Everyone deserves to feel a sense of belonging.

Core beliefs:

  • Every person deserves to feel a sense of belonging in nature and among humankind.

  • The well-being of each person is inextricably linked to the well-being of every other human and more-than-human being.

  • Nature values diversity and uniqueness. I do too.

 

I strive to offer experiences in which all people feel welcome and honored no matter their ethnicity, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability*, religion, or any other identity.  Fundamental to my offering is honoring each person’s being, just as they are. 

I understand that just saying this– even believing this to my core– does not mean that everyone will actually feel welcome.  I understand my privilege as a cis-gendered, mostly-able-bodied white woman has allowed me a level of access to and comfort in nature and wellness settings, and that my impact matters more than my intention when it comes to creating a welcoming space for all. 

I am on a lifelong journey to uncover my inherent biases and blindspots, and to work to help ensure marginalized people feel welcome, seen, heard, and honored at my offerings. I may not always get it right, but I will keep trying and learning. Please feel free to reach out to me with any feedback. 

*I am happy to welcome people with physical or other disabilities for forest therapy; please reach out to be in advance so I can be sure our location and my offering is accessible to you. I’d be honored to have you join me.

“But in all my time wandering, I’ve yet to have a wild creature question my identity. Not a single cardinal or ovenbird has ever paused in dawnsong declaration to ask the reason for my being….Responses in forests and fields are not born of any preconceived notions of what “should be.” They lie only in the fact that I am.”

— J. Drew Lanham, in The Home Place, Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature