a deep dive into my journey

I was raised in the mountains of the Jefferson Wilderness. I didn’t have an easy childhood. Therapy and learning to advocate for myself have made a huge difference in my life. Neither came easily, but I knew I deserved support.

When I had my first child, I experienced postpartum complications and severe mood disorders that began during pregnancy and continued for years after delivery. I had my next child two years later, and things didn’t get any easier.

When he was six months old, I decided I needed to see some beauty. The four walls of my room weren’t doing me any favors. I packed us up and drove to a waterfall—a place we later lost to the 2020 wildfires.

It was eye-opening. Seeing my kids get fresh air and watching them be amazed by things I had forgotten to notice—snails, moss, unique sticks, the smell of dirt, the spray of water—was the bliss I had been missing.

From there, it blossomed into trying to find my own community. Through trial and error, I found women who loved exploring and being in nature as much as I did. I started joining hikes and making friends. It ignited a new flame in me and helped make life feel worth living again.

One of the things I love most about hiking is that it gives my brain a break from the day-to-day tasks and the painful parts of motherhood. Even the planning gave my mind something productive to do: What should I pack? Where’s the trailhead? What actually works for me and my kids? Apparently, my brain needed a trail to overthink. It gave me something to look forward to and a new sense of purpose.

Getting to where I am now was a slow journey, but it was worth it. I lived with perinatal mood disorders for six years, including depression, suicidal thoughts, severe OCD, and anxiety. At the time, I didn’t even know postpartum OCD was a thing.

The most crucial parts of my recovery were knowing I wasn’t alone and finding the right support for me. I’m happy to say I made it to the other side, and I absolutely love helping women who are seeking the same beauty I was, but don’t know where to start.

I want you to know that I have zero expectations of you- just an open heart and curiosity about how we can help you find that feeling, too. No make up, wearing a diaper, swollen eyes- you’re in good company.

To the almost 100 women who have joined my group hikes, events, clients, and retreats: thank you. Your vulnerability and trust in me mean everything. Getting to turn my experience into connection and support for others has given those years of struggle a meaning I never could have imagined.

Love Autumn