Pauline is a native of the Netherlands where she completed her initial physical therapy education. After practicing for 6 years in orthopedic and sports physical therapy, she decided to give in to her longing for adventure and moved to the United States. Loving the freedom, space, and many opportunities, what was meant to be a year turned into many more.

Although always interested in mind-body medicine she didn’t get serious about her mindfulness and meditation practice until a diagnosis of breast cancer rocked her world when she was in her mid-thirties, and the mother of 2 young children. She embarked on a holistic self-healing journey and decided to integrate what she learned in the treatment of her patients and eventually teach her approach to other healthcare providers.

Pauline works as an integrative physical therapist, specializing in pelvic health, at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. As faculty member at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine she is director of the Health Coaching course and teaches Introduction to Lifestyle Medicine. Additionally, she is the creator and instructor of a successful meditation program for Mayo Clinic employees and patients. Pauline is a frequent presenter for local, regional, and national medical conferences on topics related to mindfulness, women’s health, and integrative medicine. She presented twice at CSM, both on the therapeutic use of yoga for chronic pain as well as the use of mindfulness and meditation in rehabilitation. She is the owner of Phoenix Yoga and Meditation, www.phoenixyogaandmeditation.com

Pauline’s courses receive positive feedback as information is evidence-based, and the practices are immediately applicable for course participants. Because she continues to work in a busy physical therapy practice, she easily relates to challenges the participants may experience and offers first-hand real-life strategies not only for patient care, but also for clinician self-care and stress management. Pauline lives what she preaches and continues to study with advanced yoga and mindfulness instructors, and takes time out during annual silent retreats.