Get to Know Bonnie

Who I am... I am a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, friend, teacher, seminary student, and coach. I have recovered from an eating disorder, depression, and learned to walk in my own identity with healthy boundaries.

What I do personally…

In order to avoid returning to old damaging patterns, I live with intention. I make a conscious choice daily to affirm what is true about myself and what is true about God. I engage in spiritual practices, and apply healthy tools that I have gained.

What I believe…

God is bigger, more mysterious, more powerful, more loving, more forgiving, and more involved in our daily lives than is humanly possible to imagine. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is essential to fully understand who we are as individuals and enjoy the life we were destined to live. Addictive and controlling behaviors, boundary issues, and painful, negative feelings are byproducts of living in this world, but they do not need to be a permanent part of one’s life.

What I do for others…

I teach and coach from a Biblical worldview, but utilize the work of Stephen Karpman's Drama Triangle, Pia Mellody, Marshall Rosenberg, David Emerald, Patrick and Stephanie Carnes, C.S. Lewis, Dallas Willard, and many more. I serve as a spiritual guide for those questioning God, their own existence, identity, and the meaning of life. I serve as a teacher, life coach, and encourager to those who want a partner to help them learn and apply tools to live a more fulfilling life.

Why I am qualified...

My thorough and intimate understanding of trauma, addiction, depression, and codependency from personal experience makes me an ideal person to speak to these issues. I am also an APSATS trainee and certified life coach with the ICF. Additionally, I hold a master’s degree in school counseling (academic, career, and social-emotional), a PPS credential, and have over 20 years of teaching (including school counseling) experience in public education, where my specialty has been working with at-risk youth and their families. I am also a graduate student at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University majoring in Bible Exposition.

What I don’t do...

I do not diagnose. I do not provide advice on medications. I am not a licensed clinician or mental health provider.