Meet Sue
Medical Anthropologist, Integrative Health Coach, Mindfulness Instructor, Nature as Medicine Practitioner & Forest Therapy Guide
Sue translates her 20 years of study and practice and 12 years of teaching mindfulness into Meeting the Moment with Kindness, a practical book for students of all ages and life situations. She urges us to tend our inner landscape – our bodies, hearts and minds – with curiosity and compassion as we navigate the many challenges of today’s world.
Sue is a medical anthropologist with a deep passion for understanding how diverse cultures pursue health and healing, both individually and collectively. She has worked in university settings for over 20 years as an educator and community health practitioner, most currently as an Extension Professor and State Health Specialist with Colorado State University.
Sue is also a Duke-certified Integrative Health Coach and Certified Mindfulness Instructor who has taught thousands of students how to access and cultivate the inner tools of mindfulness and compassion. She has received in-depth training in trauma healing, compassion cultivation and Internal Family Systems Coaching with the IFS Institue. Guided by the belief that nature can be a powerful partner in health and healing, Sue also brings her training as a Nature as Medicine Practitioner and a Forest Therapy Guide into her work with individuals and communities.
Sue has a private coaching practice in Fort Collins, CO where she works with individuals seeking mindful change and mentors students training for coaching careers.
Certifications
Nature as Medicine Practitioner, Nature & Systems Institute, 2026
Forest Therapy Guide, Association for Nature & Forest Therapy, 2026
Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, MMTCP Program UC Berkeley, 2021
Integrative Health Coach, Duke Integrative Medicine, 2013
Degrees
Ph.D., Medical Anthropology, Michigan State University, 2006
M.A., Medical Anthropology, Michigan State University, 2004
B.A., Philosophy, Emory University, 1994
Mindfulness Coaching, Training and Mentoring
“Stillness, insight, and wisdom arise only when we can settle into being complete in this moment, without having to seek or hold on to or reject anything”
– Jon Kabat-Zinn
We all want to be present for our lives and others. Yet, presence can seem illusive in light of the stress and busyness in our lives. Mindfulness can help us bring awareness to the busy mind, worried heart and nervous body. We learn to be present with and attuned to whatever is happening and we cultivate the qualities of acceptance and compassion. Through our practice, we can remember our inherent goodness and gain access to the wisdom and courage needed to care for ourselves and for the world.
Sue offers private coaching, mentoring and group classes, both online and in-person.