Although I had physically left my father behind on the West Coast, emotional reactions from my childhood kept me in survival mode in my adult life. Every ten years I changed my spouse, my career, and my location, unknowingly attempting to run away from myself. Seeking a spirituality that made sense to me, I studied at Unity School of Christianity, was ordained, and was a minister at Unity Church in Ventura, California. After a disastrous breakup with my partner, I moved to Maui. Realizing that I was the common denominator of the problems in my relationships, I began psychotherapy.

Attempting to understand my parents’ behaviors I earned an M.A. in Family Systems; wanting to prepare myself for a meaningful career as a psychologist, I earned a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree, specializing in neuropsychology. I then worked at Kaiser Permanente in the Occupational Medicine Department treating patients who had been psychologically injured at work.

​In my retirement, I volunteered in educating the community about sex trafficking as well as contacting hotels and tattoo parlors regarding children who were being trafficked by their pimps.

I have written Compost Happens to detail my journey from childhood sexual abuse to the fullness of a vibrant life and loving home.

My spouse and I currently live in the San Francisco Bay Area with our two kids—dogs, not goats. 🙂 When I’m not writing, I enjoy sailing, gardening, and chocolate.

I’m here to spread the word that you don’t have to be a gardener to have a pile of compost in your life. It’s what you do with it that counts!