About Kira

A Journey of Presence, Healing, and Compassion  

A smiling woman with glasses, short gray hair, wearing a denim jacket, standing outdoors with trees in the background.

Hello, I’m Kira. I work with women in midlife who feel stressed, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves, and who sense there is something deeper calling for their attention. My work is rooted in mindfulness, sound, and the power of loving presence. Since 2008, Insight (Vipassana) meditation has been the steady center of my life, teaching me how to quiet the mind, open the heart, and meet life with greater kindness and clarity.

Like many women I serve, my path has been shaped by loss, responsibility, and deep questioning. I grew up navigating trauma and instability, and at seventeen, homeless and searching for meaning, I had an experience that changed the direction of my life. I heard a quiet but unmistakable inner knowing: “All you need is already within you. Why are you searching outside?” That moment began a lifelong process of turning inward, getting sober, and learning how to trust myself.

Over the years, these practices have carried me through some of the most demanding seasons of life, raising my son with cerebral palsy as a single parent, working with layers of grief and fear, and learning how to stay present when life feels uncertain. Again and again, mindfulness, compassion, and community have reminded me that I am not alone. They continue to be my anchors.

I teach because I’ve seen how these practices transform lives, not by eliminating suffering, but by changing how we relate to it. Midlife often brings a reckoning: a realization that we’ve been caring for everyone else while losing touch with what is sacred within us. Mindfulness helps us pause, listen, and return to ourselves with honesty and care. From that place, we can meet life with courage, clarity, and compassion—and serve the world from fullness rather than depletion.

My Approach & Teaching Philosophy

My teaching is grounded in a simple belief:

 There is no single right way to practice. There are many paths up the mountain.

I meet people where they are. Some begin with breath, some with sound, some with movement, some with community. Sound and rhythm can be powerful entry points into mindfulness—especially for those who struggle to sit still or quiet the mind.

Pragmatic

These teachings only matter if they help you in your daily life. I focus on practices you can actually use — not concepts you’re expected to memorize.

Compassion-centered

Kindness is the foundation. I guide people to meet themselves with gentleness, honesty, and care, especially in moments of difficulty.

Trauma-informed

I offer practices with sensitivity, choice, and spaciousness so each person can stay connected to their own inner wisdom and sense of safety.

Experiential

I don’t ask you to take my word for anything. Try it. See how it feels. See what shifts for you in real time.

Respectful of each person’s path

There is no single right way to practice. I honor the truth that there are many doors into presence, and each person’s journey is unique.

I believe strongly that all of us have an innate wisdom that gets buried under stress, conditioning, and fear. Mindfulness and sound help us reconnect with that inner knowing—gently, honestly, and in our own time.


Close-up of a white flower with dark green leaves in the background, with some small insects on the petals.
Mushrooms growing on a rotting tree stump in a forest.

My Training & Experience

  • 17+ years of Insight (Vipassana) meditation practice

  • Certified Mindfulness Mentor

  • Certified Sound and Vibrational Healing Practitioner

  • Currently completing Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program with Tara Brach & Jack Kornfield

  • Certified Community Drum Circle Facilitator

  • Amherst Writers & Artists facilitator, weaving mindful creativity into my teaching

I bring a beginner’s openness, a grounded presence, and a commitment to kindness to everything I offer.

Work with Me

"All you need is already within you, only you must approach your self with reverence and love."

― Nisargadatta Maharaj

A forest trail with a gravel path surrounded by green trees and foliage.

Some Random Fun Facts about Me

Person holding a large yellow maple leaf in front of their face, standing in a forest with fall foliage.

Cat Lover: I absolutely adore cats! Their playful and serene nature brings immeasurable joy to my life. I believe these furry friends have a special way of making the world brighter and more loving.

Nature Enthusiast: The woods and forests are my sanctuary. Walking among the trees, I find my grounding and connection to the earth. It's in these moments of tranquility that I feel most at home.

Dedicated to Morning Pages: Since 1995, my mornings have been dedicated to writing pages that offer deep introspection. This practice has been a cornerstone of my self-discovery and personal growth journey.

Amherst Writer and Artist Facilitator: I'm trained in the Amherst method, both as a writer and an artist facilitator. This experience enriches my approach to creative expression and teaching.

A gray and white long-haired cat with green eyes lying on a quilted bedspread.

Proud Mom: Motherhood is one of the most rewarding and challenging roles I've ever undertaken. As a mother of a son with Cerebral palsy the journey has been filled with grief, amazing creativity and awe.

Rooted in Metro Detroit: I call the vibrant and diverse Metro Detroit area home, where I'm constantly inspired by the energy and creativity around me.

Former Vegan Cook: One of my favorite job experiences was as a vegan cook. It allowed me to explore the art of healthy and compassionate cooking, creating dishes that nourish both body and soul.

Signature Scent: My daily ritual includes wearing patchouli and sandalwood. These earthy, grounding scents are a reflection of my connection to nature and a reminder of the simple joys in life.