my struggle

Somatic work changed my life and the way I relate to the world. My first craniosacral session included a traction on my skull coupled with a lymphatic technique that released my spine, allowing fluid to rush out from my spine, filling my limbs. I cried as years of grief and dysfunction evaporated. Long-COVID wrecked me for years; I began losing two dogs, 3 family members, and identity/status as an online poker pro (my 1st career and love). This was a religious experience, and once I melted into the table, I could feel a cloud of energy about 6-8 inches thick surrounding my body, bathing me with a slight euphoric sensation on my skin. Think of a barely existent orb cloaking the body like a blanket of electricity that feels alive and restorative, while also restful.

I learned to play cards with my family around 7, and at 17, poker grabbed me and many college students, as Chris Moneymaker (his actual name) won the World Series for a few million. The dorms were full of young adults trying to get rich and play a game we all loved. At 21, I went pro and by 34 I had made a few million. It was intoxicating and challenging, but I struggled with depression and chronic pain in waves throughout my career. I found some relief via yoga, bodywork, and integrative therapies, but not full resolution. In my 30s, I noticed an empty feeling in my chest- life lacked meaning and vision. Undigested grief created an overly aggressive pursuit of goals. My efforts depleted me, and rest became mandatory instead of welcome.

The chronic pain got worse at 34. I knew poker only satisfied part of my personality, so I began a job transition. It became clear that my talk therapist couldn’t help me through complex issues. I felt lost, angry, and misguided as he pointed at accountability whenever things fell apart and tried to have me apply theories instead of trusting my body and psyche. Life got worse. The pandemic hit with stressors from family, friends, career transition, and Long COVID piling up. I pinched nerves, slipped discs, developed autoimmune issues, and experienced a lot of overlapping grief/losses. I was nonfunctional, barely able to walk, swallow, sleep, and nearly had a stroke. My most terrifying moment happened when my memory started to fade.

“I left FedEx crying because I could not remember my name or address to put on a shipping label.”

My hands-on work, personality, and writing all tell my story of how to regain form and function after losing everything I loved to a soul-crushing series of events. An incredible life doesn’t start from techniques learned in books and training, or thinking and talking. It emerges primarily from a relationship with your body and mind that develops through the somatic practices I offer. Let me walk you out of your struggles to find an unimaginable way of being immersed in wonder and awe, while feasting on the challenge and adoring restoration.