Star holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from New York University as well as a master’s degree in social work & program development from Columbia University with a concentration in contemporary social issues and gender. She has also had the pleasure and privilege of studying with multiple healers, mystics, yogis/yoginis and medicine people from around the world thus further integrating her perspective(s) on life and culture. Her unique background and personal history has offered Star great insight into the multifaceted layers of the human experience. With compassion and humility, Star explores both the blessings and challenges of life, love, relationships, motherhood, trauma and grief; ultimately shedding light on the divinity that exists within all experiences and through this realization, works passionately at helping others find their grace. in addition, Star is a certified Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) , facilitator. as well as certified yoga instructor and independent and folk herbalist. She often combines her love for plant medicine, hip-hop and yogic philosophy into her work with others. Star has extensive experience working as a trauma-informed practitioner in a variety of harm reduction settings providing both individual and group therapy as well as education to at-risk populations whom are typically facing a variety of different challenges such as chemical dependency/substance use, emotional imbalances, homelessness, poverty, incarceration, immigration and domestic violence related issues. Star works extensively with individuals suffering from trauma and specializes in the treatment of PTSD and recovery from addictions; utilizing methodologies that extend beyond many of the current conventional practices that often prove to be impractical and ineffective. Star is originally from the New York Area but currently lives in Nevada City, California with her family, where she splits her time working as a personal coach in her private practice and as the trauma-informed specialist/care coordinator at a local community based treatment center for addictions. She also serves as a consultant in trauma-informed care to many local service providers and offers community based trainings that seek to address and inform businesses, schools, treatment centers and correctional institutions on ways to employ trauma-informed programming and policies within their current infrastructure.
