Introducing: The Phoenix Project

As the sunshine warms the earth,

inviting up the first sprouts of the season, 

I am reminded that even when things seem cold 

and bleak,

there is always hope under the surface. 

The cacophony of birdsong 

and mischievous squirrels 

remind me that change is the only constant. 

In these difficult times, 

I invite you to let yourself

take in the light. 

Allow nature’s revival 

to renew (or spark) your inner fire.

Whether it is for your children, 

for the planet, 

or for human decency, 

remember what drives you. 

Remember that hope is waiting to rise.

When I became a yoga teacher in 2020, I was determined to offer this work to Survivors of sexual trauma. Knowing this, the founder of Breathing Space Yoga introduced me to a woman who was part of a Survivor organization. This woman was kind enough to meet with me and share what she could, even offering me an old yellow workbook with a phoenix on it. This was not only the beginning of Thrive, but also the moment I learned about Survivor Theatre Project.

At this point in its evolution, STP wasn’t offering theatre work, but it was offering Healing Through Creative Arts, monthly arts workshops for Survivors. I was so moved by the first workshop I attended in April 2022, that I decided to be more involved. I was invited to offer my first workshop through HTCA in September of 2022 and began working with the Leadership Team for two years. During this time, I met the most incredible, powerful, and joyful survivors. Survivors who chose to love themselves and encourage others.

Working with STP taught me a lot about myself. I discovered strengths I didn’t know I had and areas where I still need to grow. Through it all the Leadership Team has held me with compassion and grace. I continue to learn so much from them about what it means to be a leader, a healer, and a whole human.

Therefore, it is with great honor that I carry their legacy forward with The Phoenix Project. This initiative preserves the spirit of STP, bringing together trauma-informed yoga and somatic practices, creative arts, and community-based care to support healing that is accessible, inclusive, and survivor-centered.

I came into this work to remind Survivors of their inner wisdom and their agency in their own lives. Although my business has shifted over time, that intention has always remained at the core. Like the season changing around us, that hope has always remained, waiting to rise.