I’ve studied philosophy for over twenty years and taught it for almost ten. I’ve also spent hundreds of hours under the skilled coaching of experts practicing the facilitation of transformative dialogues.

My work begins in empathetic listening and mindful presence. I want to understand your world–what it’s like to be you. This is the heart of my practice. I then bring in Socratic engagement, informed by the wisdom of the ancient philosophical traditions, to help you explore the shape and structure of whatever challenge or question you’re facing. Courageous engagement in this process sparks insight, self-understanding, and your own sense of the way forward.

My Ph.D. (2017) and M.A. (2011) in philosophy are from the University of Oklahoma. I received my philosophical counseling certification from the American Philosophical Practitioner’s Association (APPA) in 2023. I’ve pursued a variety of additional certifications and trainings, including:

• Circling Facilitator Training (in progress), with The Circling Institute
• The Art of Circling Practitioner Training (completed 2024), with The Circling Institute
• Circling and Dialogos (2022), With Dr. John Vervaeke and Guy Sengstock
• Dialectic into Dialogos Intensive (2023), with Awaken to Meaning
• The Wisdom Project (2023), with Dr. Iris Stammberger

In addition to teaching philosophy full-time at Fresno City College and my philosophical counseling practice, I’m also a kettlebell instructor (SFG1, certified through StrongFirst). I’m interested in physical training as a kind of mindfulness practice, and in the parallels between strength of body and strength of the inner self (or what the ancient Greeks would call the soul).

You can learn more about me from my website.