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. That shared, I also 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 am deeply disappointed in both major parties, as they have increasingly fallen short of fostering the peaceful, collaborative world I believe is possible. I value peace above all—working together, avoiding war at all costs, and creating an inclusive, accepting society that honors every human being, animal, and the natural world. While I remain deeply skeptical of the two-party system in the U.S., I hold hope for the meaningful change we can create together for future generations.

The Enneagram has been a lifelong companion on my personal and professional journey. My introduction came through my mother, a teacher at Oscar Ichazo's Arica School in the 1990s. This early exposure instilled in me a deep respect for the Enneagram as both a spiritual and psychological map of human potential.

Over the past 25 years, I’ve studied with Enneagram leaders, earned certifications, and developed my own IEA-accredited modality, Essence Embodiment™. This approach blends the Enneagram’s mystical insights with somatic psychology and neuroscience, offering a powerful pathway for healing, growth, and transformation. My certification program, Essence of Essence™, guides learners to integrate the universal qualities of the types into therapeutic and personal growth.

Early in my journey, I approached the Enneagram with a highly analytical lens, focused on understanding the nuances that differentiate the types. Over time, my perspective shifted to exploring wholeness—recognizing all nine types as facets within each of us. This evolution inspired my focus on helping clients embody essence and explore the many facets of self.

I have presented my model at international Enneagram conferences and am honored to share it at the IEA Global Conference this summer. Whether I’m teaching, writing, or guiding clients, I bring the warmth, curiosity, and grounded presence of a Type 6, creating a safe space for deep exploration and growth.

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.

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker, since 2009

• MSW in Clinical Social Work, Florida State University, 2006

• PhD-Level Studies in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Institute for Clinical Social Work, 2009–2010

• EMDR Basic Training, Parts 1 & 2 (50 hours), VA Medical Center, 2008

• Certification in Enneagram Embodiment, 3-Year Advanced Training, 2012–2014

• Accredited Enneagram Professional, International Enneagram Association, since 2021

• Founder, Enneagram of Essence®, 2020–Present

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

• Level 3 Certification in Somatic & Internal Family Systems (IFS) Parts Work, with Fran Booth, 2024

• Somatic Experiencing, Advanced Trainings and Workshops with Dr. Peter Levine and SEP-certified faculty, ongoing since 2015

• Neuroscience and Mindfulness Workshop with Dr. Dan Siegel, Enneagram Global Summit, 2022

• Jungian and Post-Jungian Clinical Concepts, Certificate Program (12-month), Centre for Applied Jungian Studies, 2020

• Hypnosis and Guided Imagery: Life Between Lives® Training, Level 1 (40 hours), Michael Newton Institute, 2015

• Energies for Transformation, Training (30-hour) in the Integration of Spirituality and Embodiment with Sally Kempton, 2014