I provide clinical psychotherapy rooted in ecotherapy, sometimes known as nature connection. Whether in socially-distanced outdoor sessions or in telehealth sessions, my style is active and experiential. I am fascinated by the spiritual perspective of each client and call that forward in the healing process, including helping clients find meaningful ways to mark the end of one chapter and beginning of a new. My orientation is feminist, anti-racist, client-centered, and integrative, and is focused on helping each client empower themselves to reclaim their lives. I work best with clients who are ready to both face the challenges and also honor the blessings of their life experiences and use those to catalyze their envisioned future. As a certified permaculturist and naturalist, I specialize in therapeutic garden design that promotes calm, optimism, and engaged interaction with the natural environment. Private homes, schools, residential programs, non-profits, and businesses all benefit from the increased sense of well-being that therapeutic gardens provide. I partner with a fellow PDC and licensed contractor for installation and maintenance. Accepting inquiries for projects in 2024.IG: @santa_barbara_ecotherapyFB: Santa Barbara Ecotherapyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sierra-boatwright-santa-barbara-ca/745506

Providing counseling services for all ages on a sliding fee scale basis, previously as provider for the Holman Group. Caseload included clients from ages 6-81; anxiety and stress management; co-occurring disorders; those in recovery; major transitions, including pregnancy, school/career changes, issues of aging, and gender dysphoria; personal empowerment and improvement in relationships; mood disorders; delusional disorders; and crisis management. As ecotherapist, Sierra is launching an ecotherapy extension to the services provided through CADA. bringing clinical interventions together with nature connection to improve mental health and substance use recovery outcomes. Responsibilities include: designing and installing a therapy garden at CADA's Adult Residential Treatment Services facility; modeling and instructing counseling staff in ecotherapy practices; and designing/facilitating a two-hour weekly group for residents utilizing the outdoor treatment space. As START Therapist from February 2018-June 2019, provided counseling services to middle and high school students in the Carpinteria Unified School District; maintained client progress notes, assessments, and treatment plans in Clinician's Gateway; connected with primary supports such as parents, academic counselors, and other service providers; maintained informal contact notes on Vertical Change. Caseload included adjustment disorders; ADHD symptom management; mood disorders; PTSD and trauma; co-occurring disorders; anticipatory bereavement; anger management; and targeted case management.

Provided services that foster environmental appreciation, self-awareness, and compassionate communication. Offered guided hikes, council circles, workshops, and retreats for children, teens, and adults, integrating my skills as a naturalist and volunteer ranger, council facilitator, and personal empowerment mentor. Collaborated with other outdoor educators to provide skills-based programming in the Santa Barbara area. From 2015- 2020, I co-facilitated Backpacking Made Easy, with James Wapotich. This 3-module class took participants out on the land to gain skills in navigation and orienteering, plant identification and basic geology, trail narrative, gear prep, and the importance of deep awareness that nature connection provides for both safety and a more satisfying experience. The optional participant-designed backpacking trip after the course solidified these skills, and gave participants a chance to practice them with the safety of their experienced course leaders, supporting participants' confidence in beginning their own backpacking journey.

Senior Services Program Assistant: Support management in the overall functioning of department, meetings, and staff trainings; coordinate logistics and staffing of outreach events; compile data reports; triage program-specific intake for clinician assignment.Caregiver Mental Health Clinician and Support Group Facilitator: Provide one-on-one counseling to caregivers of those over the age of 60; facilitate weekly support group for said caregivers; attend clinical supervision and present cases; enter progress notes in Vertical Change electronic health record.Clinic Intake (English): Receive and process English-speaking client intakes for six departmental programs across both north and south Santa Barbara County; enter client information in Vertical Change.Coordinator for third-party billing providers: Train incoming providers in the use of Practice Fusion electronic health records; train providers in the basic processes of ICD10 and CTP codes for billing; facilitate communication and correspondence between providers, referring insurance agencies, and outsourced billing management company to ensure delivery of services according to timeline; enter third-party clients into Vertical Change.

Provided logistical and administrative support to all aspects of programming, including:--planning, registration of, and hosting events--client/participant communications and correspondence--technical support in office, including back office management via Zoho, Google Drive, Constant Contact, and QuickBooks--marketing support: designing flyers/handouts; composing and distributing press releases; calendaring events on community newsboards (online and around town)--technical support at events, including presentation set up and facilitation (Power Point and Vimeo)--participation in team meetings to evaluate event delivery and efficacy--participation in development of program materials and concepts

Provided intelligent and professional front office support for team of over 30 full-time employees by interfacing directly with staff, trustees, high-level members and donors, VIP guests, and critical hospitality service providers. Managed back gate security for our valuable plant collections, main office facilities, and curated art gallery; participated in MERRAG monthly radio call-outs and drills; facilitated private self-guided tours; handled all reception, including multi-line phone system; supported multi-departmental bookkeeping by inputting monies received through the onsite Garden Shop and front office; processed incoming and outgoing mail/shipping; assisted Human Resources as needed; and provided editing and proofreading for the Director of Communications and Marketing.

