About Me

Ever since middle school, I knew I wanted to study psychology. I had no doubt- the human mind endlessly fascinated me. While I was studying at Willamette University, I became drawn to the brain and the mind, culture and society, trauma, and intervention science. I did research under a professor investigating how self-esteem and perceived esteem were related and it was so fascinating! I knew I found what I wanted to do with my life: Research. Then I got involved in social justice movements and helped found a sexual assault response hotline.

My senior year these passions came together when interned and wrote my research thesis at Mid Valley Women’s Crisis Service. The seed was planted deep within myself that I wanted to be a part of the healing process for those that have experienced trauma.

All through my college experience it was my plan to go to graduate school, get my PhD and become a professor and academic. As I was submitting my applications, I was struck with clarity. Looking at all the academics surrounding me- I did not want their life. So I trusted my heart that a new path would present itself.

After floating around for a few years, surrounded by the love and security of my recently passed grandmother’s home and my best friend’s constant companionship and support, I found a research position at the University of Oregon’s Brain Development Lab. There we used EEGs and MRIs to track the changes in the attention processing centers in preschoolers’ brains following an 8 week parenting intervention. Our goal was to lower the achievement gap in the education system for children from low income homes by taking advantage of the brain development that occurs in preschool aged children. One of the shining moments of this time for me was in 2016. The PBS program NOVA included our work in a special about evidence-based solutions to changing education systems. Not shortly after that, however, the director of the lab became tragically ill and it was decided when our grants ended in 2018 the lab would be dissolved.

I took this as a sign it was time to reexamine my path. The more I have learned about the brain, the more amazed I have become by the relationship between the body and the mind. And as I became enmeshed in the research showing the relationship between adverse childhood effects (ACEs) and our physical and mental health as adults, the seed that was planted nearly a decade earlier began to sprout. It was time to learn about healing. I meditated on my natural talents and interests and the conclusion came to me -I would go back to school for massage therapy or social work/counseling.

Because of the connection between the body and mind, I knew I couldn’t choose between becoming a bodyworker or a therapist, but I decided to start with my LMT and move onto my counseling path later in life.

Since committing my life to healing in January 2017 every step of the way I have felt I am walking in the right direction.

In March 2017 I enrolled in a pre-licensure program for massage therapy
In September 2018, I started consulting and worked with a wellness center to organize their business and plan for sustainable growth.
In November 2018, I started a new position at the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training at the University of Oregon. It continues to feed my love of research, expand my knowledge of the brain and how trauma affects the body, and advocate for changes in systems to support the most vulnerable.
In July 2019, I received my License in Massage Therapy in the State of Oregon and shortly after I began practicing at Vista Counseling and Wellness Center.
In August 2019, after a convergence of signs and overwhelming trauma I found Tarot and committed to a daily practice
2020 hit all our lives with BIG TOWER energy
In June of 2020 I completed Lindsay Mack’s 8 week Tarot for the Wild Soul course

While undergoing all this external expansion, internally on a soul level I also endured countless underworld journeys. I learned and felt what it was to connect with my true self. I was constantly being invited to be less and less willing to do or be anything that was not a true expression of myself.

My path has taught me so much and in July 2020 I became insistently and relentlessly invited to use my voice and share it. My name is Megan (she/her). I have a Virgo Sun/ Leo Moon/ Aries Rising. I have studied the brain for a decade and my own healing for nearly as long. I committed myself to a life of healing almost 4 years ago and I want to share what I have learned and what I continue to learn. I hope the tools I have found and created support your healing and help you find your path back to yourself.