About Me

I’m a philosopher, a musician, a gardener. I’m a Dad, Brother, Son and Friend. I have a religion degree and have led churches for fourteen years. I have made mistakes and experimented with life. I have traveled to many different countries and have experienced various cultures. I’ve taught English, flipped burgers and waited tables. I was married for seventeen years. I’m an Enneagram nine. I’m an outgoing introvert that enjoys one-to-one conversation and social justice.

I enjoy sharing the journey with others. My goal is to listen well, be present and offer a safe and non-judgmental place for people to process their experiences. I’m happy to meet with individuals or couples. I’m open to any person who wants to talk about goals or life changes, their spiritual journey or lack thereof. I’m LGBTIQ friendly. Many of the people I meet with have been confused by conservative religion and need a place to try to make sense of that experience. I don’t have all the answers, but I believe I have found some of them.

I look forward to doing weekend retreats and public speaking in the near future.

“Get in Touch”

Education/Experience

• BA in Religion

• Certified Prepare/ Enrich Facilitator

• Certified Spiritual Director/ Life Coach

• Senior Pastor/ Family Life Facilitator/Worship Leader

I Believe

• I believe that taking care of yourself and trusting yourself is soul honoring, confidence building and our only option. Its not selfish, arrogant or immoral. We can’t live another persons life or presume to. Inner health comes from accepting what is the reality of our limitations and trusting ourselves to study, ask questions and make sense of things.

• We can’t selectively isolate or “mute” parts of ourselves. If you are in denial or not dealing with certain aspects of life, those barriers will affect other parts of life. We all process different... some combination of internally, verbally, emotionally or cognitively. Do the work of journaling, meditating, talking to a safe friend or counselor. In being known (and fully accepted) we find healing.

• Honesty, truth telling and introspection are foundational to healing.

• I believe that happiness and joy are to be pursued. On that path of worthwhile discovery, you will find purpose and people with whom to share mutual care.

• I believe ALL humans are worthy of love. I may not understand or identify with the individual perspective, presentation or choice, but I can still value, respect and be curious about their views and experience.

• I believe in freedom of choice and speech. I value accountability, logic and clear communication. We learn and grow in the tension of these values. The only thing I’m intolerant of is intolerance.

• I believe making mistakes is necessary. Life experiences are the colors of the paint on the canvas of life.

• I believe its ok to have your core tribe. People who may or may not be family but who WANT to track with you... nobody is a member of this tribe by default. Its a given we will disappoint each other, its how we handle the disappointment that matters.

• I believe questions and being open to mystery is far closer to understanding God then creeds and theology. Everything can be holy and I can’t own or be exclusive in knowing what is right.

• I believe little things matter. Choices can have big consequences and sometimes choosing simple pleasures and a sense of home is what makes life livable and provides the fuel to make big contributions.

• I believe people really do try, and most have reasonably good intentions. Personality, core values, perspective, defense strategies and life experience are the blades on the blender that mixes it all up. As we make sense of all that, of course there will be blind spots and inconsistencies… its part of being human.

• Any belief structure requires accepting unknown. Whether atheist, agnostic or devout God follower (whatever name you give him/her) there are unexplainable things. Much harm has been done in the name of religion. Much harm has also been done because of our need to qualify and “be better” then each other. The reality is we each have good qualities, negative characteristics and limited understanding. I want to balance my conviction with space for yours. I want to challenge and be challenged, not judge or be judged.

• Need for closure is valid and necessary. It manifests uniquely for each individual and often does not coincide with others who may be involved. Find a way to do what is needed but accept the boundaries of others. Feel the duality, loss and separation, then live YOUR life.

• I do believe in faith and hope but most of all love.

What I Offer

• Life Coaching/ Spiritual Direction

• Prepare-Enrich couples / pre-marriage counseling (Sessions focused on discussion points around 16 important relationship expectation and specific compatibility factors)

• Public Speaking

• Regular discussion groups (via zoom)

• Weekend group retreats