From Madison to Mexico to Montreal to Mindful Living in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths, and mine has been anything but ordinary. From my roots in Germany; growing up in Madison, Wisconsin; to the fast-paced world of journalism in Mexico City; to the lush landscapes of Costa Rica — my journey has been one of adventure, reinvention, and resilience.

From early on, I was driven by a passion for leadership and community activism — mostly thanks to my mentor Laurene Bach who introduced me to politics — knocking on doors and working for US Senator Russ Feingold. Later I started my career as an elected official, but after losing my Madison City Council seat by a mere eleven votes, the call of adventure took me elsewhere. I hung up my high heels and slapped on some Teva Sandals and began working as an adventure tour leader. This allowed me to immerse myself in different cultures and landscapes. This passion then led me to Mexico City, where I became a newspaper and TV journalist, reporting on everything from political affairs to important international financial developments.

Yet, despite the excitement, I felt the need for a change. Wanting a fresh start, I left behind a marriage engagement and took a job in Montreal with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation. I wasn’t necessarily searching for some deeper calling—just following my instincts, as I always had. Little did I know, this choice would eventually set me on an unexpected path to Costa Rica.

That longing eventually brought me to Costa Rica, a country that stole my heart with its natural beauty and warm, welcoming people. I embraced the expat life, co-owning Desafío Adventure Company, which would grow to become one of the world’s leading adventure outfitters. I felt incredibly blessed to be living in a place that embodied the essence of ‘Pura Vida’—a life of simplicity, gratitude, and connection to nature.

Simultaneously, I had taken on another challenge—becoming a farmer. I wanted to understand firsthand the grueling yet rewarding process of bringing food from farm to table. I immersed myself in the rhythms of the land, learning about sustainability, nutrition, and the true value of hard work. My company Wrapsodia produced dairy products and we delivered fresh artesenal cheese to local supermarkets and our Hunters & Gatherers Restaurant. This experience deepened my appreciation for Costa Rica’s rich agricultural heritage and further shaped my approach to wellness and mindful living.

However, life threw me an unexpected challenge—a difficult, high-conflict divorce process that has forced me to reinvent myself once again. In the midst of personal upheaval, I turned to my lifelong passion for health and wellness. I became a certified yoga instructor, Voces Vitales Mentor and healthy habits coach, channeling my energy into helping others find balance and strength in their own lives.

I also poured my love for travel into Costa Rica Inspirations, a company dedicated to curating meaningful wellness experiences for travelers looking to reconnect with themselves and the world around them and formed an exceptional team to keep things going and constantly innovate.

Now, as I continue to build my businesses and raise my teenage daughter, I find myself in yet another chapter—helping others make Costa Rica their home. Through BuySellCostaRica, I guide like-minded people in finding their own slice of paradise, whether it’s a home in the rainforest, a sustainable farm, or an investment property. I know firsthand the challenges and rewards of relocating to a new country, and I want to make that journey as smooth and fulfilling as possible for others.

My story is one of transformation—of embracing uncertainty, overcoming obstacles, and continually seeking growth. From Madison to Mexico to Montreal to Costa Rica, each chapter has shaped me into the person I am today. And through it all, Costa Rica has remained my sanctuary, a place where I have found healing, purpose, and a true sense of home.

Now, I hope to help others discover the same magic that changed my life to true “Pura Vida!”