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Welcome to Awakening Now

Awakening Now was created from a deep belief that healing, growth, and awareness are lifelong processes—and that the earliest relationships and experiences shape us in profound ways. This space exists to hold thoughtful conversation, reflection, and practical insight across the many layers that influence children, families, and the systems that surround them.

With over 30 years of experience working with children and families, my work has consistently lived at the intersection of development, emotional health, mindfulness, and meaning-making. Throughout decades of supporting infants, children, caregivers, educators, and family systems, one truth has remained clear: when we slow down, listen deeply, and respond with intention, transformation becomes possible.

This blog is an extension of that work.

Here, you will find reflections and ideas spanning the full spectrum of infant and early childhood mental health, mindfulness practices for children and families, spiritual direction and council, and the often unseen forces that shape family systems—including stress, trauma, resilience, culture, and connection. Some posts will explore research and practice-based insights; others will offer gentle prompts, stories, or tools meant to invite reflection and growth in everyday life.

Awakening Now is not about having all the answers. It is about cultivating awareness—of ourselves, of our children, and of the relationships that hold us. It is about honoring development, embracing complexity, and creating space for compassion in moments of challenge and transition.

Whether you are a parent, caregiver, educator, professional, or simply someone curious about the inner lives of children and families, you are welcome here. My hope is that this blog serves as a place to pause, learn, and reconnect—with yourself, with one another, and with the wisdom that unfolds when we pay attention.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

"Spiritual Guidance and Support"

Spiritual Guidance

Individual Spiritual Direction Services

What is Spiritual Direction?

Individual spiritual direction is a personalized journey where a person, known as a directee, seeks to deepen their spiritual life with the guidance of a trained spiritual director. This service is designed to help individuals explore their relationship with the divine, gain clarity on their spiritual path, and foster personal growth. It is a sacred space for reflection, and discernment, where individuals can explore their inner lives in a confidential and supportive environment.

Benefits of Spiritual Direction

Deepened Spiritual Awareness: Gain insights into your spiritual experiences and how they influence your daily life.
Personal Growth: Explore personal challenges and triumphs with a focus on spiritual understanding and development.
Increased Clarity: Receive guidance to help discern life choices and align your actions with your spiritual beliefs.
Compassionate Listening: Experience the gift of being truly heard and understood by a compassionate, nonjudgmental listener.
Enhanced Prayer Life: Learn new ways to pray and meditate, deepening your connection with the divine.

The Process

Initial Consultation: Begin with a meeting to discuss your spiritual needs and goals. This session helps establish a comfortable relationship with your director.
Regular Sessions: Engage in regular sessions, typically once a month, where you discuss your spiritual journey, challenges, and insights.
Confidentiality: Rest assured that all discussions are held in strict confidence, allowing for open and honest communication.
Personalized Approach: Each session is tailored to your unique spiritual path, ensuring that your individual needs are met.

Who Can Benefit?

Individual spiritual direction is open to people of all faiths and spiritual backgrounds. Whether you are seeking a deeper connection with your faith tradition, exploring new spiritual paths, or simply looking for guidance in navigating life's challenges, spiritual direction can provide valuable support and insight.

How to Begin

If you are interested in embarking on a journey of spiritual growth and discovery, consider scheduling an initial consultation. This meeting will allow you to meet me either virtually or in person We can discuss your interests and determine if this path is right for you.

By engaging in individual spiritual direction services, you open yourself to a transformative experience that nurtures your soul and enriches your life.

Couples Guidance

Couples' Spiritual Direction

Couples' spiritual direction is a collaborative journey undertaken by partners seeking to deepen their spiritual connection both individually and as a couple. This practice is guided by a spiritual director, who serves as a compassionate and knowledgeable mentor, helping the couple explore and nurture their shared spiritual life.

Objectives

Deepen Spiritual Understanding: Couples are encouraged to explore their spiritual beliefs, values, and traditions together, fostering a mutual understanding and respect for each other's spiritual journeys.

Enhance Communication: By engaging in open and honest dialogue, couples learn to communicate more effectively about their spiritual needs and aspirations, leading to a more harmonious relationship.

Strengthen Connection: Spiritual direction helps couples identify and cultivate practices that enhance their emotional and spiritual bond, such as prayer, meditation, or attending spiritual gatherings together.

Navigate Challenges: The process provides a supportive space for couples to address spiritual conflicts or challenges, offering guidance on how to align their spiritual goals with their relationship.

Framework

Regular Sessions: Couples typically meet with their spiritual director on a regular basis, which could be monthly or quarterly, depending on their needs and schedule.

Reflective Practices: Sessions often include reflective exercises, such as journaling or guided meditations, allowing couples to deepen their introspection and spiritual awareness.

Personal and Shared Growth: While the focus is on the couple's spiritual journey, individual growth is also encouraged, as it contributes to a healthier and more fulfilling partnership.

By participating in couples' spiritual direction, partners can cultivate a deeper sense of unity and purpose, enriching both their relationship and their individual spiritual lives.

MINDFUL BEGINNINGS!

A CURRICULUM and COGNITIVE PRACTICE TO HELP START MINDFULNESS FROM A YOUNG AGE

We are in our final stage of creation of a Mindfulness Curriculum that can be used both in a early childhood classroom and in the home IN ANY FAMILY, Scientific Proof of the Value of Mindfulness in Early Childhood

The scientific proof of the value of mindfulness in early childhood education is substantial and well-supported by research. Mindfulness practices have been shown to significantly improve student outcomes in attention, emotional regulation, and academic performance. These benefits are measurable and can be observed in as little as 8 weeks of consistent practice. The brain's plasticity allows for these positive changes to occur across all age groups, making mindfulness an invaluable tool for supporting student development and academic success.

Mindfulness in early childhood education settings aims to provide educators with the tools to implement "school readiness" and "schoolification." It teaches children to build an awareness of themselves, others, and their surroundings, which is essential for developing social skills and preparing for school.

The integration of mindfulness into early childhood education is not only beneficial for students but also for educators and families. It helps create a more positive learning environment, enhances focus, and fosters more positive social interactions.

Mindful Beginnings is also a cognitive therapeutic approach designed for children that integrates mindfulness and play. Through developmentally appropriate activities, guided play, and emotional literacy practices, children are gently supported in identifying, expressing, and processing emotions—laying a foundation for self-regulation, empathy, and lifelong emotional well-being.

Our service is not led by a certified therapist; however, our facilitator is certified through Efficient Therapist Powered by Naturalistico and brings over 30 years of experience in holding space for individuals and families on their journey of emotional expression.

All About It is a thoughtful, engaging podcast dedicated to real conversations about infant mental health, adolescence, and the complexities of family systems. Designed for caregivers, educators, professionals, and anyone invested in the well-being of children and families, the podcast explores the emotional, developmental, and relational challenges that shape family life from infancy through the teenage years.

Co-hosted by a child therapist, All About It blends clinical insight with compassionate dialogue, translating research and lived experience into practical understanding. Each episode offers accessible discussions, reflective questions, and actionable takeaways that support emotional awareness, resilience, and healthy relationships within families and communities.

Set to launch in January 2026, All About It will be available on all major podcast platforms, creating a welcoming space to learn, reflect, and talk openly about the moments that matter most in raising and supporting children—all about it.