My Journey from chocolatier to ceremonialist

I grew up in Rhode Island, USA and was surrounded by a family of healers using the allopathic or conventional approach for their patients. This perspective, although most widely accepted in the USA, never resonated with my heart. By listening to my heart, I chose food as medicine, yoga and meditation as a means to listen to the Wisdom within, and Cacao as my first Plant Ally.

I established la maison de COCO in 2005, creating artisanal, tea-infused truffles and chocolate bars. As my constant companion for over 20 years, I am certain that Cacao put me on this path with intention. In her wisdom, Cacao asked me to share a message that could be well-received at that time. We began our journey together by trying to shift the human family's perspective from guilty pleasure to joyful ceremony. With Cacao's wisdom guiding me, I was called to share the medicinal qualities of Cacao. So, each day I  would share medicinal benefits of dark chocolate, written on the wall of the bar at the chocolate café. Again, knowing that this was the language people at the time could receive, and in Cacao's timely guidance, this coincided with the scientific world studying the effects of dark chocolate on the human body.

Then, Cacao brought people into my life to open my heart and remind me of Her true mission. 

Cacao's energy brought a client into my shop who had just returned from Guatemala. My heart recalled an ancient knowing as she enthusiastically explained Sacred Circle and Ceremonial Cacao. Along my journey I experienced the spiritual, heart-opening effects of pure, ceremonial Cacao. Cacao’s voice was a daily presence after that first Cacao Ceremony and became more persistent in calling me to take up my path as a guide for this Sacred Circle.

In 2020 I moved with my husband to Los Angeles, California. Although challenging for many due to COVID-19, this time became a gift for me to pursue my heartfelt desire to explore what it would mean to be a guide for Cacao Ceremony. As I left behind my path as a chocolatier and stepped into the profound wisdom of this Ancient Plant Spirit - Cacao, I found Firefly Chocolate’s Facilitator’s Course (now ORA CACAO), enrolled, and began enjoying their Ceremonial Cacao. One morning while sitting for the first time with a Cacao from Belize, I was overcome by an abundance of love and clarity, connecting with a feeling of truly “coming home.” I created a daily ritual at my altar to nurture a profound relationship with my beloved companion while continuing to study the Maya Wisdom of the Sacred Calendar or the Cholq’ij Calendar.

So inspired by my relationship with Cacao, I decided to learn more about Plant Spirit Healing from other Plant Allies. I completed an eight-month course, “Co-Creative Partnership with Nature” instructed by Pam Montgomery, herbalist and plant spirit healer, author, founding member of the Northeast Herbal Association, on the Advisory Board of United Plant Savers, and founding member of O.N.E. (Organization of Nature Evolutionaries). I also traveled to Belize to study under Dr. Rosita Arvigo, a Naprapathic physician, herbalist and International lecturer and author, who shares the traditional teachings of Don Elijio Panti, renowned Maya Shaman. As a certified guide for Spiritual Healing Baths, I am honored to be sharing the powerful wisdom of water, plants and prayers for the highest good of all.