Meet the Facilitators: Jesse Carter (he/him)

Where are you from? Where do you live now?

I'm from Western Massachusetts, currently attending graduate school in Boulder, CO. I'll spend summertime in MA with my partner, and the school year in CO, studying Transpersonal Counseling and exploring the big mountains in all directions. What is your educational background?

I have a BA in Latin American Studies and speak Spanish fluently. I also have a certification in Regenerative Ecological Design and Reiki. I am currently pursuing an MA in Mindfulness-based Transpersonal Counseling.

How did you get to where you are now?

I am always wondering that! After a lot of deep inquiry over the last several years, I decided to leave the construction company that I had been with for 5 years. I was more interested in the inner workings of the soul than the inner workings of a house, and the pathway forward opened up slowly. Part of the journey towards this moment is due to running. I spent a lot of time training for long distance races, and all that time on the trail really exposed some deeper truths for me. I experienced a lot of discomfort and growth throughout. I also feel incredibly grateful for all the people and groups that showed up in my time of need and exploration. Without their support and I wouldn't be here today. How did you become involved with Concussed?

I met Cait in my first semester during our 'Psychology of Meditation' course. We had many deepening experiences under the guidance of our amazing professor. We soon afterwards discovered that we have a lot of shared history, including 2 schools (Berkshire High School and St. Lawrence University), and even a favorite professor who we both adored in high school, Mr Joissaint. I was honored when Cait asked me to co-facilitate an upcoming retreat!

What skills or passions will you bring with you to the Concussed. retreat?

I continue to learn from the natural world and am amazed by all of the mysteries and wisdom that appear in large and small ways. I love adventures, both in the physical world and journeys into the inner world, where we all have a vast store of depth and intelligence. I am passionate about yoga nidra and all the ways in which the body stores information. I believe that yoga nidra can create conditions that allow the nervous system to truly feel safe and at ease, which can provide healing and insights.

I also believe in the restorative power of nature and the ways in which we can come into alignment with our purpose, path, and heart. From my experience, coming into a group setting with a shared intention can be a powerful healing experience on many different levels.

What are you looking forward to most about facilitating a retreat with Concussed.?

I am excited to be in a space dedicated to building community, providing individualized and group support, and creating a space for healing to emerge. I have been developing many new tools this last year that I look forward to sharing, and I am always interested in learning about people and their journeys, as everyone has something valuable to offer.

(I am also excited to explore a part of Maine that I've never been to!)