I am passionate about the transformative power of Nonviolent Communication. My own journey with it started when I was looking for ways to stay connected to my humanity and that of others. As a law professor, academic leader, and former engineer, I knew how hard it is to stay true to what matters while navigating systems that prioritize productivity, competition, and status. I was experiencing burnout and a diminished ability to make the difference that inspired me in the first place. Working as I do in the heart of Washington, DC, I wanted to bring a new orientation to both my personal relationships and my advocacy work. And as my NVC practice deepened, I began to experience the endless ways it supports not just care for my own and others’ humanity, but the impetus to translate that orientation toward meaningful social change.

It can start simply. Most people I ask know how important emotional intelligence is for navigating life—whether in relationships, professional settings, or leadership roles. Far fewer have a sense of how to cultivate those skills. We know it matters; now what? One of the qualities I love about NVC is that it offers repeatable practices for a lifetime of growth in self-connection, empathy, and approaching conflict with care. This builds emotional intelligence, but it does much more: it offers ways to reconnect with life.

My NVC offerings are informed by decades of teaching and leadership experience in a variety of settings ranging from higher education to the U.S. federal government. I also come as my whole self: As a spouse, parent of two young adults, and musician, I have lived experience with finding self-compassion amidst the messiness of life while leaning into the deep joys of creativity and connection. In every setting and with every group, I aim for presence, warmth, and care. Because I want our time together to be relevant and useful, I custom-tailor scenarios and encourage participants to bring their own experiences into the space.

Here are a few snippets of feedback I’ve received: