I grew up in San Diego, California, and graduated with a B.A. degree in French from the University of California at Davis. After living abroad for more than 25 years, I currently live in Brussels, Belgium. I earned my Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Human Life Studies from Koriyama Women’s University in northern Japan. After six years of research, I completed my Ph.D. dissertation, Human lifestyle and sensitivity towards nature—A comparative study between Japan and the West from a religious perspective in 2003. My main research interests include comparative religions, Buddhist practices, mindfulness, and contemplative pedagogy.

In addition to being a spiritual director, I am an author, mindfulness-based transitions coach, and teacher of contemplative practices and creative expression. I completed my mindfulness teacher training and practicum at the UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness in 2017 and offer Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses to groups, in addition to spiritual direction.

After graduating from the Phoenix Center for Spiritual Direction Apprentice Training Program in January 2024, I have been working globally with individual directees via Zoom. I am also a trained group spiritual direction facilitator, and lead contemplative practices and creativity workshops, along with spiritual retreats and pilgrimages in natural surroundings.

I have been an active member of Spiritual Directors International (SDI) since 2023. As a spiritual director, I am open and affirming and welcome directees and groups from all faiths, spiritual orientations, cultures, identities, and backgrounds, especially people from the LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and global communities. If you’re interested in learning about spiritual direction sessions with me, use the contact form below to request an introductory 30-minute call.