Photo by Anna Maynard.
Bio
My childhood was in upstate New York. I was raised in a suburb, and am very close with my parents and two sisters. My friends in high school held up “free hugs” signs and ditched gym class to stare at clouds.
I’ve lived in Vermont, Atlanta, Israel & Palestine, have traipsed across Europe and Asia, and am currently base-jumping between the Bay Area and New England.
In 2020 I became intensely unwell with depression. Finally lifting out of that darkness, I realized a fervent passion for the remedies of modern pain: human connection, self love and empowerment, embodied presence, and spirit-driven inspiration.
BodyPrayer was born, and became the colorful basket that holds my offerings and collaborations.
Education
I have listened deeply and taken in wisdom at the feet of masters. I am endlessly grateful for this.
Some of my most influential learning spaces include:
-Re-Embodiment Training - The Everything Space
-Wheel of Consent Intensive - Betty Martin
-Embodied Leadership Course - Strozzi Institute
-Somatic Abolitionism Course - Resmaa Menakem
-Urban Tantra Professional Training Program - Urban Tantra
-Four complete intensives - International School of Temple Arts
-Magdalena Priestess Program - Winter Jade Icely
-Nonviolent Communication Immersion Program - Bay NVC
-Restorative Justice Facilitator Training - Burlington Community Justice Center
-Conflict Mediation Training - Mediation Matters
-Prison advocacy and reform - Southern Center for Human Rights
-Multicultural Education and human-centered pedagogy - Burlington Children’s Place
-Formal mentorships with Zahava Griss, Clara Gomez Santos, and Sharu.
-Informal mentorships with utterly brilliant friends, colleagues, and a giant bear.
Realms where my studies have delved
Somatics: authentic movement, embodied vocalization, contact improvisation, Liquidanza water dancing, intuitive eating & transcending diet culture, expressive arts.
Relational & Emotional Health: conscious kink, Circling relational meditation, co-regulation, conflict mediation, the Wheel of Consent, shadow work, Nonviolent Communication.
Culture & Justice: Emergent Strategy, Somatic Abolitionism, disability justice, restorative justice, liberatory childrearing, intentional community living, conscious entrepreneurship.
Spirituality & Magic: eco-sensuality, energy work, Tantra and sacred sexuality, psychedelic medicine work, grief ritual work, practical animism, meditation.
For the past decade, I’ve facilitated transformative, connection-centered group spaces and supported individuals to help them heal & thrive. This work and play has been beyond my wildest dreams. I am humbled and delighted to experience its ever-unfolding. And so...