My passion is to discover what a sustainable caring practice is all about...

Everyone knows that caring work is hard. Few actually care enough about the people who do it, to figure out why.

We who spend our lives serving others get to go to bed every night knowing we’ve made a difference. That’s something.

But how do we translate that knowledge into the energy, the vision, and the peace inside that lets us continue to love doing it…day after day?

After thirty years of experience, I understand that the answer is not about “having better boundaries”—and it’s sure not about “self care.”

It’s about a profound rework of why we do what we do; of what we expect of it; of what we let it expect from us; of how we approach every interaction and every demand.

We are the only ones who know what our work really is. And no one is coming to help us…but us.

What Sustains

Speaking Engagements and Workshops

You are looking for a speaker or workshop facilitator who LISTENS and GETS what your specific workplace needs to truly support the people who love their work. Or you are trying to inspire the next generation of professionals in your field.

These workshops and talks are designed and tailored to your specific time and focused needs. I have extensive background in developing and shaping activities that make a profound shift with caring professionals, leadership, and students who work in all areas of the caring professions, and with groups of all sizes and experience levels. I am happy to explore this with you. The next step is to sign up for a free 20 minute consult.

  • I appreciated the emphasis on what elements in my career have been fulfilling, and time to reflect on what’ s the foundation of that.

  • I left with action steps, but also feeling like I'm trusted in my own knowing!

  • The workshop was the perfect amount of time to think/write/reflect/share/discuss...I left with concrete ideas I can use. I really appreciate your unique approach.

  • I have steps to take to make my next day so much more livable. I am so grateful!

My background

Studies

  • Ph.D. in curriculum theory—University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • M.A. in curriculum studies & teacher education—Stanford University

  • B.A. in English and Spanish—Wesleyan University

Work History

  • Speaker and facilitator of sustainable caring practice with teachers, educational leaders, health care professionals, counselors, clergy, writers, artists, and creators

  • Professor of Education and Associate Director of Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, Appalachian State University, Boone NC

  • Assistant Research Professor of Social Medicine, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill NC

  • Curriculum Designer, All Kinds of Minds, Chapel Hill NC

  • Teacher of English, Spanish, music, and drama, The Field School, Washington DC

  • Link to full vitae