about kristin

Woman sitting in tree.

My somatic practice is shaped by 25+ years of professional and creative endeavors, spiritual practice and therapeutic explorations in traditional and alternative modalities. My work in organizational change and DEI taught me that "good ideas" and intellectual shifts aren't enough for sustainable transformation. Somatics explained why and offered a tangible, impactful alternative.

As a biracial (Black/White) woman born into the first generation of legal interracial marriage in the U.S., my life’s path has been defined by navigating identities, seeking self-realization and reclaiming authentic self-expression. For me,Strozzi somatics was the catalyst to a deeper, more expansive transformation because its language is rooted in a living lineage that speaks to all of these complex layers.

Today, I am a Strozzi-trained certified somatic coach and bodyworker, and an Internal Family Systems®- informed practitioner, dedicated to helping individuals reclaim their aliveness and dignity.

Love and gratitude for my teachers and inspirers: Chogyam Trungpa Ripoche, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Kadam Morten Clausen, S.N. Goenke, Ram Dass, Shodo Harada Roshi, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, MawuLisa Thomas-Adeyemo, Staci K. Haines, Richard Strozzi-Heckler, Erika Lyla, Wendy Haines, Richard Schwartz Internal Family Systems®, Resmaa Menakem, Linda Thai, Prentis Hemphill…

I’m based on the ancestral lands of the Multnomah and Chinook tribes, currently known as Portland, OR. I’m also in the process of establishing a bicoastal presence in Brooklyn, NY,  home of the Lenape.

background

  • Somatic Coaching Certification, Strozzi Institute for Somatics

    Somatic Bodywork Certification - Level 1 & 2, Strozzi Institute for Somatics

    Somatics, Trauma and Resilience, Strozzi Institute for Somatics

    Internal Family Systems® (IFS) Model, Online Circle program

    Subtle Hands-On Skills, Carol Gray, Cranialsacral Therapy

    The Voice Keeps the Score, Linda Thai, LMSW Trauma Therapist

    Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (Floortime™/DIR®) Model Certification, Holding Hands Inc.

    Patient Care/Complementary Care Hospice Volunteer Certification in Oregon, California and New York

    Trauma Informed Care Certification, Trauma Informed Oregon

    Compassion & Choices, Certified Volunteer

    Teacher’s Training Program, NKT Tibetan Buddhism, New York City

    Goenke Vipassana Meditation, (10-day retreats, Satipatthana)

    Soto Zen Buddhism, Fire Lotus Zen Center, New York City

    Rinzai Zen Buddhism with Shodo Harada Roshi, Whidbey Island, WA

  • Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Communication from the University of Oregon: emphasis on public speaking, interpersonal, family and small group dynamics

    Master of Fine Arts in Dramatic Arts from The New School: acting training focused on sense memory as the foundation for creating character.

  • Yoga practitioner (various - Hatha, Ashtanga, Iyengar) for 20+ years

    15+ years of formal study and practice in Vipassana meditation, Tibetan and Rinzai Buddhism

    EMDR, homeopathy, nutrition, applied kinesiology, neuroscience

    Lifetime Member of the Actors Studio

  • Here you’ll find an extensive presentation of the origins of the Strozzi lineage.

“My sessions with Kristin were amazing and provocative. Each hour I spent with her had the impact of weeks of talk therapy — often leaving me tearful yet more holistically connected to all versions of myself. Her toolkit is varied and vast, pulling from embodiment work and other modalities to evoke deep revelations and releases, contributing deeply to my goal of wanting to regroup and recenter amid a huge life crisis. I highly recommend her.”

- G.V.

Testimonials

“What can I say? This process with Kristin was absolutely life-changing! I have had a lot of talk therapy in my life, and bringing my body into therapy through somatics and IFS was profound. The key is practice and something just happens and transforms. I feel more connected, integrated and alive! Highly recommended! Thank you for your care, professionalism and wisdom Kristin.”

- Coby G.

“I am very grateful for the chance to collaborate with Kristin and learn from the Somatic integration practice. It has helped me to become more aware of my body's voice, my past experiences that shaped me, and a conscious plan for my own personal growth with specific results.”

- J.S.