My Story: How Forest Bathing Found Me
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My path to this work began with a life-altering moment.
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In my early thirties, I survived a near-fatal scooter accident that left my body severely injured and my nervous system in shock. I was later diagnosed with PTSD and found myself in an in-between space — aware that my life had changed, but uncertain what the next chapter would look like. I no longer fit into the life I had been living before the accident.
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It was the forest that helped bring me back.
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Time outdoors became my refuge. Through quiet walks, sensory awareness, and simply being present with the land, I began to feel my nervous system settle and my sense of wholeness return. That experience changed the direction of my life.
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Today, I am a certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide with over eight years of experience, and I have guided thousands of individuals through forest bathing experiences throughout Sonoma County. I partner with hotels, wineries, retreat centers, and private groups to create meaningful, restorative experiences rooted in the healing power of nature.
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My work is informed by nature and forest therapy, mindfulness, nervous system regulation, somatic awareness, and heart-centered practices that support deep presence, resilience, and connection. I hold a Master’s degree in Integrative Health Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies and bring a background in hospitality and tourism to each experience.
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In addition to my private guiding work, I am the co-founder and executive director of Integrative Healers Action Network (IHAN), a nonprofit organization that provides trauma-informed integrative health services for communities impacted by climate disasters and for first responders. This work continues to deepen my understanding of how nature connection supports healing and resilience.
Living in Sonoma County, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the land and the opportunity to share its beauty with others. I honor that this region is the ancestral homeland of the Coast Miwok, Southern Pomo, Kashia Pomo, and Wappo peoples, among others, whose enduring relationships with this land continue to inspire a deeper ethic of care and respect. My intention is to create experiences that help people slow down, unplug from the pace of daily life, and reconnect — to themselves, to each other, and to the living world around them — while cultivating a spirit of reciprocity and stewardship.
Whether you’re visiting Sonoma County, planning a retreat, or seeking a meaningful wellness experience for your guests or team, I look forward to guiding you into a deeper experience of presence, restoration, and belonging.
