Meet Jackie

After working in industry and high tech for 10 years in my twenties and then marrying and mothering for 10 years, I returned to university at age 40. While in the challenging life transition of divorce, the educational experience earning a minor in women’s studies and a BA in sociology at University of California, Santa Cruz was a healthy place to focus my efforts and a fascinating intellectual journey. When I found myself at orientation for a Masters in Social Work at San Jose State with it’s emphasis in social justice, I knew I was on the right path. Having completed my education in mid-life while my 3 children completed junior high and high school, I have a very good understanding of my unusual privilege. With that knowing, I have deep gratitude and feel a strong responsibility to support others navigating the sometimes difficult challenges of being human in the 21st Century.



As for my spiritual grounding, I was raised 2nd youngest of six daughters, in an Irish catholic south suburb of Chicago and attended catholic school for 8 years. From a very young age and on, I've sought out and maintained a deep respect for Native American spirituality as well as, other Indigenous teachings. While in the life-transition of divorce, I found a non-denominational 12-step recovery program, specifically Co-Dependency Anonymous supportive in learning to be more self-reflective and set healthy boundaries with others. I’m a student of the mindfulness and meditation teachings of American Buddhist Nun, Pema Chodron and Zen Buddhist Master, Thich Nhat Hanh. Additionally, a daily yoga practice and end of day hike in the healing powers of nature is grounding and provides a loving balance. Each of these spiritual and healing practices greatly inform my life and work and along with my social science and counseling education, cultivate an ability to know joy and respect all the human emotions that offer information to know how to best care for one’s self. 



I bring 10 years of counseling experience to our collaboration with specialization in life transitions, relational dynamics, anxiety, and grief. I’ve worked with thousands of individuals and families as they navigate the challenges of life transitions, aging, health decline, chronic disease, strained family dynamics and death and dying.