In addition to the often overlooked effects of growing up in a patriarchy, my voice was silenced and shamed when I was sexually assaulted by my friend’s dad at age 5. Attempting to stay safe, I reacted by narrowing my self-expression and self-trust to focus on pleasing others. Like so many girls, I instinctually knew that dimming my voice reduced my chances of attracting criticism, disapproval, or even attack. I know firsthand that these cultural wounds are real and show up in largely unconscious ways.
After experiencing sexual assault again as a teen, I hit rock bottom several years later as a piano major in college. Facing chronic pain from a repetitive strain injury, I could no longer continue running from my pain and burying my emotions. I realized it was time for me to look within and heal. I began immersing myself in yoga, Alexander technique, cognitive therapy, and spiritual healing. The hidden gift of my injury went beyond personal healing: I was called to shift my focus to strengthening my voice.
After graduating with a vocal performance degree, I began my career as a voice teacher working with students of all ages. For the first 10 years of my career, I taught in a rather traditional way, focusing on singing technique, artistry, and quality of sound. Meanwhile, I continued my internal excavation and shifted from receiving cognitive therapy to trauma resolution therapy (Somatic Experiencing and EMDR). I gradually came into contact with my sense of worth and wholeness and learned to return to my innate divinity with more ease. I learned to speak up for myself, embrace my loudness, and express my gifts for the mutual empowerment of all.
But all this growth and healing meant I could no longer keep teaching voice in a traditional, superficial way. In 2017 I began exploring how to merge technical voice lesson work with my background in yoga, chakra balancing, energy healing, spiritual songwriting, and professional performing. By responding to the feedback and needs of my students, I am continually building and refining the Trust Your Voice body of work. As I witness, support and guide women through the blossoming of their voices and sovereignty, my students are able to tap their innate creative gifts and joyfully express them in the world.
When relevant to helping students unleash their voices, I also bring in my experience as a professional performer. As a singer-songwriter, I have booked and played many gigs including The People’s Fair in Denver, Swallow Hill’s Main Stage, and Broomfield Summer Sundays concert series. I also support women in amplifying their voices by getting press coverage, drawing upon my experience being featured on Denver's 9News, Westword Magazine, KGNU Radio, and 303 Magazine.
With this unique blend of experience, I am here help to you reclaim your worth, wholeness and creativity by strengthening your voice.