Certified Aromatherapist • Minister, Animism • M.Ed. Counseling • Photographer

Licensed Esthetician • Published Author • Multi Dimensional Artist

I've always been drawn to the study of plants and have sought to capture the beauty of flowers and trees through painting and photography. Most kids born before cable tv woke up Saturday mornings looking forward to cartoons, whereas I lived to watch Bob Ross paint. My tenth summer, desperate to paint, I used my grandmother's watercolor palette. Watercolors were not Bob Ross's medium, but I fell in love right then and spent the summer painting my grandmother's roses, along with the scenic northwest coastline. As a teenager, I began photographing flowers to use as painting references, which led me to pursue the magic of working with film in a darkroom. Expressions of art and beauty have always been a part of my life, but as I grew older, I listened to the well-intended encouragement to focus on a stable vocation. ​Thus ...

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I began my career in social services as an advocate, educator, and counselor. For twenty years, my focus was on assisting survivors of violence, systemic oppression, and individuals with disabilities, physical and mental health obstacles. The organizations I worked for assisted folks in accessing safe housing, education and vocation. In 2016, I shifted my focus to natural esthetics, developing a passion for botanical science and earning a Level One Aromatherapy certification alongside a license to practice skincare. In 2019, I became certified in death midwifery to support end-of-life care using aromatherapy. Most recently, in fall 2022, I became an ordained Animist Minister.  

 

My vocation now encourages self-care by utilizing sensory experiences, including visual, kinesthetic and aromatic elements. With a solid foundation in counseling, I possess an informed understanding of trauma and the recovery process for emotional wounds. As both a certified aromatherapist and licensed esthetician, I create customized products that foster harmony among the mind, body, and spirit.  

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​​As a minister, I work on strengthening my connection with both the unseen and living beings. It is my study and practice to be in right relations with all expressions of life.

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My work follows principles of nonviolence and recognizes the connections among all living things. This approach encompasses ecosystem preservation and the sustainable, responsible harvesting of plant resources. I aim to share thoughtful appreciation for the therapeutic properties of plants, highlighting their potential to support healing on emotional, energetic, and physical levels.

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I am an amateur photographer and have experience as a published writer and illustrator. The Adventures of Avery Finn contains three stories for readers interested in sharing experiences like, adopting an animal, meeting a new friend and saying goodbye to a friend who is dying. The books are available internationally in print and from major book retailers. Audio versions are accessible on YouTube at @theadventuresofaveryfinn.

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You are invited to visit the Resource page for information on topics such as animism, spirituality, science and energetics, death, grief, ecology, and aromatherapy. Additional resources are available regarding systemic oppression and endangered plant species. This platform is founded on the principle that human actions can foster healing rather than domination or violence.

 

I believe that healing personal wounds is crucial to avoid projecting pain onto others. Healing begins with the intention to quiet one's thoughts, which relaxes the nervous system. This process can be facilitated by engaging in practices that promote self Care. Learning to love and care for our Self may guide our steps towards learning compassion. 

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I share my love for flowers and photography on the YouTube channel @Five28_hz.

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I am sharing my love of writing and stories about two adorable cats who inspired the series, "The Adventures of Avery Finn", on YouTube @theadventresofaveryfinn. 

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