"It is time to "gather the women" -- for only when women are strong together can women be fiercly protective of what we love. Only then, will children be safe and peace a real possibility."

-- Urgent Message from Mother: Gather the Women, Save the World, Dr. Jean Shinoda Bolen

These words resonate deeply within me. It is my fundamental belief that feminine wisdom is the intelligence at the heart of all creation; that a society is only as good as the health of its women and children.

Professionally, I am a Registered Nurse and certified Integral Yoga Therapist. I am the founder and director of One Dharma Yoga & Wellness, a health and wellness company intended to bridge modern medical science with the timeless healing traditions of yoga and meditation. Using a self-care model of health that is rooted in prevention of disease (rather than fighting disease), my aim is to help women create lifestyles of health that integrate the physical and the spiritual, the psyche with the body, into one harmonious whole. I am also a writer and outspoken advocate for environmental health and sustainability. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working on world water crisis awareness at both the national and local level through WILPF (Women's International League for Peace and Freedom) and hope to meet others who share the belief that clean drinking water is a human right.

Personally, I am the mother of two children who have taught me the depths of love, joy, and human kindness. Now 12 and 8 years old, I have finally found the space to return to school. I am currently pursuing my degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner and plan to focus on Women and Children's Health. I will also be completing an Master's in Public Health to do the programming and development work I wish to do both home and abroad. I am the wife of a really sweet guy who has supported every wild and crazy dream I've ever had.

In whatever could be described as spare time (ie, the pick-up line at school), I knit, attempt to crochet, design gardens, grow organic vegetables, collect recipes, and work on a novel-in-progress. I also drink lots of wine .... (though not in the pick-up line).

I am here to meet, share ideas, and build relationships with other dynamic women around the globe. I would also like to dialogue with other women health workers on ways to begin building sustainable community based health centers.