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“The  degree to which a person can grow is directly proportional to the amount of truth he can accept about himself without running away.” 

-Leland Val Van De Wall

The truth is… We’re all going to die

From an early age, I’ve been deeply aware of how life’s unpredictable nature can force us to regularly confront our deepest fears and values. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the impact of loss, grief, and the unforeseen turns that life can take. Both of my parents lost their best friends within the first two years of my life—my mother losing her mother, and my father his closest friend. I watched as they carried these experiences heavily. I saw the silent shackles families carried from unresolved lies and illusions about who they were. I saw shame and confusion dilute the most vibrant people. These experiences, along with the silent pain carried by my extended family members who served in the military, taught me about the weight of life’s difficulties and the resilience required to move through them. Bearing witness to their pain planted within me a deep need to support and help others. I felt a commitment to show up in times when others couldn’t, wouldn’t, or refused to.

 

Naturally, I was drawn to healthcare, a field where I believed I could be there for people in their gravest moments of need. This passion led me to work as a caregiver for an elderly couple at just 18 years old, and later, to pursue a career in hospice nursing. Throughout these experiences, I learned that true care goes beyond the physical—it’s about bearing witness to someone’s life, understanding their complexities, and accepting them fully. It was during this time that I began to embrace a mindset of living intentionally. I identified and defined my core values and I am in a continual process of recommitting to them. As I practiced what that looked like in my day-to-day life I began to understand how this is the keystone to being present in your life. True freedom comes when you decide what is most important to you. That is how you can lie on your deathbed, reflecting on your life with a plethora of pride, gratitude and love, rather than being overwhelmed with shame, pain, or fears you haven't yet faced.

 

This perspective has been my compass, guiding me through a continual process of getting more in tune with who I am authentically. It has helped me identify when something wasn’t a good fit, when it was time to move on, and when I needed to pause, learn, and grow. However, I’ve also come to realize that life doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don’t happen the way we want or need, or in a way that align with our values. But rather than being derailed by these uncontrollable circumstances, I’ve found that living with this “end-of-life” mentality allows me to overcome them and continue pursuing a life that is genuinely fulfilling.

 

I’ve faced moments where the path ahead was unclear, where circumstances were beyond my control, and where outcomes didn’t match my hopes or expectations. Yet, by living with the understanding that each moment is precious and potentially fleeting, I’ve been able to navigate life’s unexpected twists with grace, acceptance, and resilience. I’ve learned that while we can’t control everything, we can control how we respond, adapt, and grow through it all.

 

Now, I’m here to help others do the same. My mission is to guide you through this process of self-discovery and intentional living, so you too can navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence and find fulfillment in nearly every moment. Together, we’ll explore what truly matters to you, helping you live a life aligned with your deepest values, regardless of the uncontrollable circumstances that may arise. Whether you’re facing a significant life transition or simply seeking more clarity and purpose, I’m here to support you every step of the way, helping you turn your own winding road into a path of growth and empowerment.

Professional Affiliations

Educational Background

  • OHSU
  • St. Mary’s Home for Boys
  • Lockehaven Adult Family Home
  • ProMedica Senior Care
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Skinner Montessori School
  • Portland State University, Bachelors Coursework in Psychology and Social Work
  • Clark College, Associates Degree in Pre-Nursing and Psychology
  • Academy of Breath, Certification in Breathwork and Meditation
  • INELDA, End-of-Life Doula Training
  • INELDA, Emotional Mapping Certificate
  • Crisis Prevention Institute, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training
  • Crisis Prevention Institute, NCI with Advanced Physical Skills Certification

Get In Touch

Portland, OR 97210
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Phone: (503) 444-0599


Email: admin@empoweredjourneyscoaching.com

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