My story

Curate health. Curate hope. Curate happy.

Welcome! I’m Courtney.

I live in Southern California with my husband, daughter, and a standard poodle named Bear. Originally from the East Coast, I moved to California because I’m a sunshine lover and really enjoy being outdoors.

After graduating from art school in the early 2000’s, I spent the next 20 some years teaching art and practicing yoga on the side. Then in 2017 and 2018, two important things happened that changed my life.

In 2017, I was diagnosed with a thyroid condition known as Graves Disease. These symptoms began to take an extreme toll on my health and left me with anxiety, shakiness, nausea and a variety of other awful symptoms. The stress of the pandemic and teaching art in the classroom became increasingly hard.

Then, in 2018, I discovered Social Emotional Arts at UCLA. Being a part of the SEA program taught me how art can be used for empowerment, self-care and community building. Upon receiving my certification, I immediately implemented self-care, mindfulness and community into my teaching and also applied it to my life. I noticed that the more I used art and yoga for wellness, I became a much better teacher and a much happier and healthier person.

In 2021, I completed my training as a yoga instructor and an internationally certified mindfulness instructor. Since that time, I’ve facilitated workshops through UCLArts & Healing’s HOPE Series, UCLA’s Creative Minds Projects, We Rise Los Angeles and Healing Circles Global. I’m so excited to share these skills to help you gain better health, more creativity and a greater lust for life.