Four and a half months after hip surgery, I was back on skis. A few months later, I booked a one-way ticket to Patagonia with no return ticket and not much of a plan. What began as a return to the mountains became an adventure in letting go, embracing uncertainty, and learning to trust the journey.
What began as an unexpected introduction to TRE® (Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises) during my recovery from injury became a journey of healing, self-discovery, and a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection. Now, as a Certified TRE Provider, I'm excited to share this practice through ACE CoLab, bringing new opportunities for stress relief, nervous system regulation, and well-being to my local community and beyond.
A few years ago, I first read Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s Flow. I had recently been introduced to the concept of “flow state” and was fascinated by it. I wanted to study and learn how to achieve it, particularly to help me overcome my fears in whitewater kayaking and to reach higher performance goals in my skiing. … Continue reading Finding Flow: Creating a Life Worth Being Fully Present For
After a year away from the mountains due to injury, I returned expecting to chase summits again. Instead, I discovered that success wasn't about reaching the top—it was about presence, connection, gratitude, and redefining what it truly means to climb.
Returning to a place that once felt like home after the end of a relationship forced me to confront more than memories. It challenged my identity, my confidence, and the stories I had been telling myself about who I was on my own. This isn't just a story about whitewater kayaking—it's about grief, healing, and learning that sometimes growth isn't about feeling stronger. Sometimes it's simply about having the courage to keep showing up.
We recently finished reading The Rock Warrior's Way by Arno Ilgner as part of our ACE CoLab Community Book Circle. Although the book is written about climbing, I found myself highlighting passages and reflecting on lessons that apply far beyond the rock face. In many ways, the book isn't really about climbing at all. It's … Continue reading The Rock Warrior’s Way Mindset
I don't view coaching, guiding, or personal development as products. I view them as partnerships. At ACE CoLab, we believe meaningful change happens through exchange. For most of my career, I have worked in spaces centered around education, leadership, personal growth, and adventure. I've taught skiing, coached athletes, guided in the mountains, facilitated wellness practices, … Continue reading ACE CoLab Exchange Philosophy
There’s a well known saying, "Travel is the one thing you can buy that makes you richer." While it may sound cliché, I believe there is a profound truth hidden within it. The richness that travel offers has very little to do with luxury hotels, first-class flights, or checking destinations off a bucket list. The … Continue reading Travel Is the One Thing You Can Buy That Makes You Richer
I'm excited to share that I have officially earned my Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). While the letters after my name don't change who I am as a coach, they do represent years of training, practice, supervision, reflection, and a commitment to providing my clients with the highest level … Continue reading Why Earning My ICF ACC Credential Matters
After a hip injury forced her off the mountain for the first time in 35 years, Allie found herself facing more than just a physical recovery. What began as chronic pain and surgery became an unexpected invitation to slow down, reflect, and rediscover who she was beyond skiing. This personal story explores identity, healing, resilience, and how one of life’s hardest moments became a profound awakening.
