When I was 18 years old I was a senior in high school with a raging drug and alcohol addiction. I was deeply depressed and lost, and had no understanding that I had anything of value to offer the world. I didn’t relate to others around me and had a deep painful void in my soul that I was desperate to fill.

A required art class changed all of that for me. The art teacher, Mrs. Burke, told me that I was talented and needed to keep going and not give up. It was the first time I loved what I was doing. It was uniquely mine and fed my soul. It was life changing.

After I graduated high school, I checked myself into drug treatment. I completed the program and moved from San Diego to Minneapolis to enroll in a 4 year art college. I studied photography and it became a way for me to dive into my inner world.  I was able to say visually what was so painful for me to say verbally. I received a BFA in photography. More importantly, I figured out that life was worth living, sober, and that I could express myself fully through my art.

Today I have 24 years of sobriety. I have a photography business that focuses on eCourses, Retreats and mentoring for women. We explore ways to live a more Soul*Full and deeply connected life.

I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to publish my work. A photograph of mine has been published on the cover of National Geographic Magazine. A portrait I created of don Miguel Ruiz was published on Oprah.com.  I was voted one of the best wedding photographers in the country by earning a spot in “Top Knots” photo competition with Photo District News two consecutive years. You can view those photos here and here. I’ve shown my personal work in galleries around the country. I’ve also had the privilege of working with don Miguel Ruiz, Toltec Teacher and author of the Four Agreements, as my Spiritual Teacher. My work with him continues to enrich my life.

The shift that took place years ago has given me a world of unlimited possibilities. My intention is to pay it forward to those who are seeking to live life in a more meaningful way. I encourage women to trust themselves, to create photographs that are infused with personal vision and to live life passionately. I believe that we are all valuable beings and that our stories matter.