My path began with a B.A. in Religious Studies from Duke University, where I first became fascinated by the intersections of spirituality, psychology, and human meaning. That early interest has guided my lifelong exploration of how mind, body, and spirit intertwine in the healing process.
In addition to my holistic psychiatric practice, over the past 14 years I’ve explored the healing potential of psilocybin and ayahuasca—both personally and professionally. I’ve had the privilege of supporting hundreds of people, in a variety of psychedelic and entheogenic settings, as they navigate the challenges and insights of their own unique journeys. Through this work, I’ve come to deeply respect the spiritual foundations from which indigenous traditions engage with these medicines, while also valuing the contemporary scientific perspectives emerging from major research institutions.
My meditation practice, which spans more than 30 years and includes over a year in silent Buddhist retreats, continues to ground and guide me in this work. It reminds me, again and again, that true healing arises from presence and compassion—directed both toward ourselves and toward one another. It also inspires me to bring, as best I can, the qualities of mindfulness and loving-kindness to my work with both psychiatric patients and psilocybin clients.
I live in Eugene, Oregon, where I maintain my psychiatry practice. I’m married with two grown children and love spending time in nature, singing, and learning music from a variety of spiritual and cultural traditions.
