"I have always been drawn to the puzzle of human behavior and tackling what it takes to help people with unique needs and special circumstances to find the specific techniques that inspire them to live their biggest and brightest lives."

As an optimistic beginning teacher, wanting to make a difference, I jumped at the offer to start my career as part of a multi-disciplinary team working with teens in residential treatment. Reality came quickly, as I saw that my students’ emotional problems and crushing life stories stomped out any spark they might have had for learning. The true spirit of my work became clear as I became hooked on the challenge of inspiring each one of them.

I continued to work with clinical and behavioral education experts, who believed, as I did, that the key to reaching these kids was understanding the needs of the “whole” child, including the distinct approaches required for each developmental or mental health diagnosis.

After completing my graduate studies in developmental psychology, adaptive instruction and behavioral education, I became director of an urban outreach program for “kids at risk”, and the challenge was to develop creative, motivating psycho-educational curriculum for kids weighed down with social-emotional problems and minimal home support. Adapting best practice models, my staff and I created arts-based programming that engaged and excited our toughest, most skeptical teens.

Experience had taught me that to make real progress happen for struggling kids, they needed their adult team to be all on-board. Now, I was drawn to working with “the village” and after adding professional coach training to my credentials, I went into private consulting and now work with parents, educators, and clinical professionals developing tailored behavioral programs, which are a customized fit for my individual clients.

 Click here to see formal education and professional trainings.

 To read some clients testimonials click here.

On a more personal note…..the story of my education is not complete without a mention of my most inspiring educators – my two sons, who have been teachers of many lessons about nurturing behavior change. In the past, we navigated the tough territories of divorce for kids and single moms. Today they continue to lovingly challenge me. I live in Colorado Springs, Colorado with my fun and always-supportive husband Mel. We live in the foothills of the mystical and often challenging front range of the Rocky Mountains.

I keep physically and spiritually fit with swimming, hiking, yoga and surround myself with a circle of smart, fun and soulful friends from many places. To fuel my color creativity, I gather captivating pieces of broken china and create a kaleidoscope in mosaics. 

Here I am with my sons, Matt and Jeremy, on the Overseas Highway, beneath the spectacular Key West sunset. Jeremy was being silly for the camera - he is a real comedian!

Formal Education

Masters of Science in Education, Applied Developmental Psychology and Adaptive Instruction University of Toronto, OISE.

Behavior Education Specialist: Bachelor of Education, Additional Qualifications in Behavior, Learning Disabilities and Gifted Education – York University, Toronto, Ontario Canada.

Bachelor's in Psychology

Professional Trainings and Certifications [partial list]

-Graduate Life Coach – Coach University 2002
-Treatment, Education and Behavior: ADHD / ADD, Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental, Disorder, Autism Spectrum
Social Skills Behavioral Intervention / Prevention Models -Adolescent and pre-adolescent sexual health and decision making ----Issues of Gay and Lesbian Youth
- Substance abuse
- System wide Bullying Proofing - - Peer Mediation
- Solution focused therapy - Workplace advocacy, Autism Spectrum
- Inclusion models in exceptional student education
- Pre-teen girls – mentoring practices
- Attachment and Early Intervention