Meet Our Team

I am so glad you are here!

Nurturing Nature is a holistic program that is dedicated to supporting children (birth to eight years old) and parents!

I have in-depth and professional training in Expressive Arts Therapy, Perinatal Mental Health, Child Mental Health and Parent Coaching.

We are here to see you and your child, to be with you and to empower you through your parenting and childhood journey.

Hi, I’m Lara.

More About Me

I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Transpersonal Art Therapy from Naropa University.

As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I am passionate about weaving earth-based, trauma-informed, somatic practices and nurture neuroscience into my work to support child and parent healing.

Before becoming an Art Therapist, I worked as a Lead Teacher in contemplative-based preschool and forest school settings, where I saw the power of art and nature in helping children regulate emotions and connect with others. My passion grew for supporting parents in creative ways to meet their child’s needs.

Prior to graduate school, I lived at a yoga retreat center, teaching yoga and meditation to children and adults. I earned a BFA in Printmaking and a BA in Asian Art History from the University of Colorado, Boulder, where I explored the connection between art-making and yoga.

I have provided Expressive Arts Therapy to mothers recovering from traumatic birth and to babies in the NICU as well as to children in rehabilitation and neuropsychiatric care and led support groups for children with epilepsy. I collaborate with providers, including occupational therapists and medical teams to provide holistic care, recognizing the benefits of expressive arts therapy in supporting mental and medical challenges.

As a mom, I understand what it is like to navigate early parenthood and love supporting parents in finding their inner wisdom and parenting authentically. I am here to support you as you navigate your way through this potent and transformative time.

Nurturing Nature reflects my commitment to helping children feel safe, cared for, and able to fully experience the joys of childhood.

Education & Training

  • Naropa University (2022) MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling & Transpersonal Art Therapy

    Children’s Hospital Colorado (2020-2022) MA Internship Ponzio Creative Art Therapy Program

    University of Colorado, Boulder (2016) Bachelor of Fine Arts, Printmaking Bachelor of Asian Art History

  • Institute of Child Psychology (2021) Child Mental Health Fundamentals

    Training completed in introductory child psychology, essentials of interpersonal neurobiology, attachment-based interventions, child emotion regulation, and evidence-based parenting practices

  • Perinatal Support International (2025) Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) Candidate

    The Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) Program recognizes individuals who possess the competency required to help mothers, fathers, and families experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in the perinatal period.

  • Trauma-Informed Practices & Expressive Arts Therapy Institute (2025) Expressive Arts Therapist Candidate

    Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy is a specific approach by Dr. Cathy Malchiodi that integrates "brain-wise" and "body-based" awareness concepts to support trauma reparation and recovery.

    The Voice Keeps the Score with Linda Thai (2024)

    Certificate in Somatic Embodiment & Regulation Strategies with Linda Thai (2022)

    Strategies learned in this course emphasize bottom-up self-regulation, co-regulation, expanded window of tolerance, and interoceptive awareness. Training completed in resourcing skills that help close the gap between external safety and internal safeness.