About Me
I'm a first-generation Chilean American, born in San Francisco. Being primarily raised by a single mom, I moved around a lot as a kid, until we finally put down roots in Mountain View. Fortunately, at the age of 9, I was introduced to playing trombone and I've never stopped. I was accepted into the music performance program at UCLA, and in 2003 I graduated with a degree in music performance and education. Following graduation, I toured with an indie rock band for 5 years, living the music-making dream. Then in 2009, I jumped at the opportunity to move to South Korea, where I taught English to children and absolutely loved it. I was there for two wonderful years until I felt the draw of helping grow a family business in Portland and I missed being a dog owner. I've now worked for ten years in the pet supply industry helping people take good care of their animals and it's been a fulfilling experience.
After a very beneficial and powerful journey with psilocybin in 2020, I came to the realization that I want to use the rest of my time on earth to support people in their healing. Following some introductory online courses and extensive reading related to psychedelic therapy, I was honored to join the first student cohort trained at Alma Institute in Portland. Having recently graduated in November 2023, I am ready to use my newly acquired certificate to safely guide others on their psilocybin journeys.
High Dose Self Work
I understand that working with psychedelics isn't for everyone. I also understand that not all journeys will be the same. However, I wanted to share some of my experiences and the lessons I've learned. To date, I've done several high dose psilocybin sessions in the therapeutic model. I initially tried it to help manage my short temper brought on by stress and anxiety during the pandemic. During my journeys, I've faced hard truths about my unconscious habits and how much of my valuable time had previously been hijacked by worry. I've also confronted abandonment issues, childhood trauma, depression, and fear.
I was taught perspective on what is important in my life. I learned the meaning of insignificance, but in a way that was freeing. Freedom to now do things you want to do, freedom to feel your feelings, and a much reduced fear of death. I felt so grateful to be alive, perhaps, it was because I sometimes felt like I was returning from metaphorical death. I felt connected to everyone and everything on earth, which reaffirmed my commitment for working towards a clean planet. I've learned and integrated many beneficial habits that feed my soul and spirit, such as movement, meditation, journaling, fasting, and playing music. However, I also felt the pain of the world, the pollution we create, the utter grief of losing everyone you've ever known. I needed to feel that, and in doing so I was taught balance. There will always be pain and joy in this world; the goal is to bring those closer together for everyone. When we can achieve harmony between the light and the dark we can realize peace. I don't know if I'll see it in my life, but it's the goal I have set. I will strive to meet the reality of life with love and hope and try to set a good example of what it means to be a human on this planet.
The Binoculars
Focused Facilitation was born from a group journey with my Alma comrades as part of our education. I brought to the altar my great-grandfather's binoculars given to his son, then to his son, and finally given to me. To be honest, when I first received them they didn't mean much to me. But, I did still feel like they were important and I kept them. At the altar I prayed and set my intention to the binoculars to help me call on my ancestors to give me strength for the new journey of being a facilitator. During our group ceremony, I was reborn, but into a mine. I found a ladder and started to climb up to a tiny little hole of light. Along the way, I started to carry a bag full of what felt like sadness, pain, and grief. It didn't bring up any memories for me personally, it just felt heavy. So I continued up the ladder, adding more weight to the load I was carrying. Upon realizing that someone was adding more weight to me, I turned around and saw two older males loading me up. I finally said to stop, because that's all I could take. They didn't seem mad, just pleased that I spoke up for myself. So we climbed the rest of the way up the ladder, walked out right into the ceremony we were having and my ancestors, along with the ancestors of our wonderful guides, started to dance, party, and celebrate. At the same time, a kindly old gentlemen helped me clean off the binoculars. The day after my group ceremony, I saw my mom and told her about my journey and the mine. She then told me that my great-grandfather worked in the copper mines in Chile, which I never knew. So now, I can use the newly cleaned binoculars to connect with my ancestors, see clearly, and focus on what is important in my life.