Hi, I'm Vanessa.

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I am a lover of people, a relationship and family alchemist, blending a diversity of experience: two decades supporting hundreds of people through experiential awareness workshops, plus directing a play school where young children could be themselves and express their authentic spirit. It was in these two settings that I learned the power of play and how we all have our wounded child self that we must continue to nurture, encourage and love as we navigate and grow into real adulthood. The interplay and engagement between these two parts of ourselves is where we can grow and, ultimately, transmute our pain into wisdom. 

 

I help families break free of old patterns and live the joyful, connected lives they want to live. With more than 20 years of experience working with families, I take an integrated approach to providing transformational support to parents, young adults, teens and children.

 

My own experience growing up in an alternative family structure gave me an intimate perspective on how a family system can support or thwart emotional development in each of us. In my adult life, my roles as a mother, stepmother, self-awareness workshop facilitator, and teacher have provided me with a deeper understanding of what it takes to create strong connections and a nurturing family, whatever shape that family may take.

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As one of the leaders in the Sacramento-based nonprofit Awareness Institute, I have spent 20 years working with people from all walks of life as they explore how their early environment shaped their emotional well-being and learn how to live more present and aware lives, freed from limiting conditioning. In my role as a facilitator, I lead groups and classes and provide one-on-one support for people who have participated in retreats.