Introducing myself and my journal: The Fire in my Heart

About Me:
I’ve had a life-long interest in psychology, personal growth and spirituality, as well as having some talent in the arts. After graduating from college with a degree in Graphic Design, I moved to the Findhorn Foundation, an international spiritual community in northern Scotland. During my six years there, I helped to develop new courses and co-lead over 20 week-long workshops. I also completed a certificate program in Psychosynthesis, a branch of transpersonal psychology.

By the time I returned to the States, I had survived breast cancer, and began to help lead a Post-treatment Support Group for WomenCARE (Women’s Cancer Advocacy, Resources and Education). I also studied Life Coaching, started a coaching practice, and led a women’s personal growth support group for a number of years.

I moved to Oregon in 2003, and began co-facilitating a survivors’ support group for the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence. While there, I decided to make my work with women a focus in my life, and launched HeartFire Coaching. This business focuses on enriching women’s lives through individual coaching, workshops, and women’s groups. For the last three years, I’ve also coordinated Oregon chapters of Dining For Women, a national giving circle that helps to alleviate the poverty of Third World women and children. Through this organization, I’ve had my eyes opened to the situations of women in other parts of the world, particularly the third world, and I’ve developed a passion for helping to broaden opportunity and lessen inequality for women in these areas.

Other than that, I’m an avid dancer, voracious reader, and love to travel and be on (or in) the water. And I’ve just started volunteering for WorldPulse, being lucky enough to live in the town where they are based!

My Passions:
Women around the world; Dance; Spirituality; Peace and Justice; Psychology; Relationships; Travel; Learning; Reading; Trying new things.

My Challenges:
Creating a sustainable income with my passions and skills

My Vision for the Future:
A world where women are valued inherently, as well as for their gifts, skills, and approach to healing our world. Where women and men work together to achieve peace and cooperation the world over. A world where all are nourished, body and soul.

My Areas of Expertise:
Life coaching, group facilitation, graphic design, editing and computer skills