About

Hi! I’m Ava!

My life’s central question:

How do I find true happiness?

I keep this question close to my heart, and have continued to refine it, throughout my almost 15 years of experience, as a therapist and coach.

I continue to explore this theme from academic, spiritual, psychological, and interpersonal levels, as a part of my healing and growth journey.

I want to share with you here, about my own path, to help you get a feel for me.

This is Me!

Early Life

I grew up in rural Hawaii, in a large, dysfunctional family. It was an out-of-the-box family, in the sense that my parents were organic farmers and builders, and lived a nature-based lifestyle. However, we were very normal in the sense that we had traumatic dynamics that made it very difficult for me to develop a healthy, resilient sense of self.

I spent the larger part of my childhood depressed, under-socialized, deeply insecure, anxious, and feeling as though my life lacked meaning...Read More

Academic Training

Upon leaving Hawaii, I attended Naropa University. There I learned about world religions, mindfulness, meditation, Buddhist Psychology, and self-love.

Being in this environment was a safe space to explore who I was, what was important to me, and how to live a happy, meaningful life... Read More

Life Experience

Health, healing, adventure, travel, exploration, and growth and development work, have always been deeply important to me. I have learned so much about myself and wellness, based on these interests... Read More

Testimonials

Dr. Ava is really, really good. We figured out what was wrong, and we fixed it together. It was kind of simple, and also fun.
Alex M.
I am a therapist and have gone to lots of therapists, with very little actual results. I can talk circles around people. I was so burnt out when I met her. Ava has a great mix of using her skills from her training as a psychologist, and also applying her method as a coach. Through her help, I finally found a way to develop a private practice, a work-life balance, and a life outside of work, that leave me inspired and happy.
Christina M.
I am a chronic complainer. It runs in my family. I hit forty, was single, and realized I needed to stop making excuses for how bad everything seemed in my life. I found Ava through her Medium articles on relationships, and I knew I had to work with her. In our year of working on and off with each other, I learned why I complained, grieved it, and learned a new way to relate. I also not only found a partner, but I also decided to finally leave the job I hated and create a business I am proud of. I like my life now, and I am really happy. I got more from her in our sessions, than I ever got in fifteen years with all sorts of therapists, healers, and coaches. She is really intuitive and knew exactly where to focus, for me to get the most out of our time. I recommend her to everyone!
Laura B.