About Leslie

Leslie is a seasoned practitioner whose holistic approach is informed by two decades of training and experience in fostering embodied awareness and authentic expression of an aligned mind, body, and soul. She began her journey in 2004 as a student and then teacher of yoga learning meditation and mindfulness practices, breath-work practices, and how to move with the flow of energy. Soon after she became a licensed massage and bodywork therapist where she began to understand and work with the intersection of anatomy, physiology, and the subtler energetic systems of our bodies. Several years later, wanting to be able to offer a more comprehensive approach to the mind-body-soul connection, Leslie became a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Her most impactful trainings include Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, Transforming Touch (touch training for developmental trauma), Polarity Therapy, and thousands of hours of meditation, breath-work and embodied movement. Leslie's approach is gentle, relational, and direct. She aims to create a supportive space where each person's unique and innate wisdom can guide the therapeutic process. With grace and compassion, she is deeply committed to helping others be in greater communion with their own embodied strength and truth, or soul.

From a young age, Leslie has been guided by a profound spirit of inquiry about the nature of human suffering. It is Leslie’s understanding that through connection to one’s Embodied Self, one can be with suffering in a way brings about a greater kindness, wisdom, and generosity. Ultimately, that in learning to be with suffering and compassionately attending to it, rather than addicted or hooked into the drama of it, we can awaken to a new level of self actualization, awareness, and connection to our soul. The focus isn't eliminating suffering but cultivating nurturing presence towards it—enabling us to face suffering in ways that open our heart and foster a greater connection to our shared humanity.

Leslie lives in Durham, NC and is passionate about her work. When not working, she enjoys being immersed in nature either with trips to the beach or walking along the rivers and mountains. She also spends time writing, playing with her animals, building friendships, and engaging in her own meditative and embodied practices.

influential trainings and study

  • 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