WELCOME

Much of my life has focused on integrating spiritual practice (which includes transformational, reflective, contemplative practice and more) with the work of social justice and movement building. This aspiration took root 20 years ago when I began losing friends (figuratively and literally) - beautiful humans who were leading important work.

I realized, painfully, simply, that we were dying and not winning. I wanted to know why.

I’ve come to believe it’s largely because the fabric of social change work absorbs the stress of a larger culture, the waters of capitalism, white supremacy, patriarchy, christian hegemony, sexism, homophobia, ableism. These aren't just words - they are signifiers of conditions that benefit a few to the suffering and detriment of many. Which leads to urgency, anger and grief. All of this can manifest as fatigue, illness, loneliness, depression, doubt or despair.

I believe a commitment to deep inner work – as individuals, organizations and movements – can transform this reality. We are capable of creating a culture of activism that has greater sustainability while creating more impact.

NOW

My current work:

~Leadership Development Faculty of the Annie E. Casey Foundation

~Supporting Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) nationally.

~Supporting Jews working for Palestinian liberation, through Rabbis for Ceasefire and as a Movement Chaplain with Tzedek Lab.

I also helped found and was the first Project Director of Rise Up.

I live on Ocracoke, an island in North Carolina's Outer Banks where I am on the team creating the Island Inn Commons - a new green space in the heart of the village.

THEN

After college, I worked as an organizer on economic justice issues, first with the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness and then as a co-founder of Empty the Shelters.. I began to notice a whole slew of unsustainable patterns, both within myself and my colleagues and friends.

In response, I founded stone circles, an organization dedicated to strengthening and sustaining people working for transformation and justice. stone circles was one of the first groups to work explicitly at the intersection of spiritual practice and social justice. From 1995-2015, we led retreat, training and leadership programs. We also created The Stone House, a 70-acre retreat center in North Carolina.

I wrote “The Spiritual Activist: Practices to Transform Your Life, Your Work, and Your World.”(Penguin 2002).

I’ve been a Kripalu yoga teacher since 2000 and have a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Duke University.