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MY STORY
 

Personal Transformation and Survival

After traveling the world with my military family, we settled in Colorado when I was ten. That’s when I realized healing and self-discovery weren’t just ideas—they were essential tools for survival. Growing up, I faced a traumatic, chaotic environment that was sometimes emotionally and physically violent, with none of the tools needed to navigate life’s obstacles. That difficult period powered my determination to understand human nature and develop inner strength out of sheer self-preservation. Thankfully, I found compassionate teachers and mentors along the way who helped me survive, grow, and eventually thrive. Now, I’m committed to offering the same support that made all the difference for me.

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Finding My Footing in Colorado

My time at the University of Northern Colorado initially revolved around studying education and creativity—music in particular. I juggled nightly gigs in local bands to help pay tuition while maintaining a full-time class schedule. But even then, I began to connect with self-awareness and mindfulness practices, looking for self-understanding, relief,  and a deeper sense of meaning in the world. Academics and music were working together as stepping stones to something cumulative, intelligent, and more profound.

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A Move to the Bay Area

Looking for continued growth, challenges, and a more diverse environment, I headed to the San Francisco Bay Area. Immersed in its vibrant cultural, musical, and spiritual communities, I deepened my meditation practice and began exploring Buddhist psychology. When I wasn’t attending mindfulness retreats, I was busy collaborating with local musicians and playing drums combined with electronic sound design in venues known for their avant-garde and experimental scenes. The Bay Area’s blend of innovation, introspection, and rich music culture offered the perfect backdrop to expand both my creative skill set and my outlook on life.

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Los Angeles and the International Stage

Eventually, I moved to Los Angeles, and continued to evolve. The city’s vibrant, ever-changing scene exposed me to a broad range of practices and experiences that shaped who I am today. I led workshops, taught in spiritual communities, and dug deeper into my own spiritual studies—work that laid the foundation for my current coaching approach. Meanwhile, my music career took off in ways I never expected: I signed with several record labels and began touring and recording, playing drum set locally and internationally, meeting amazing musicians and exploring new cultures. Playing shows around the world wasn’t just exciting—it highlighted the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and collaboration. Through it all, I crossed paths with mentors who showed me firsthand how compassion, self-awareness, and a commitment to growth can change lives—lessons I carry forward in all that I do.
 

A Turn Inward

In 2009, I made the pivotal decision to ordain as a Buddhist monk. Drawing on years of previous training, study, and meditation, I dedicated myself fully to Buddhist philosophy and psychology. Teaching classes, guiding retreats, and traveling to lead workshops allowed me to confidently guide many students towards inner peace and clarity. This period was profoundly formative—an immersion in spiritual practice that taught me the art of blending wisdom with practicality.
 

Back to The Bay Area - Coaching & Creativity

By the time I stepped away from monastic life, I knew I wanted to share what I’d learned in a broader, more inclusive context. I pursued additional training in Positive Psychology and Mindfulness Coaching, eventually earning recognition as an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and a certified grief and end-of-life coach. Now, I’m back in the San Francisco Bay Area—not only as a coach, but also as a performing artist and creative mentor. Whether I’m guiding clients through trauma recovery, helping them build emotional resilience, or supporting their artistic aspirations, my goal is always the same: to help people become solid and the best versions of themselves.
 

A Holistic Approach to Coaching

My years as a university-trained music educator, former Buddhist monk, and mindfulness practitioner have shown me that true transformation comes from a holistic, self-aware mindset. I blend mindfulness practices with modern positive psychology techniques to help clients address the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Whether we’re working through grief, cultivating resilience, or unlocking creative potential, our sessions center on genuine connection and purposeful growth.
 

Select Credentials & Collaborations

• ICF-Certified Professional Coach (PCC) – Specializing in Positive Psychology & Mindfulness.

• Seasoned Mindfulness Expert – Over 30 years of dedicated meditation experience.

• Certified Grief & End-of-Life Coach – Providing compassionate support for the most challenging transitions.

• University-Trained Music Educator & Creative Mentor – Decades of experience mentoring young people.

• Former Buddhist Monk and Buddhist Psychology Teacher: Years of guiding classes, retreats, and workshops.

• Professional Musician and Creative Performer: Years of touring, recording, and high-level practice playing drum set —bringing a unique blend of artistic insight and dedicated study to personal growth.
   

Education & Certifications

• University of Northern Colorado & University of Colorado Denver – Studies in Education & Music Performance.

• Buddhist Teacher Training (1999–ongoing) – Multiple silent retreats & international teaching programs.

• Professional Certified Positive Psychology & Mindfulness Coach (PCC) – Accredited by the International Coaching Federation.
   

I believe that no matter what our backgrounds or challenges are, we can all develop the tools, mindset, and emotional resilience to grow, heal, and evolve. If you’re interested and believe I can be helpful—whether through one-on-one coaching, group workshops, or mindfulness training—feel free to reach out for a discovery session to ask questions and see if we’re a good fit.

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