ABOUT ME
get to know me
Hello! My name is Sam, and I am the woman behind Wild River. I am a healer, trauma-informed somatic coach, and human design reader. My mission is to help men and woman deeply connect with their hearts, bodies, and Earth to live intentionally, authentically, intuitively, and confidently. I want to help you move your life forward, and to do so in deep relationship with your emotions, your body, your innate wisdom, and your values.
My interest in this work came after my own spiritual awakening in 2018. I suddenly realized the critical importance of making space for my own emotions and processing significant life experiences, and quickly learned the power and effectiveness available in mystical modalities.
I am passionate about emotional and spiritual health. I believe that when you can effectively sense and articulate your emotions, you gain access to a wealth of information. You become more confident, directed, and vibrant. Life becomes more fulfilling.
However, emotional awareness is a skill that most people were not taught. In fact, many people were taught to ignore and distrust their emotions. The body is often communicating to you - through your physical senses, your intuition, and your emotions. But that information gets lost.
My work is aimed at helping you reconnect with your emotional and energetic self. And once you do that, I help you move forward in your life to live in way that feels on purpose, satisfying, and empowering.
my background
I grew up in Tempe, Arizona and have spent my adult years in North Carolina, New Orleans, New York City, Vermont, and now Austin, Texas, where I currently live. Before Wild River and this career in the healing arts, I was a full time lawyer.
I graduated from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill with a degree in environmental studies and a minor in marine science. In 2017, I graduated from Tulane Law School, magna cum laude, as a member of the Tulane Law Review. Following graduation, I clerked for a federal judge and then practiced at Davis Polk & Wardwell as a litigator in New York City. After Davis Polk, I practiced environmental law part time for over three years, splitting my time with Wild River. Practicing law was a deeply beneficial and formative experience for me. I still enjoy using those skills. I am licensed to practice law in New York and California.
Outside of Wild River, I love to see live music, hike, travel, spend time with community, and cook. I believe life is about having fun, experiencing, and connecting. I try to live as fully as possible.
Check out my podcast Wild River for my stories on my spiritual awakening and leaving my full-time law practice!
my studies
I have developed my expertise by studying many different modalities, with several different teachers, organizations, and practitioners, as well as through extensive self-study. Though unconventional, I have found that this path has provided a holistic education and allowed me to explore many different perspectives and tools.
Key certifications, trainings, and mentorships are provided here. This is a non-exhaustive list.
Mind-Body Coaching Certification through The Embody Lab
Integrative Somatic Traumatic Therapy Certification through The Embody Lab
Coaching Fundamentals Training through the Co-Active Training Institute
Reiki Level One attuned with Danielle Dillard (Living Nectar)
Mediumship Mentorship with Emily the Medium
Akashic Records Mentorship with Danielle Dillard (Living Nectar)
Human Design Level 1 & 2 with My Human Design (as well as extensive self-study via Jovian Archives and Human Design America)
The Four Transformations (Human Design Variables) with Allyson Forseth