I received my Bachelors Degree from Vassar College in 1975 with a major in psychology. I spent the next 17 years living as a gardener, crafter, nature lover and mother in rural Oregon and then returned to graduate school at Southern Oregon University to receive my masters degree in social science. I completed the counselor training program in 1995. During the years between college and graduate school I gained a great deal of life experience that was valuable for my own personal and spiritual growth. This helped me to have a better understanding of the challenges of being human. This combination of personal and professional experience has helped me to become a more well rounded therapist.