Assist with executive projects as neededReception: Represent executive's interest's via telephone, email, and written correspondence; interface with vendors, advertising/service providersDocument management: Draft and send approved correspondence; update, print, and assemble menu books and street menu displays; staff meeting agendas and minutesHuman resources assistant: Receive and sort job applications; screen applicants; create employee files; create and maintain employee procedures and protocols training manuals; train incoming staff of basic company policies and opening procedures; evaluate new employees and their progress and report to executives; run payroll; draft and post executive memos to staffMarketing and advertising: Conceptualize, design, and build advertisements for print and web use; design large banners and car magnets and outsource for production; assist in video production staging; oversee front of house opening procedures to ensure readiness each day

I provided personal assistance to clinic director, collaborating on projects from marketing to new program launches. This included document services; composition; editing; graphic design; and business building through social media. As the front office face of the clinic, I extended warm and compassionate reception and post-treatment wrap-up, including accounts receivable. I assisted with the sale of clinic products (supplements and skin care), and supported in the upsale of future treatment plans and options. In the role of office manager, I scheduled patients and office-share clinicians; updated and maintained confidential medical files; facilitated office and treatment room organization; maintained office equipment; and handled invoicing and receiving through QuickBooks.

Taught grades K-8 for private home-based school. Researched, developed, and implemented all curricula. Subjects included English reading and handwriting; Greek reading, writing, and speaking; math; music; dance and physical education; sciences (especially through the outdoor classroom); social studies; religious education; art; chess. Used Montessori-based principles and materials whenever possible. Integrated Forest School-based principles into most subjects. Maintained state-mandated records and filed affidavit each year, until our participation in local charter school, Home-Based Partnership (HBP). Joined HBP for additional educational support for students, including specialized classes in arts and sciences. Developed relationships with this extended community of students and teachers to foster collaborations. Served as teacher's assistant for many of those classes and events.

In my role as the first Orthodox formation leader of the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, I enjoyed sharing my experiences and the history of the work as it has developed in the Orthodox tradition through conference presentations and speaking engagements. I offered presentations specifically on the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd; its use within Orthodoxy; and its place within the history of Orthodox religious education efforts in North America.Additionally, I enjoyed presenting on the theme of child spirituality, and engaging a dialogue with communities on how to support children as spiritual people. This topic includes reflections on the process of adult preparation for service in the field of children's spiritual formation.Engagements included:2011: Parish Life Conference, Antiochian Diocese of Los Angeles and the West2011: Interview on "Come Receive the Light," Orthodox Christian Network 2011: Illumination Learning's Orthodox Christian Online Education Conference2010: Weaving Our Gifts, Conference of Catechists2010: St. Emmelia Homeschooling Conference, Antiochian Village2009: Guest Speaker, St. Barbara Orthodox Monastery

I worked with Orthodox children in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 2003-2012 and am currently on sabbatical in this field. Working directly with children was invaluable in discerning appropriate adaptations for the Orthodox tradition. From 2005 to 2012, I coordinated the implementation of CGS at St. Athanasius Orthodox Church, as requested by Fr. Nicholas Speier and Director for Religious Education, Joanne Gish. Our program operates under the omophorion of His Eminence, Metropolitan JOSEPH.A recognized Formation Leader of adults since 2009, I led catechist formation courses across the country; provided retreats for adults interested in CGS; and served as a consultant to Orthodox catechists in the US and abroad.I am a founding member (2010) of the Orthodox Adaptations Committee of the National Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a body which seeks to bring unity to the efforts in Orthodox adaptations.

Develop and implement an Orthodox-adapted Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program for the parish Research, develop, and build Orthodox catechesis materials Serve as catechist of children ages 3-12 Lead pivotal five-week series and two-day sacramental retreat for children ages 7-11Coordinate the training and assignment of catechists Review yearly catechetical schedules designed by colleaguesProvide informal trainings for assistants Coordinate volunteersOrchestrate parish education and outreachCreate and edit departmental newsletter and any related publications

Editor and principle writer for The Sheepfold, the premiere resource for information on an Orthodox experience of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)Works have been published in Praxis Magazine of the Greek Archdiocese; The Handmaiden of Conciliar Press; and The Sounding, blog of the Orthodox Christian Network.Available for writing assignments on the Catechesis in general; Orthodox adaptations; CGS implementation processes; child spiritual development; and adult preparationOpen to other writing/editing opportunities by request

Launched new business promoting designer women's clothing Sold an average of $23,000/seasonDeveloped and maintained trusting relationships with customers and hostesses resulting in repeat business for three consecutive seasonsDelivered compelling presentations and customer service which generated increased business Collaborated with clients to provide solutions for cost-effective wardrobe investment based on lifestyle, body type, and personal style expressionDeveloped marketing materials and strategies to build business in new areas

Assisted Joel Orr and Pete Shennum for 5th and 6th grade classes. Led reading groups; administered tests; graded papers; developed relationships with students and parents; supervised outdoor study and play; attended and contributed to monthly staff meetings; taught choreography to for end of year performance; assisted in 6th grade musical production