Valarie was a beloved member of our New Mexico sandplay family, serving on the board of the New Mexico Sandplay Society, sharing her humor, wisdom, insight and clear vision. She participated in and presented at sand dialogues, most notably a sand dialogue on the honeybee, during which she shared the transformative attributes of the honeybee which invite order and self-regulation into states of chaos and overwhelm. These are attributes which she herself exhibited, both professionally and personally. Her compassion and concern for others led to their healing their wounds, nourishing their spirits, and re-vitalizing their lives.

Valarie trained in Kalffian sandplay which she used for over two decades in different states, most recently in New Mexico, where she was in private practice in Los Alamos. Approximately half of her clients were active in sandplay. Along with her deep knowledge and understanding of sandplay, Valarie’s infectious smile and sunny disposition enhanced the lives of those whom she touched.