About Leslie

Leslie is a seasoned practitioner with over two decades of experience guiding people toward embodied awareness and authentic expression of mind, body, and soul. From a young age, she has been drawn to a profound spirit of inquiry into the nature of human suffering. She believes that through connection with one’s Embodied Self, we can be with suffering in ways that cultivate kindness, wisdom, and generosity—awakening deeper self-awareness, soul connection, and the capacity to live fully. Her focus isn’t on eliminating suffering, but on cultivating a nurturing presence toward it, allowing the heart to open and fostering connection to our shared humanity.

Leslie began her journey as a student and then teacher of yoga, exploring meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and moving with the natural flow of energy. Soon after, she became a licensed massage and bodywork therapist, deepening her understanding of physiology and the subtle energetic systems of the body. Feeling the call to offer a more comprehensive approach to mind-body-soul integration, she became a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

Leslie’s approach is gentle, relational, and direct. She creates a supportive space to listen to each person’s innate wisdom and with graceful compassion guides clients to connect with their embodied strength, inner truth, and soul.

Based in Durham, NC, Leslie is deeply passionate about her work. When she’s not working with clients, she enjoys being immersed in nature—whether walking along rivers, hiking in the mountains, or visiting the beach. She also spends time writing, playing with her animals, nurturing friendships, and engaging in her own meditative and embodied practices.

influential trainings and studies

  • Richard Swartz and Susan McConnell: SIFS: Somatic Internal Family Systems - somatic awareness, conscious breathing, radical resonance, mindful movement, and attuned touch

  • Peter Levine: Somatic Experiencing

  • Stephen J. Terrell: Transforming the Experienced-Based Brain(TEB). Trauma integrating Transforming Touch for repairing early ruptures in attachment

  • Deborah Kennard: developer of Somatic and Attachment Focused (SAFE) EMDR

  • Thomas Hubl: integrating mysticism and science; embodied presence

  • Pema Chodron: Beloved Buddhist teacher, nun, author, and has devoted her life to inspiring people to awaken

  • Tara Brach: psychologist, author, teacher, and proponent of buddhist meditation

  • Richard Rudd: Teacher, mystic, award winner poet, and founder and author of Gene Keys

  • Kathy Kain: Specializing in Somatic Resiliency and Regulation

  • Janina Fisher: Specializing in Dissociative and Fragmented Parts

  • Deb Dana: Polyvagal Theory Stephen Porges: The PolyVagal Theory and Safe Sound Protocol

  • Carl Jung: Awakening the unconscious

  • Gabor Mate: Attachment and Authenticity: to understand addiction

  • Henri Nouwen: Priest and author who called for both radical forgiveness and disciplined accountability.

  • Diane Poole Heller: Attachment and Relationships

  • Dan Siegel: Interpersonal Neurobiology approach to relationships, mind and brain functioning

  • Pat Ogden: Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

  • Brene Brown: On Imperfection, Belonging, and Shame

  • MAPS: study of psychedelic-assisted therapy

  • Allison Dennis: Teacher of yoga dedicated to the foundational texts of yoga, language of Sanskrit, chanting and sadhana, Vedic Astrologer, musician and sound healer

  • Dr. Randolf Stone: developer of polarity therapy, doctor of osteopathy, naturopathy and chiropractic

  • Tom Myers: developer of Anatomy Trains, an anatomical study of the myofascial meridian structure in the physical body

  • Bill Plotkin: Animas Valley Institue