The visual process is a language like English, or Spanish, or American Sign Language. Expressing through color, shape and line has always been a way I have communicated with others. Sometimes we can't find the words, but we still have a story to tell or explore.

We all have a story. Sometimes that story scaffolds us to be the best we can be, and other times elements of our story hold us back and the problems of our lives become the main characters. My specialty is helping others to explore their stories visually (and sometimes with words as well), to figure out what is holding them back, causing them stress, turmoil, or making their lives unmanageable. Together we can move through those issues that are keeping you from moving forward, evolving, and achieving personal or professional growth.

My educational background is a mix of psychology and art and my career has been spent putting ideas and images together in unique creative ways. Now, after further extensive learning, I'm putting thoughts and visuals together in a new way and helping others to do the same. With thoughtful support and coaching practiced within the modality of art, I can help unlock the issues that are holding you or your loved ones back. This art is not about the art product, but about the process of art making and comfortable visual expression. No previous art experience is needed. All materials are supplied.

As a representative of OPICA serving those with memory loss and in support of the ones who care for them, I combine my love of artmaking with a passion for understanding the complex neurobiology of the brain and how creativity, socialization and mindfullness can help reach areas in ways some people don't normally employ and/or help to forge new thought pathways. Art in and of itself is therapeutic and stress relieving, and provides respite from the frustrations of cognitive impairment.

My work as a school counselor and certification in Social Skills/Violence Prevention has prepared me to give children a path to a richer experience with their peers and to share with their parents new tools for building meaningful relationships with their ever-changing kids.

As a living-related kidney donor, I also have a unique vantage point from which to help donor or recipient families process their pre or post transplantation experience in a safe, comfortable place away from the usual stressful medical environment.

Global experience designing and developing brand solutions for the best and the brightest in the business world as well as making art in open studios with the world's children, has given me insight into the amazing way art can be used for creativity and socialization, and also for personal growth and change.

Together with individuals, or with families, teams or groups, it is my honor to help guide the unlocking of barriers to creativity, the processing of grief, the mindful management of stress, the understanding of the onset of Alzheimer's or other cognitive impairments.

If you are in need of personal support or would like to set up a creative growth or stress management workshop at your place of business, please contact me to discuss custom solution options.