ABOUT

Happily Unrefined evokes a few meanings.

It can mean ditching the push for an artificial ideal of perfection, in favor of embracing your God-given, beautiful life, in this moment, with chaos and choreography unfinished.

It can be a frame of mind for those making a clean break with processed foods in favor of elevated health and a lighter way of showing up in the world.

Or…it can be a space for the person who is working, as Thoreau said…to elevate [his or her] life by a conscious endeavor.

While appreciating the journey.

That is the type of space I provide. As a certified behavioral health coach, I partner with people who want or need:

  • support in a challenging season

  • clarity to make major life changes

  • help breaking unwanted patterns

  • sustainable, healthy weight loss

  • to tap into powerful books to deepen learning

  • to reconsider and reshape their narrative

I work with the Mayo Clinic model in which I trained. It draws from positive psychology, cognitive behavioral theory, evidence-based strategies, and the neuroscience of behavior change, to support growth.

I work mostly one-on-one, in private practice, and via BetterUp. With a background in English and communications, I weave books into everything I do, and I focus on the capacity of words to fuel change.

The Library of Congress is one place where I gained appreciation for the power of bearing witness to personal narrative. I was privileged to support communications there for the Veterans History Project, a place where listening is elevated to art. It inspired me to pursue this path.

In coaching, I create a space for stories to be shared and witnessed and valued. I also believe that books and writing can slow us down and provide common, fertile ground for growth.

What else?

In addition to the Mayo Clinic, I also have NBHWC-approved training as a certified health coach. I trained under the paradigm of The True Health Initiative. I try to cut through the noise about diets and work with basic, time-honored principles of nutrition.

Speaking of cutting through noise, I also push back against the pervasive message in our culture that how you look = all you are.

Can we please kick that mentality to the gutter, for the sake of ourselves and our kids? Real beauty runs deep, and perfection is a slog. I’d rather be happily unrefined.

A few clients have gifted me with written feedback. View their words, here.