I often reflect on my life and how it has evolved into what it is today. There are days I ask myself, “How did I get here?” Then, somehow, something happens that shows me how all the dots in my life are connected, and I am reminded that I have been divinely guided to be right where I am—in my career, my relationships, my journey.

I have always had a strong desire to help others and have committed the majority of my life to doing so in one way or another. At a very young age, I felt drawn to working with youth, particularly youth who were often mischaracterized as “challenging.” As someone who had my fair share of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), I realized early on that the youth I was most drawn to were simply misunderstood. Having faced my own emotional struggles early on, I became passionate about supporting others facing similar challenges.

While I was completing my undergraduate studies in psychology, there was a high demand for educators in my area. Knowing my heart was being pulled to work with youth, I decided to double major in education. Immediately after graduating from college, I was hired as a teacher, walking away from the therapy world I once envisioned. I spent twenty years working in public education, supporting youth and their families, in both a traditional education setting and an alternative setting, and as a statewide education consultant. Throughout my two-decade career in education, here’s what I learned.

Each year, more and more youth are entering the school system, unable to focus and learn, often the result of early childhood trauma. We were fortunate to have a robust system of supports; however, no matter how safe and supported an environment educators tried to create, many youth continued to struggle in the school setting. No matter how hard we tried, we just couldn’t seem to get to the root of the real problem—  helping youth adequately process and release the uncomfortable physical (somatic) sensations stored at the cellular level that were related to early childhood neglect, abandonment, loss, grief, or adverse experiences— somatic sensations that regularly sent them into a state of “fight-flight-freeze,” causing them to feel unsafe within their body.

No matter how many counseling services we provided, students continued to have difficulty regulating their emotions, developing and maintaining healthy relationships, or accessing learning. The reason was that talking about their struggles triggered hard-felt memories or emotions stored deep within their bodies, causing a wide range of emotional and physical reactions, including an increase in anxiety, depression, and dysregulation— challenges we knew if unresolved would follow them into adulthood. It became clear that we needed to do something different.

As a lifelong athlete and outdoor enthusiast, I knew how connecting with nature, movement, high-impact sports, yoga, mindfulness, and holistic-based practices positively affected me. To me, it only made sense to bring some of these mind-body modalities into the education setting, in hopes of supporting youth in navigating and letting go of the invisible wounds they were carrying. So, I set off on a new journey seeking training in adventure therapy, expressive arts, more personalized and flexible learning models, and therapeutic practices like cognitive behavior therapy, yoga, mindfulness, Polyvagal, and Emotional Freedom Techniques.  Over time, we witnessed how incorporating these techniques into our alternative education program allowed youth to learn to regulate their nervous system, release pent-up stress, build confidence, rebuild trust and resilience, and gain a sense of safety. In other words. They worked.

Since having left public education, I still find myself feeling passionate about supporting the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of others. As a strong advocate of holistic health and wellness, I decided to embark on a new journey, utilizing my teaching, coaching, and therapeutic skills by providing heart-centered, trauma-focused, mind-body modalities that support others in finding relief along their healing journey. I have expanded my scope of work to include Craniosacral Therapy, Integrated Energy Therapy, One-to-One Restorative and Yin Yoga, and Grief Support across all age spans, from adolescence to seniors, and individuals nearing the end of life.

The heart of my work focuses on providing compassionate care for folks seeking respite from stress, overwhelm, anxiety, grief, pain, or whatever else ails them. Through connection, co-regulation, and the light-touch of energy work and craniosacral therapy, clients report experiencing an overall sense of balance, deep relaxation, reduced anxiety, decreased pain or physical discomfort, improved sleep, increased energy, and feelings of clarity and peace.

In addition to my degrees in psychology and education, I have an extensive background and certificates of advanced study in trauma. I am also a certified Level 2 Usui Reiki Practitioner, Certified Restorative and Yin Yoga Teacher, Certified Spiritual Life Coach, Certified Grief Coach, and a trained Craniosacral Therapist, Level 4 Student of Healing Touch, and Emotional-CPR Practitioner. I am also in the process of completing my Death Doula and Emotion Code Practitioner certifications.

It is an honor to share safe, sacred, and supported space with clients on their own self-healing journey. It would be a privilege to work with you or someone you love or know who would benefit from my services.

Light & Love

Tiffany