Roots Before Branches
Please click the resume button below to see my list of qualifications, certifications and degrees. I look forward to working with you!
Having grown up with a large extended family and an environmentalist yogi mother, I was naturally drawn to the healing and developmental arts. After graduating from UC Berkeley in 2007 with a BS in Environmental Science, I went into education and worked as a preschool teacher and environmental educator for CVUSD. I had a few children with special needs in my classes and felt deep connections with them. Witnessing the magic of occupational therapy and the therapeutic effects of the outdoors for my students, I began my curious journey in the field of OT. I decided it was time to further my knowledge in development and rehabilitation and graduated from San Jose State University in 2012 with a Masters in Occupational Therapy.
Working as a pediatric OT for the last 10 years has made me incredibly interested in sensory processing and integration. Typically I use gardens to work with the sensory systems and development. However, I have become interested in looking at both east and west frameworks to sensory integration. Relating deeply to the yogic science of Ayurveda, I began to draw connections between western views on the sensory systems and traditional eastern views on sensory support in health and development. To further my studies, I completed a yoga teacher training in 2016 from Innerstellar Yoga Studio in Berkeley and an Ayurvedic Health Counselor training from the Dhyana Center in 2018. Pieces of my approach to therapeutics seemed to be coming together in a beautiful way.
To further my knowledge in the area of human development, I found myself highly drawn to birth stories and the journey of childbirth. I began to wonder, how can I provide a full spectrum of support to parents, growing children and families? I felt it indicative to engage in the birth and postpartum period of parenthood and decided to complete a labor and postpartum Doula training with Cornerstone Doula Services in 2018, as well as an Ayurvedic Postpartum Doula training with Ayurvedic Mamas. I also completed a lactation specialist course with Arizona State University in 2022 and am currently working on my lactation consultant certification with the IBCLC board.
I humbly hold an ample amount of experience as well as education, and an overwhelming desire to support our new generation of humanity! I have integrated my studies, practiced my approach and I am so very ready to give it all away. Looking forward to working with whomever may cross my path in order to provide diverse, sensitive, evidenced based and knowledgeable care.
Listen to part of my story and approach via podcast episode 11 on ot4lyfe: