I think back to 2007, when my health and wellbeing came to a screeching halt. I was scared and unsure of what to do next—so I listened to my western medicine doctor and followed their advice after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
For the next year, I followed their recommendations faithfully. But something inside me stirred—a strong inner voice telling me there were other paths to explore. One day, I saw an advertisement for a local acupuncturist and decided to make an appointment. That first session opened the door to new possibilities. She had many recommendations, and soon after, I found myself visiting a naturopathic physician. Thankfully, my insurance at the time covered alternative healing, which was a blessing.
My naturopathic doctor explained how what we put into our bodies directly affects our physical and mental health. That idea lit a spark in me. With her help, I committed to making major lifestyle changes. A blood test revealed multiple food intolerances I had never known about. The mystery behind the bloating I’d experienced since my mid-twenties was finally solved.
Working with her felt like being in a health boot camp. It was difficult and frustrating at times, but within six months, I had discontinued my MS injections, stopped all pharmaceutical medications, and unintentionally lost 20 pounds. I felt better than I had in years. Having a guide by my side through the process was invaluable.
Doors Opening
These early experiences led me to explore energy healing. During this time, I met with a psychic who offered classes at a local metaphysical shop. I learned about past life regression, Reiki, crystal healing, angel guides, and how to communicate with my ancestors.
Reiki
I felt called to Reiki to support my healing. I began with individual sessions and eventually completed all three levels of training to become a Reiki Master. I didn’t know then that Reiki would be just the beginning of many healing modalities I would explore. It was a profound gift.
Crystal Healing
My love for rocks and crystals began in childhood and only deepened as I got older. At the onset of my illness, I was selling items online to downsize. One day, a woman reached out wanting to trade a life coaching session for a pair of boots I was selling. I agreed, intrigued by the offer. During our session, she had me reflect on what I truly loved and visualize what kind of work might bring me joy. That’s when I realized how passionate I was about gemstones—and I began to wonder how I could learn more about them.
Gemisphere
Synchronicity stepped in. This woman had friends at Gemisphere and knew someone who led workshops on the healing power of gemstones. I signed up for a weekend course, and that experience launched me into the world of crystal healing. Over the next few years, I completed all their courses and became a Certified Gemstone Practitioner. Gemisphere’s gemstone necklaces became a daily part of my life and contributed greatly to my healing journey. Each morning, I intuitively select a necklace that will support me that day—I never leave home without one.
Gemstones and Crystals
My interest grew beyond healing properties. I enrolled in the International School of Gemology, where I earned certifications as a Registered Gemologist and Appraiser. I had always wanted to learn about gemstones from a scientific perspective.
I remember asking my dad after graduating from the University of Arizona if he’d support me in attending the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). At the time, I was studying art and education, unsure how to make a living through art without teaching. He had told me I would be on my own if I wanted to deviate from the college education that I had received. If I had pursued that alternate path back in 1995, who knows where I’d be now. I feel that I would have developed as a jeweler at a much faster speed, but I would not have built up the confidence that was instilled in me through becoming an art educator. Still, I believe everything happens for a reason. My passions may have been put on hold, but they eventually came full circle.
One particular necklace from Gemisphere, Riverstone, is designed to accelerate change. I hesitated to wear it at first, knowing it could bring a swift transformation. The time came when I knew I was ready to push forward into something new. Portland no longer felt like home—it was damp, cold, and emotionally stagnant. I had recently divorced amicably, my job was ending, and I didn’t want to return to school counseling. My house felt empty, and the neighborhood no longer inspired me.
I needed change—deep, transformational change. I explored astrology and met with an Astro cartographer, who charted the best locations in California and Arizona for me based on my birth chart. I was searching for a place that would support a new relationship and allow me to build a gemstone-focused business. That path led me to Northern California; specifically Santa Cruz; where opportunity began to bloom.
The Time is Now
While living in Santa Cruz, I immersed myself in learning—metalsmithing, crystal work, and Chinese Medicine. I used funds from the sale of my house to support myself for a year while figuring out my next steps. Advisors from Gemisphere encouraged me to earn more certifications to gain credibility. That led me to study Asian massage at Five Branches. Though I appreciated the learning experience, I soon realized massage drained me and wasn’t my calling.
Uncertain about how to start my business, I applied for jobs—including jewelry retail—but nothing clicked. As my savings dwindled, I even considered cashier roles. One night, tearfully praying to my guides, I asked for help. The next day, I received two interview offers from lumber yards and accepted one. It wasn’t glamorous, but it provided stability. I was quickly promoted to buyer, then millwork specialist, selling doors and windows.
During that time, I met many wonderful people. And two years into my time in Santa Cruz, I met my now-husband on a dating app. We met for lunch, and the connection was instant. I moved to Campbell to be with him, returning to school counseling to regain income stability. I landed a job quickly, filling in for a counselor on maternity leave, which led to a more permanent role the following year.
Fast Forward
We purchased our first house together as a weekend getaway in the mountains. We found a beautiful cabin in Twain Harte and fell in love with the area.. We had thoughts of retiring up to the area in the next few years. Entertaining the idea of buying a larger home, closer to town we found a few we liked but just set those thoughts aside since we were still residing in Campbell, CA. A few months later, our realtor called about a lovely light filled craftsman home in Sonora we had toured eight months prior. The sellers were finally ready to negotiate a sweet deal. We made an offer, and it was accepted—furniture and all.
Soon after, I found two school counseling positions posted locally. I applied and was offered a job the same day as my interview. Once again, when things were meant to happen, they moved quickly. The job has taught me so much about working with others and managing challenging personalities. Over the past seven years, I’ve learned to let go, stay calm, and adapt.
Today, I’m building my business as a jewelry artisan. For the past four years, I’ve sold my work at local mountain art fairs. My style continues to evolve, though balancing two jobs, my time dedicated to my art was limited. This is in direct alignment with my most recent life lesson is finding balance and honoring my limits.
As I write this, I find myself navigating another health challenge. But now, I have the tools and awareness to respond with clarity and care. I meditate, receive energy healing, and support my body with massage, craniosacral therapy, and more. These modalities were essential in assisting me with getting through the school year. When spring arrived, I had finally settled on the decision that I needed to resign from my position of 7 years. So proud of myself for speaking up to my current administration and colleagues, trying to get the help I needed. I was met with many roadblocks and being told their hands were tied and was left feeling unsupported. There were so many red flags and I finally stopped and looked around and said "I'm done, the Universe is trying to tell me it is time to do something else where my talents are valued”. Thankful that I listened to my inner voice that had been tugging at me for the past year. It was such a hard decision to walk away from a really well paid position, but my health is more important than a job.
Life is a journey, full of twists and turns. How we navigate it shapes our path. I’m always open to new adventures, new lessons, and new healing modalities that support my well-being and future.💖💫
