PRESENCE – AUTHENTICITY – BELONGING
[Andy stands in a field of dandelions with their face to the sun]
VALUES
I believe that practicing presence, authenticity, and belonging both individually and collectively make equity, liberation and longevity possible for ourselves, all humans, and all living beings, including our planet.
PRESENCE
Presence is not just about being here now. It is not bypassing our personal or global past. It is not denying our dreams. Rather, presence is the ability to witness this moment within the context of history and the awareness of potential futures. When we are awake to the realities that have framed where we are now, and what is needed of us to cultivate a nourishing future, we can see this moment more fully. Acknowledging reality, for me, has made it more possible to set healthy boundaries, more possible to be truly grateful, and more possible to recognize my privileges and consider my power. With this awareness, I can act authentically, take things less personally, and be open to collaborative engagement.
AUTHENTICITY
Authenticity is standing and acting in your truth whether or not it’s what’s expected or the norm. I believe we all have a sense of truth within us, that came with us when we took human form. This truth has been beaten up by societal norms and expectations. I, for one, spent decades trying to let my true nature come forward only to be silenced again and again by societal norms and expectations, family members, and bosses. I pushed the edges and I got in trouble for being too passionate, speaking too much, caring too much. I felt bewildered for the constant uncertainty being on such n unpredictable path provided. Now I am doing my best to honor what makes me, me, and working with others to reconnect with their authentic selves, so our gifts come forward and we can support one another for the long haul.
BELONGING
Belonging is a fad word, it seems, and it also reeks of the fitting in so many attempt to feel a part of something whether or not it aligns with their values – a sports team, a work culture, a group of “friends.” I love the reminder from Nonviolent Communication that we all have the same needs; it is how we try to accomplish them that causes conflict between us. Belonging, in its purest sense, is the remembrance that we all are connected to each other, this living planet, the cosmos. It is the embodiment of true acceptance of self, others, and the way things are. When we feel a sense of belonging, we know we are being seen for who we truly are, and loved unconditionally. We are also exposing ourselves to receiving feedback, being called in or out, learning how to commit to realizing universal needs for all, not just for ourselves or our group through our own personal strategies for meeting those needs. When we remember we all (nonhuman species) belong, we are compelled to act for the greater good, to connect outside of our comfort zone, and (especially as white folks) use our power and privilege to amplify voices and strategies rooted in indigenous ways of knowing.
WHO INFLUENCES ME
I continually lean on the wisdom of teachers, writers and wisdom leaders Michelle Cassandra Johnson, Scott Blossom, Tristan Katz, Tara Brach, adrienne maree brown, and the cutting edge leadership of such organizations as the Highlander Research and Education Center, National Equity Project, AORTA, National Ayurvedic Medical Association, Center for Nonviolent Communication, my clients, friends, and many more.
I enjoy collective leadership and collaboration, so please reach out if you would like to chat about working together.
In my free time, I like to forage and wander in nature, grow and prepare food, and organize with locals for a liberatory world. Currently my parter, pup and I are living in southwest Michigan.
[Above: a collage of photos. Each has a caption you can read by double clicking on the image.]
Education and Training Background
- Adult Mental Health First Aid training, December 2025
- Facilitating Disagreement crash course, AORTA, April 2025
- Foundations in Fruition, business development work group with the Fruition Growth Network, 2024
- Liberatory Design for Equity training, National Equity Project, 2024
- The Art of Skillful Facilitation: Presencing Race, Gender and Collective Healing, 2023 and 2024
- Advanced Community Organizing Training, Highlander Research and Education Center, 2022
- Nonviolent Communication Year Long Immersion Program, Great Lakes NVC, 2020 and 2021
- Trauma Informed Restorative Practices Training, Resolutions Northwest, 2020
- Youth Mental Health First Aid training, 2018
- Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices Training, IIRP, 2018
- Yoga Health Coaching Certification, 2016
- Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Kripalu School of Ayurveda, 2015
- 500-Hour Yoga Instructor, Kripalu School of Yoga, 2014
- 200-Hour Yoga Certification, A2 Yoga, 2012
- Bachelors in Social Science, University of Michigan, 2008
Experience
- Leadership Collective Administrator, K.N.O.W. (Kalamazoo Nonviolent Opponents of War), April 2025 – present
- Ayurvedic Health Counselor and Yoga Health Coach, 2015 – present
- Community Yoga Guide, 2012 – present
- Ceasefire Rally Community Organizer, Montanans for Palestine, 2023 – 2024
- Board President, Glacier Montessori, 2022 – 2024
- Board member, Ravenwood Outdoor Learning Center, 2022 – 2024
- Guided four teams in organizational belonging series, 2023 and 2024
- Youth Program Host, Yoga Teacher, Glacier Queer Alliance, 2021 – 2024
- Co-Facilitator, international book circle utilizing Circle Way process for Layla Saad’s book, Me and White Supremacy, 2020
- Facilitated nuclear family antiracism monthly meetings, 2021 – 2023
- Training and Development Director, Program Director, Center for Restorative Youth Justice, 2018 – 2021
- Fearless Self-Love Retreats cohost, 2017, 2018, and 2019
- Participant, Interracial Dialogue Group, Washtenaw Community College, 2015
- Host, Community Gatherings, 2009 – present
- Michigan Director, The Young People’s Project, Inc., 2007 – 2010
Grounded Here 