Hello, I'm Michelle

Here's a few things to know about me....

 

My Identity: I identify as a white, cisgendered, female and understand this is a privileged identity. I am attuned to the identities of race, class, sex, gender, sexuality, body type and national origin you hold and use an anti-oppression, trauma-informed framework to help facilitate tending to and mending the parts of you that feel shame or pain from the impact of oppression.

​

My Clinical Experience: I have worked at an outpatient community mental health clinic, served as a grief counselor at the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing, and was part of the Our Collective trauma therapy practice. 

 

My Heritage: I am a first generation American, who was born and raised in Western Michigan; my parents were both born in the Netherlands. My paternal grandparents harbored Jews during the WWII. When I moved to DC 25 years ago I learned that my Oma's name is on the Wall of Rescuers at the Holocaust Museum in DC. 

​​

My Interests & Hobbies: Nothing grounds me more than water, especially Lake Michigan, or walking, especially in Rock Creek. I’m happiest in cool crisp autumn air and I love watching live music (especially at JazzFest in New Orleans). I also love sitting around a fire, taking Orange Theory classes, creating with Wendy Mac's Grown Ups Table, cooking (but don’t ask me to bake), traveling and being with my husband and two teenage sons.  

​​

All of the pictures on my site are from places that are meaningful to me, including: Lake Michigan, Rock Creek, DC's aquatic garden, the Netherlands, Maine, Aland islands and SantaFe.