I am a gender conforming, white, heterosexual woman, born toward the end of the baby boom. I was raised in the Northeast in an upper middle class family, with parents of English and German heritage, a true WASP. From this upbringing I learned excellent table manners, how to write thank you notes, and how to use humor to disarm. I enjoyed the strong web of belonging in a large extended family, and was instilled with values of thrift and resourcefulness. We repaired things, reused things (including aluminum foil!) — and creative, home made gifts and cards were treasured.

I knew I was an artist from a young age, always drawing or working on my calligraphy. As the middle of three, I was the mediator. I had empathy as I listened to all sides, something I continue to use in my work today. In my mid twenties to late thirties when I was in queer relationships, I had my first experiences of feeling “other”— which were eye opening and expanded my understanding of the forces of the patriarchy. Also in my late twenties, I permanently became deaf in one ear, and came to understand how little we can know of a person’s experience from simply outside observation.

I’ve always loved acting and studied improvisation, which helps me follow the flow of conversations in sessions. As a graphic facilitator, I’m in service to the group, and I use my skills of listening and art to reflect what I’m hearing — weaving a visual that aims to support both the individuals and the process.