About Me

Let’s face it. Defensiveness is poison in your relationship. We are all guilty of it. We either criticize or judge our partner, and/or we play the victim and wallow in self pity of how unfairly we are being treated. We feel attacked, used, judged, resentful, prideful, hopeless, defeated, anxious, frustrated…sound familiar?

In 2016, I joined Jayson Gaddis’s Relationship School when I was struggling to get a commitment from my now husband. Years later, I’m happily married and am a certified Level 2 Relationship Coach-Singles and certified Level 1 Couples Coach.  I am currently enrolled in a 4th year at the school where I’m getting regular supervision and feedback. I help facilitate the Relationship School’s online Facebook community "Smart Singles".  I am currently working towards my Levels 1 and 2 certification from the Gottman Institute. I have over 600 hours of direct coaching experience. I work with both individuals and couples. I believe in the importance of doing my own personal work and getting regular feedback from my peers/supervisors.

For those of you who value credentials: Previously, I studied at the University of California, Davis graduating with B.S. in Environmental Science. I worked as an Environmental Planner for 7 years at the Department of Transportation where I facilitated conversations between various stakeholders.  I have a regular meditation practice and have studied with various teachers over the years.  Despite my credentials, my biggest value is that I've dated hundreds of men, from all walks of life, and have real life experience to share. My husband and I have been together 12 years and have a 3 year old with 1 year old twins. We are currently living in San Diego, California, our hometown.

During a typical couple session I will direct you to speak with your partner instead of me, and I will facilitate a repair. My main goal is to look beneath the surface and help you identify the root of your dynamic, which we can then work with much more successfully. This is easier done when BOTH partners are willing to take 100% responsibility for their part (and YES there are always two people responsible!). I teach you ways to co-regulate each other, and phrases, gestures, touches that help soothe your partner when distressed. Couples coaching is helpful for most relationships; even those that struggle with anxiety, depression or childhood wounding. In fact, new research shows that learning how to have healthy partnerships can be a wonderful antidote for mental health issues. I teach you how to identify your partner’s triggers, that way you learn how to handle them with care and expertise next time you step on a landmine.