I’m so glad you’re here!

Every baby and child deserves a space where they feel safe, understood, and free to grow, and every parent deserves support along the way. That’s why I created Nurturing Nature—a warm, holistic space where babies and young children (birth to eight) and their caregivers can explore emotions, build confidence, and strengthen their bond.

With a playful, heart-centered approach, I help little ones navigate life’s ups and downs through art, movement, and connection. Whether your child is adjusting to big changes, struggling with worries, or learning how to express their feelings, I’m here to guide and support them—while making sure you feel supported, too.

Welcoming a child is a beautiful yet transformative journey. If you're preparing for birth, navigating life with a newborn, or trying to manage postpartum emotions, compassionate support can help. Through Support for Mothers and Nurtured Parent coaching, I provide a warm, nonjudgmental space to help you understand your experience, build confidence, and strengthen your bond with your baby. You don’t have to do this alone—support is here for you.

Let’s work together to support your family’s emotional well-being in a way that feels safe, empowering, and attuned to your unique experiences. My goal is to help foster resilience and deepen connection, at a pace that feels right for you. Whenever you feel ready, I’d love to connect—you're welcome to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. I look forward to meeting you or you and your little one in a space of warmth and understanding.

Hi, I’m Lara.

Lara’s Journey: A Path of Healing, Connection, and Empowerment

Inspired by my experiences as a Mother, Early Childhood Educator, and Child and Family Therapist, I founded Nurturing Nature—a holistic program dedicated to supporting children and parents on their emotional and personal journeys. Parenting is full of joys, challenges, and moments of deep transformation, and I believe in the power of a compassionate space where families can explore feelings, build resilience, and deepen their connections.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Transpersonal Art Therapy from Naropa University. As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I integrate earth-based, trauma-informed, and somatic practices with Nurture Neuroscience to support child and parent healing. My professional journey has given me the privilege of working with families in many ways—from providing therapy to mothers recovering from traumatic births and singing to newborns in the NICU, to supporting children in rehabilitation, neuropsychiatric care, and epilepsy support groups. I also collaborate with occupational therapists and medical teams, recognizing the deep connection between mental and physical well-being.

Before becoming an Art Therapist, I worked as a Lead Teacher in a contemplative-based preschool, Snow Lion Preschool and a forest school, Wee Forest Kindergarten, where I saw firsthand the power of art and nature in helping children regulate emotions and connect with others. My passion for supporting parents grew as I helped them discover creative ways to meet their child’s needs. Prior to graduate school, I lived at a yoga retreat center, Shoshoni Yoga Retreat Center, teaching yoga and meditation to children and adults, and exploring the connection between movement, mindfulness, and art. I earned a BFA in Printmaking and a BA in Asian Art History from the University of Colorado, Boulder, where I studied how art-making and yoga intersect as healing practices.

As a mom, I intimately understand the emotional terrain of early parenthood—the self-doubt, the exhaustion, the deep love, and the longing to parent authentically. I am here to walk alongside you, helping you find your own inner wisdom and strength.

Through Nurturing Nature, I strive to offer more than just support—I provide a sanctuary. Whether helping families navigate anxiety, life transitions, or fostering self-awareness, my work is about empowerment—helping parents and children find healing, connection, and joy in their journeys together.

I would love to meet you and explore how I can support you and your family. Let’s take this journey together.

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

  • Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner In- Training - currently in training under Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum and Dr. Rocio Zunini

    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

    Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health (2025) Developing Regulation Through Relationships

    Training in how stress arousal and regulation are related, regulation and how it develops in the infant brain, strategies to support regulation development.

    Postpartum Support International (2025) Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) Training

    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.

    Yoga Alliance (2010)- Registered Yoga Instructor (RYT-200)