Get to Know Me.

Hi, I’m Tammy. I’m a 44-year-old woman, an Enneagram Type 6 (one-to-one subtype), and an INFJ—though I believe we all carry the full spectrum of archetypes within us. I’m a mother to two quirky homeschooled kids, ages 9 and 11, and we live on a small homestead in East Asheville.

Married for 18 years, I understand the beauty and complexity of relationships—the effort they require, the growth they inspire, and the alignment that sustains them. *While I’ve chosen the path of a long-term monogamous partnership, I respect that every journey is unique and support all forms of partnership, including those navigating divorce, open relationships, or other nontraditional paths.

I’m actively navigating the pivotal threshold of perimenopause — an intense journey deepening my commitment to staying informed, curious, and empowered through life’s changes.

Professionally, I bring 20 years of experience, supported by a master’s degree in clinical social work, doctoral studies in psychodynamic psychotherapy, and advanced clinical certifications. My integrative approach weaves archetypal frameworks like the Enneagram, Internal Family Systems, and Jungian Psychology with somatic therapies that honor the body’s innate wisdom.

Spiritually, I was raised in agnostic homes—my mother was culturally Jewish and leaned toward New Age spirituality, while my father grew up Southern Methodist. I experienced a deeply spiritual phase in my 20s, immersing myself in non-duality and "awakening" sub-culture. While this was profoundly transformative, it also revealed the shadow side of spiritual identity and ego. Now, I’m devoted to making the profound aspects of mystical models, like the Enneagram, accessible, grounded, and free from jargon or exclusivity.

Originally from Florida, I’ve called Asheville home for over a decade. The experience of Hurricane Helene is shaping my resilience and commitment to healing, both physically and emotionally. Outside of work, I find joy in creative pursuits, from designing interior spaces and digital projects to developing holistic frameworks.

Politically, I feel disillusioned by the current climate yet I remain hopeful and curious, finding ways to contribute meaningfully wherever I can.

I began my career with a decade of service at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), working across diverse settings to support veterans, their families, and caregivers. My roles ranged from frontline social work with at-risk and unhoused veterans in downtown San Francisco to developing innovative, grant-funded programs focused on mental health, substance use recovery, and providing comprehensive palliative and end-of-life care.

I’ve provided psychotherapy for 20 years, blending depth psychology with holistic, integrative practices that honor the mind, body, and spirit. My approach is grounded in a Master of Social Work (MSW), doctoral-level education in psychodynamic psychotherapy, and numerous advanced clinical certifications.

As an internationally recognized Enneagram teacher, speaker, and author, I weave this powerful system into my work, helping clients explore the facets of self with clarity and compassion. My work blends archetypal frameworks like the Enneagram, Internal Family Systems IFS, Jungian Archetypes with somatic approaches that reconnect clients with their body’s innate wisdom.

The Enneagram has been a lifelong journey, thanks to my mother who was a teacher at Oscar Ichazo's Arica School in the 1990s. Over the past 25 years, I’ve studied with Enneagram leaders and developed my own unique model, "Essence Embodiment," blending the Enneagram’s mystical insights with modern somatic psychology and neuroscience. Certified as an Enneagram teacher, I’m dedicated to sharing this knowledge in accessible, meaningful ways.

I am an experienced presenter at international conferences and a respected teacher in the Enneagram community. As a Type 6 with an intimate subtype, I bring a natural ability to create a warm, curious, and supportive space for deep exploration and growth.

Credentials:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker, 2009-Present

• Founder and Core Faculty, Enneagram of Essence, 2020-present

• Co-Founder and Core Faculty, Enneagram School of Awakening, 2013-2023

• Accredited Enneagram Professional, International Enneagram Association, 2021

• Certification, The Enneagram Embodiment Tradition, 2012-2013

• PhD Studies, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, ICSW, 2009-2010

• Masters Social Work, Florida State University, 2006

Trainings:

• Enneagram: 3-Year Certification with the Enneagram Embodiment Tradition

• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: PhD Studies at the Institute for Clinical Social Work

• Masters in Clinical Social Work at Florida State University

• Somatics and Internal Family Systems: Level 3 Certification with Fran Booth in Integrative Somatic Parts Work

• Somatic Experiencing®: Workshops and advanced trainings with Peter Levine through The Embody Lab

• Neuroscience and Mindfulness: Workshops with Dan Siegel at the IEA Global Conference and the Global Summit

• Energies for Transformation: Training with Sally Kempton, on the integration of spirituality and embodiment practices

• Hypnosis and Guided Imagery: Training with the Michael Newton Institute

• Jungian and Post-Jungian Clinical Concepts: Certificate with the Centre for Applied Jungian Studies