After graduating from art school, I was searching for a meditation practice. I went to a free community meditation where I saw my old co-worker from the art school wood and metal shop. At the time she was in Thai massage school and asked to practice on me. I did not know what to expect from a massage. Her touch brought images and sensations into my mind and body. I felt awake, present, and aware of my senses and how creative my mind felt. I was refreshed like emerging from a long winter to the smell of spring flowers and the feeling of sunshine on my skin. I wanted everyone to know this feeling, especially those who were suffering the most. 

Eventually I began my studies in bodywork. In 2019 I completed Paul Fowler's Blue Lotus Thai Healing Studies. Paul's program included chanting, meditation, and philosophy. I continued to apprentice with him in 2018 and 2019, eventually working in a Thai massage studio. In 2019 I began my studies with Giorgia Milne at her Touch of Presence School for Biodynamic Studies. Her teachings, influenced by American osteopathy and craniosacral biodynamics, focus on foundational principles of presence, wholeness, and non-doing. I've been assisting her classes since 2024. Most recently, I completed a 715 hour Massage Therapy Diploma Program at Zen Shiatsu Chicago where I learned Japanese acupressure, meridians, and Chinese medicine. 

My Vedic astrology (Jyotisha) studies began in 2022. I am a graduate of Freedom Cole's Science of Light Courses 1 and 2. I continue to study with Freedom and within the lineage/tradition of Śri Achyutānanda Dasa. In 2025, I fulfilled a childhood dream of traveling to India as a part of my Jyotish studies. My childhood self would be overjoyed to learn I joined my teachers and peers in India to study, celebrate the birthday of the saint of our tradition, and participate in puja and mantra transmission.

It's an understatement to say these studies have changed me. They completely transformed who I am. They have been my source of healing and inspiration, guidance and support. 

I feel immense gratitude for my teachers. I am in awe of their ability to make these teachings so accessible and available. I feel so much respect for my teachers, especially seeing the respect they carry for the teachings as well as the students. Thank you to my teachers for being a guiding light. Namaste, deep bows to the divine in everything, which becomes so bright and clear in me when I see it in you. 🙏

Photos from my first bodywork class in 2017 at Blue Lotus Thai Healing Studies with Paul Fowler in Chicago.