Meet Your Guide

Hi there! I'm Dez, nice to meet you!

My interest in Mindfulness began at a young age through practices such as yoga and meditation, but it wasn't until later in life that I truly came to understand the impact that mindfulness could have on the way we move through the world.

In 2023, after a life-changing health experience that almost cost me my life, I realized how short and unpredictable life can be. I immediately knew I wanted to shift my focus to pursuing a career centered around something I have always been passionate about—uplifting others, supporting personal growth, and helping people find meaningful ways to care for themselves.

Mindfulness has become an important part of my own journey. It has taught me when to step back, slow down, and give myself permission to put my own well-being first. It has given me practical tools for navigating anxiety and emotions, becoming more present, and approaching life's challenges with greater awareness. Through Rise Up, I hope to share these natural, positive practices with others and help individuals discover what mindfulness can offer them through their own journey.

My background has always centered around supporting people. I bring more than 15 years of experience working with individuals of all abilities—including students, young adults, adults and neurodivergent individuals - as an educator, holistic life coach, harm reduction specialist, and caregiver. I have continued to expand my knowledge through certifications and training in mindfulness practices, including breathwork, grounding, harm reduction, and holistic life coaching.

Outside of my work with Rise Up, I am a wife and mother, and I understand first-hand how easy it can be to move through life constantly focused on everyone and everything else around us. My own journey with mindfulness has taught me the importance of creating space to pause, reconnect, and care for myself. I believe there is no single way to practice mindfulness and no perfect place to begin. My goal is to meet people where they are, create a welcoming space for growth and reflection, and help guide you into becoming the best you that you can be!

Let's take the first step together!