I was born in New England and come from a modest family background. Ordinary on the outside, not so great on the inside. I was blessed with an excellent education early in life with the Sisters of Notre Dame and in private schools. I was also a decent athlete. I played hockey, football, lacrosse, and rowed crew. I continued my education at Northeastern University in Boston, where I studied pre-medicine and philosophy. My BA thesis in Philosophy from Northeastern University was on John Searle’s *Rediscovery of the Mind*. I completed my degree at the University of London, Goldsmiths, where I studied acting and was introduced to Eastern Philosophy and Consciousness. After kicking around a bit (building decks in Colorado and studying Buddhism and yoga), I went to law school for a stint. I moved to Los Angeles to try my hand at screenwriting, and eventually, I pursued a corporate strategy career for over two decades. In my mid-forties, I was Chief of Staff for an International Investment fund and a university-level lecturer. As an adult learner, I’ve studied at Edinburgh University, Harvard University, and Harvard Medical School’s continuing education programs.

As a typical “latch-let kid” of the 7o’s, I was left to my own devices, waiting for my mother to finish her shift and manage the local McDonalds. I read everything I could get my hands on—Freud, Jung, and many other seminal psychologists were my favorites. I’ve been captivated by the phenomena of human consciousness for much of my life. I am lay-ordained in the Myōshinji lineage of Rinzai Zen Buddhism started by Kyōzan Jōshū Sasaki, a Japanese Zen master who came to the United States in 1962. My teacher is Chigan-kutsu Kyō-On Dokurō Rōshi, the abbot and lineage holder of Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-ji monastery in upstate NY. Since 2023, this ordination has facilitated my ability to roster in Vermont as a “non-licensed, non-certified psychotherapist” while I complete my master's level psychology training, including a clinical internship and supervision according to the rules for attaining full licensure. Currently, I accept Medicaid and self-pay clients through my supervisor, Christian Dymond, LMFT.

I am lay-ordained in the Myōshinji lineage of Rinzai Zen Buddhism started by Kyōzan Jōshū Sasaki, a Japanese Zen master who came to the United States in 1962. My teacher is Chigan-kutsu Kyō-On Dokurō Rōshi, the abbot and lineage holder of Dai Bosatsu Zendo Kongo-ji monastery in upstate NY. Since 2023, this ordination has facilitated my ability to roster in Vermont as a “non-licensed, non-certified psychotherapist” while I complete my master's level psychology training, including a clinical internship and supervision according to the rules for attaining full licensure. Currently, I accept Medicaid and self-pay clients through my supervisor, Christian Dymond, LMFT.

Nothing is more precious to me than honest conversation and authenticity between human beings. Regardless of politics, past ills, or the bullshit, we are in this together. This connection is never perfect, but it is all we’ve got—and it is rare. Remember that when you connect with a new person who lights a spark in your heart. As a counselor, I am honored to share your journey and consider our process profoundly sacred.

You can read more about my journey and counseling here and here.

Nine bows, as we say in our practice.