a show girl at heart!!
Hawai'i
I was a figure skating instructor in San Francisco for a decade before moving to Hawaii in 2009. I still skate when I'm on the mainland. There's no ice on Maui, so now I’m a mermaid who loves to be in the ocean as much as possible. If I could live in the ocean I would! The element of water feeds my soul. Gliding on the ice has turned into deep dives into the unknown crystal clear waters of Hawai'i.
I'm incredibly grateful to call this magical place home. The lifestyle, culture and MANA of these islands has been deeply healing. I strive to walk with the essence of Aloha, and I’m continually in awe of what this part of my journey is teaching me here.
In 2019 I did volunteer training with Hospice of Maui. I feel called to sit with people in transition. Eventually I would like to set up a program to help people who are terminally ill plan a beautiful, conscious death. I believe one can THRIVE even at the end of life. I'm honored to have had these experiences, and look forward to sharing my insight and gifts with you.
Aloha from Maui......
Education and Training
Nutrition
Nutrition
Nutrition
Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. Certification at Institute of Integrated Nutrition.
Reiki
Nutrition
Nutrition
Reiki in the Raku Kei lineage through Iris Ishikura. Certified in Reiki 1~2. Working with clients since 2004.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness
Mindfulness
Certificate of completion of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course based on the teachings of Dr. Jon Kabat - Zinn. I've been meditating since 1993.
EFT
Mindfulness
Mindfulness
Certified Emotional Freedom Technique practitioner through the Priority Academy with Graham Nicholls
Shifting our relationship with our health
Dis~ease can be seen as an illuminating doorway into a deeper understanding of life and ourselves.
Dis~ease can result in a broken spirit, loss of confidence and fragmented reality. The yearning to "fix" what's broken, "label" a condition or "pray" for a miracle can be all-consuming. This can lead to a vicious cycle of feeling stuck, sick and hopeless. By honoring the co~creative process happening between spirit and the body, we open the door to healing.
When we stop grasping, we expand into acceptance and profound appreciation for the true perfection of each moment, connecting to a place of wholeness that is never sick nor broken.
Together we explore this path of remembrance, and reinstate an energetic pattern of wellness in Mind, Body and Spirit. My programs do not guarantee a cure or a fix, rather they support the transformation that the “gift” of dis~ease brings. My intention is to Inspire, Cultivate Hope and be a Witness to your EVOLUTION.
