about

I have absolutely loved being in a position to hear people’s stories: as a gerontologist, hospice nurse, home health nurse, podiatric nurse (this was wonderful: caring for people’s feet and having the time to ask  questions – and be gifted with the most amazing stories.)
Earlier in my work-life,  I taught family caregivers how to care for their aging family members. I got so much from this work and the ongoing learning that it called for that I decided to continue that learning and pursue a Masters in Gerontology – the social science of aging. While pursuing this degree, my passions led me into narrative research work, and I learned the skills of recording people’s stories.
I later served as editor and a writer for Care Connections Newsletter, a Boulder County publication that served the community for many years with stories of, by, and for family caregivers of older adults.
My first life story was completed for my mother-in-law. The process of hearing her story and turning it into a product for her to give to her favorite people before she passed away last year, was one of the most meaningful experiences I have had. I loved hearing her stories, I loved giving her the gift of being listened to deeply, I loved getting her story into a narrative form and working with her to make it read the way she wished. On her last Christmas, she gave the books out to her children, grandchildren, and ex- husband. I believe this helped her find peace with knowing that the end of her life was nearing. That’s how it worked for her, but you don’t have to be close to the end to reap the benefits of sharing the depths and meaning of your lived story.
I am putting my passion to work for others now by, once again, getting to hear people’s stories.  I am never disappointed. I find that just like each tree has its own unique growth pattern, so do we – and how we come to them and interpret our own paths is fascinating and beautiful. As a Life Story Writer, I receive the gift of a person’s life memories shared and weave them into a tapestry that tells the story of who they are and what has mattered most.