I am honored to have been chosen as one of the 2025 Activists & Artists In Residence by Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health as part of their commitment to supporting those they consider to be leaders in whole-being liberation work, and/or agents of institutional and systemic change. Kripalu is one of my happy places, filled with great people, delicious food, and set in beautiful surroundings.  

I plan to use my time there to continue developing my meaning-based practice which uses the visual, written and conversational arts to explore how our beliefs affect the way we see ourselves and connect to others. It involves creating safe places, and asking more beautiful questions, to allow what’s in our heads, and in our hearts, to gently rise to the surface so we can view what is there more objectively and with more compassion, empathy, and even humor. This change in perspective also allows us to challenge and adjust our thoughts when necessary, in order to live more in harmony with our purpose and values. 

Throughout my career (as a human resources manager, an integrative health coach, and leader of mixed media art workshops for adults), I have witnessed people spend large amounts of time and energy trying their best to present themselves in a way they think will seem more desirable to others. As I have experienced myself, this is not only an exhausting way to live, but it reinforces the idea that there is something wrong with who we really are. Ironically, it can result in the hiding of the very parts of ourselves that allow for the deeper sense of belonging most of us are trying to achieve in the first place. 

I truly believe the world is a better place for all of us when we start viewing ourselves with more curiosity and kindness, rather than judgement. Kripalu is a great place for doing just that.