About Barbara
I am a teacher, therapist, storyteller, photographer and naturalist. As a novice photographer at the age of 10, I was fascinated by the play of light and shadow in the natural world – the contrasts between the rich colors of the late afternoon and the deepening shadows. That fascination deepened over the years into an understanding that in life we cannot know the light if there is no darkness – the darkness of the night, the darkness of evil, the shadow of being. Conversely, we cannot know the darkness unless it is contrasted with the light of day, the light of knowing, the light of being.
Increasingly my personal life and professional work have focused on the dance between the light and the dark. To look at the darkness both within and without while holding the constancy of the light requires daring to find the essence of being, daring to live in the present while finding the gifts of the past, and daring to let go of the known in order to meet the unknown and trust the unfolding of something new.
The more factual information is as follows. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History from Hofstra University, a Master of Science in Physical Education from Smith College, and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Connecticut, Northern New England Branch. I have taught physical education and outdoor education in general education and in teacher training programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and served as a college administrator in a Dean of Student’s Office. Presently I live in rural New Hampshire. As a clinical social worker, I have had a private practice in Keene, NH working with families, children, adolescents, and adults in a therapeutic setting. Though my experiences over the years are diverse and seemingly disconnected, I find that all my experiences have a common thread of connection. Thus I can bring both the richness and the wisdom born of those experiences to my work as a therapist and teacher.
I am the author of Common Ground, Uncommon Gifts: Growing Peace and Harmony through Stories, Reflections and Practices in the Natural World. Using a modern version of the Native American Medicine Wheel readers are invited to engage the natural world as wise teacher both for one’s personal life and the well-being of the planet. I am also the author of Fables for Wisdom Seekers Young and Old. Using animals as the characters, it focuses on key themes such as self-esteem, friendship, bullying, courage, community, and the circle of life -- topics that parents, teachers, therapists, and counselors can use in helping children find their way in the world. It is also a resource for those of us who wish to engage the child part of ourselves.
My private practice, my professional life and my personal life have included workshops which dare the unknown. Whether as a leader or a participant, I have found them to be very useful not only in deepening one’s individual journey through life but also in bearing witness to the common ground that connects us all. You will find a list of workshop offerings here on this website. Workshop ideas are always in process and I welcome suggestions for new offerings.
I would like to thank Fran Vainas who worked her magic in designing this web site and Lisa Scally who executed the website logo as I had conceptualized it.
Thank you for visiting my web page. I welcome your thoughts and comments, either on my blog page "Musings" or via email at journey@mcttelecom.com.
I am a teacher, therapist, storyteller, photographer and naturalist. As a novice photographer at the age of 10, I was fascinated by the play of light and shadow in the natural world – the contrasts between the rich colors of the late afternoon and the deepening shadows. That fascination deepened over the years into an understanding that in life we cannot know the light if there is no darkness – the darkness of the night, the darkness of evil, the shadow of being. Conversely, we cannot know the darkness unless it is contrasted with the light of day, the light of knowing, the light of being.
Increasingly my personal life and professional work have focused on the dance between the light and the dark. To look at the darkness both within and without while holding the constancy of the light requires daring to find the essence of being, daring to live in the present while finding the gifts of the past, and daring to let go of the known in order to meet the unknown and trust the unfolding of something new.
The more factual information is as follows. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History from Hofstra University, a Master of Science in Physical Education from Smith College, and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Connecticut, Northern New England Branch. I have taught physical education and outdoor education in general education and in teacher training programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and served as a college administrator in a Dean of Student’s Office. Presently I live in rural New Hampshire. As a clinical social worker, I have had a private practice in Keene, NH working with families, children, adolescents, and adults in a therapeutic setting. Though my experiences over the years are diverse and seemingly disconnected, I find that all my experiences have a common thread of connection. Thus I can bring both the richness and the wisdom born of those experiences to my work as a therapist and teacher.
I am the author of Common Ground, Uncommon Gifts: Growing Peace and Harmony through Stories, Reflections and Practices in the Natural World. Using a modern version of the Native American Medicine Wheel readers are invited to engage the natural world as wise teacher both for one’s personal life and the well-being of the planet. I am also the author of Fables for Wisdom Seekers Young and Old. Using animals as the characters, it focuses on key themes such as self-esteem, friendship, bullying, courage, community, and the circle of life -- topics that parents, teachers, therapists, and counselors can use in helping children find their way in the world. It is also a resource for those of us who wish to engage the child part of ourselves.
My private practice, my professional life and my personal life have included workshops which dare the unknown. Whether as a leader or a participant, I have found them to be very useful not only in deepening one’s individual journey through life but also in bearing witness to the common ground that connects us all. You will find a list of workshop offerings here on this website. Workshop ideas are always in process and I welcome suggestions for new offerings.
I would like to thank Fran Vainas who worked her magic in designing this web site and Lisa Scally who executed the website logo as I had conceptualized it.
Thank you for visiting my web page. I welcome your thoughts and comments, either on my blog page "Musings" or via email at journey@mcttelecom.com.