About Cari

After enjoying my practice in the Berkshires,  I am now living and treating clients in southern Portugal! Please email me to birthjoy@gmail.com for rates and availability.

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My passion for helping people, especially babies and children, goes back many years. While earning my undergraduate degree in psychology, I also studied herbal medicine and energy healing with an overall focus on maternal, infant and children’s health and development. I later continued studies in biology, chemistry and anatomy and physiology which have supported my practice in various ways.

I have apprenticed with leading experts in the fields of midwifery, herbalism and craniosacral therapy including the late “grandmother of herbalists”, Juliette De Baircli Levy (author of Common Herbs for Natural Health, 1996 and Nature’s Children, 1996). I have had the privilege of attending many births both as a doula and assistant midwife which in part deepened my ability to hold space in a sacred and nurturing manner.

My first child, a daughter, was born in 1995. I had difficulty nursing her but unfortunately was not yet familiar with craniosacral therapy. My aunt, a lactation consultant, was of immense support to me during this time. My son was born in 2001 and also had extreme difficulty nursing. My chiropractor offered to try craniosacral therapy, which was new to me at the time. With this modality, I witnessed my son’s entire being relax into the practitioner’s hands. Nursing improved dramatically after that first session, and one more session was all that was needed.

Intrigued with the technique but busy raising my children, I was able to pursue my interest in craniosacral therapy 10 years later. I studied the modality extensively with the Upledger Institute, with a focus on pediatrics and somatic emotional release. I later pursued the basics of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy at Turtleback Craniosacral Therapy in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Since 2015, I have traveled to Greece three times working specifically with breastfeeding mothers and babies who had escaped from war in the Middle East. This work has affected me deeply, in part inspiring me to complete my training and receive certification as a lactation counselor.

I love helping people through the healing arts and treasure the space created with each client. I experience a deep sense of peace as I help explore uncharted territories on each individual’s journey of unfolding.

I find that my experience with attending births has also prepared me to hold space in a safe and nurturing way which provides an opening for healing to occur. I listen with compassion to each client as well as to the subtle rhythms of the body, providing an opportunity for systems to return to a relaxed and harmonious state.

Babies and children are extremely receptive to craniosacral therapy, and it brings me great joy to be in their presence. The combination of lactation counseling and craniosacral therapy offers a unique avenue for families to heal simultaneously and enhances the breastfeeding experience.

I am currently living my adventure in Portugal, but you can get in touch with me by emailing to birthjoy@gmail.com.