I grew up on a houseboat in the center of Amsterdam, near the Red Light District. Back then, in the 70s and 80s, it was a rough neighborhood. My parents owned a cafeteria, and as a young girl, I had to help out. We had all sorts of customers: I remember the local birds of paradise, junkies, sex workers, office personnel, and tourists from all over the world.
My childhood was far from pleasant, with a father who didn't shy away from physical violence. At 19, I managed to get away, but it wasn't without consequences: my father stalked and threatened me for years, resulting in police protection on my 25th birthday. One thought kept me going.
The aforementioned experiences — crazy, funny, and scary - shaped me and my life. Looking back, I know these experiences also laid the foundation for my work as a spiritual advisor and tutor.
Experience
I have almost 40 years of working experience in commercial organizations, including over a decade as a legal counsel.
I hold a master's degree in law, with minors in extended criminology, forensic psychiatry, and juvenile law. Human behavior has always fascinated me, which is why I chose those minors, as well as an introduction to psychology.
In September 2024 I started the bachelor’s in Criminology at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam —something I've wanted for a very long time.
In 2006, after the suicide of my partner, I felt the need to focus much more on personal and spiritual development and awareness, helping others in (re)discovering and unfolding their potential and power, and learning to trust their innate intuitive abilities. During this time, I had some incredible and amazing experiences, and while investigating these phenomena, I discovered the Arthur Findlay College in Stansted (UK), where I've attended many courses.
Since 2010, I have also been working as a spiritualist medium, and in 2014, I attained the platform accreditation of the Spiritualists' National Union (UK) for demonstrating mediumship.
My awareness and intuition are the most important things in my life.
No one knows me and my inner self better than I do. And yes: at times I made some decisions contrary to what I already knew and felt, which left me saying: "I knew it!"
I did know, but I didn't act on it, because I was distracted for some reason.
Because that's what happens: we get distracted, attracted or seduced by people or circumstances, whilst deep down we know what's good for us and what isn't.
But hey: we're human!
Life is not about lessons
Life is a chain of all sorts of experiences and, in my opinion, way too short not to enjoy and explore it. There is so much to learn, to see, to hear, and to sense, both near and far.
I have traveled to several countries, with the most memorable being India and Suriname (back to my roots).
I worked as a certified aerobics instructor and taught at the House of Detention in Amsterdam, among other places. I can't imagine a life without sports, preferably outdoors: I love to run, swim or surf (in Portugal). Nature is such a force of healing and inspiration!
I volunteered for 113online, a Dutch suicide prevention organization, and I am still volunteering for JINC, coaching groups of high school students at various school projects in Amsterdam. I especially love working with younger people.
And I'm sure there will be more to come, being with my love in Curaçao, spending time with my loved ones here, and doing things I enjoy!
