Key experiences that shape me include:
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Personal practice of liberatory somatics, including online and virtual sessions with The Embodiment Institute, Kai Cheng Thom, and in the Generative Somatics lineage; and 1-1 with Mariana Pardes of Somatic Support Philly (2021-present).
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Direct coaching by Monica McGoldrick in multi-contextual family systems (2017-2020).
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Community practice in mindfulness and interpersonal mindfulness in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, mentored by Senior Teacher Anh-Huong Nguyen (2008-2014).
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Training and practice in antiracism, intersectional feminism, and liberatory practices of healing and community, especially through my work at Therapy Center of Philadelphia (2021-23) and supervision with Phoenix Wood; engaging with writings and other offerings by Prentis Hemphill, Kai Cheng Thom, adrienne maree brown, Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, and others (2020 through present); and as a board member of the Leeway Foundation (1994-2006).
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Lifelong creative practice, including writing and imaginative play.
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Personal, long-term experience of Gestalt and Family Systems therapy.
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The love and example of a few shining beings, including my childhood babysitter Bea Leonarski, my partner Chris, my mom, and our departed cat Queen.
Formally, I hold an MFT in Family Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University (2020), a 500 hour Yoga Teacher Certification from the American Viniyoga Institute (2004), an MFA in Fiction Writing from the University of Iowa (1999), an MA in English from Stanford University (1990), and an AB from Bryn Mawr College (1989).