Hi, I'm Olivia
founder of Cura Collective,
a somatic coach, fourth generation farmer, permaculture designer, artist, and mother.
Cura is a collection of healing modalities, expressive arts, and practices that myself and other practitioners in the collective have found to be transformative in our lives. For me, this was developing a relationship and responsibility to care for the natural world, experiencing and co-creating community belonging, somatic approaches to integrating and healing trauma, travel and cultural immersion, and the expressive arts. I believe there is an element of support to be found here for everyone at any point along their journey.
As Cura sets sail, I'll be wearing many hats to support its growth, everything from partnering with a growing Collective of teachers, healers, artists, and activists to develop diverse programs; connecting with each of you to learn how this community can be inclusive and supportive; behind the scenes administrative work; teaching community classes; co-facilitating retreat programming; and a role I'm perhaps most excited and inspired to be engaging is working with folks seeking somatic coaching support in 1:1 and group settings. You can learn more about beginning a somatic coaching relationship here. My coaching and teaching is rooted in extensive experience in trauma-sensitive care, group facilitation, regenerative design, and somatic practice.
For the past decade I have tended a growing community, permaculture-oriented farm in the rolling hills of Appalachia that I co-founded with my partner Erik. In many ways, Fern Hollow Farm, is a land-based expression of the values of Cura. We grow in harmony and relationship with the land, teach permaculture design classes, host farm and nature immersion experiences, care farming social programs, community festivals and concerts, and a farm-to-table food truck that curates intimate, slow-food, and communal dining experiences. My most cherished role of all is nurturing my wild and wonderful toddler here at home on our farm.
Experiences, Education, and Trainings
It is an important part of my personal and professional life to engage in ongoing continuing education though readings, trainings, workshops, and mentorship. My qualifications include:
-
B.S. in Environment, Economics, Development & Sustainability from Ohio State University.
-
Permaculture Design Certificate Course
-
Permaculture Design Teacher Training
-
200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher Training
-
Master of Social Work from Ohio State University
-
Level 1 & 2 Certifications in Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing from The Institute for Creative Mindfulness
-
Former Psychotherapist specializing in trauma, somatic processing, nature-based therapy, and group facilitation
-
Director of social care-farming programs and nature-based experiences at Fern Hollow Farm
I made the decision to end practicing psychotherapy and my licensure in late 2022. I have great respect for the therapy profession, scope of practice, and the therapeutic relationship, which differs from that of a coaching relationship. In other words, coaching isn't therapy. I do not diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe treatment, bill insurance, or work within a medical model of care.
Though I have found a coaching relationship and scope to be a better fit for my personal practice, I am grateful for my educational background and proud of the therapeutic work I was able to take part in over the years. Over thousands of sessions, what stands out to me the most is the pure awe at the resilience of the human spirit and innate healing wisdom of our bodies, and this trust and knowledge I always carry with me.
