I help you deal with grief’s realities, one step at a time. I believe in joyful living, taking small healthy steps, and opening up new thought patterns.

You might wonder why I am qualified to give this information. Partly it’s because I’ve gone through so many grief events in my life. I not only survived, I thrived. Each new experience gave me tools for the next. My curiosity, bolstered with courage, allowed me to forge ahead. Furthermore, I’m a certified health coach and working toward certification as a master grief coach.

Born in rural Florida, I am the mother of two grown sons, grandmother of two, writer, lover of nature, a degree in biology, a former Master Gardener, and citizen scientist during nearly two decades living in Colorado. After a few years in Florida, living near where I grew up, I’ve settled in Ashe County, North Carolina. I learned knitting, embroidery, crochet, and needlepoint as a child. In 7th grade English class, we learned a new word; dilettante. I felt it described my dabbling in all manner of arts. After that point, I was more determined to become well-versed in every endeavor. This came in handy after I married at age 20. I spent 18 years as a stay-at-home mom, filling my life excelling at every craft known to man or woman; basket weaving, cake decorating, oil painting, and watercolor. In a way, this practice was my proving ground for the very real experiences in my life; divorce, spousal abuse, the suicide of my second husband, helping my father transition, death from cancer of my third husband, and caring for my mother during her last years. These episodes of grief led to my realization that self-care is the keystone toward fostering lasting, healthier relationships with my family and friends.

My love of the outdoors encouraged me to find holistic pain relief for my osteoarthritis, including acupuncture, Reiki practice, and yoga. Now I’m taking one step at a time toward creating my best life and sharing my insights with you.