About Ana

“Interpersonal experience shapes the mind as it continues to develop throughout the lifespan... Interactions with the environment, especially relationships with other people, directly shape the development of the brain's structure and function.” - Daniel J. Siegel  

Over the past two decades, I have dedicated my life’s work to guiding others in developing healthy, functional relationships with themselves, others, and the environment. As the co-founder of Whole Earth Nature School, I have had the distinct honor of working with thousands of youth and adults while developing a relationally centered, trauma-informed educational model that accommodates the diversity of learning styles and brain development. Through designing curriculum, facilitating trainings, and directly mentoring students in the outdoors, I saw the incredible positive impact of empathetically attuned mentoring in natural settings on my students. Not only were my students developing cognitively, but I also saw how their socio-emotional development increased. I wondered: Is this style of mentoring in the outdoors applicable to therapy? Upon further exploration, I learned about the evidence-based practice of adventure and nature-based counseling and enrolled in a Master’s program in 2022 to begin my journey. 

My Vision is to guide others toward awakening to self. Whether you are seeking healing and understanding from past experiences or in the present day, together we will curiously explore through the layers of time to develop clarity, understanding, and acceptance. I believe in the power of self-healing; however, as social beings, humans are wired to heal and grow together. Therefore, the “work” we do together is a collaborative process. By empathetically attuning to you in the moment, I support your healing and growth process through intuitive and skill-based tracking - following your lead while gently guiding you toward awareness and understanding.

As a Nature-based therapist, I offer you the unique opportunity to step out of the “office” and into nature for our sessions. Nature then becomes a co-therapist, supporting us by providing elements of holding, allowing, witnessing, challenging, and co-regulation. Adventure Therapy offers a more holistic approach than traditional “talk” psychotherapy. I will offer a variety of activities and somatic explorations to engage your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This holistic approach supports functional changes that are aligned with your unique needs and goals for growth and change. 

I use an eclectic approach to therapy, meaning I switch therapeutic approaches depending on your overall needs or a specific moment. Evidence-based therapeutic interventions are important; however, I also rely on intuition and emergent opportunities that arise during sessions. Meeting you where you are, based on your lived experiences, multicultural background, identities, and mental health needs, is critical to giving you the agency and authority to direct your healing journey. These approaches address a wide range of mental and emotional health needs, including anxiety, depression, low self-worth, socio-emotional development, childhood and recent trauma, and relationship challenges. 

The goal is that you develop the skills to live life with a deeper sense of joy, purpose, love, and peace. My intention is to provide you with opportunities to develop deeper self-awareness, a secure sense of self, and the tools to listen to and understand your body’s needs, to seek out resources and self-regulate when necessary, and to believe in your ability and power to navigate the rough and calm waters of life. I am honored to be a witness and guide along your life’s journey.

Currently, my focus is within the adolescent age range (14-30), as this is a critical time for personality and overall development. Please contact me to learn more about what I currently offer and whether we are a good fit to support your growth and healing. I work with clients aged 14+ in nearby outdoor settings and can offer indoor and telehealth sessions. 

“Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.” ― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass