Hi there!
My name is Skukura Woods (pronounced: shoe-coo-ruh), and I am an activist, educator, and artist who finds her work at the intersection of spirituality, identity and psychology. I aim to co-create and hold a brave space that allows you to critically analyze and innerstand your life’s experiences, be supported through your journey of awakening, unlearning and developing, and provide guidance to honor your most authentic Self – confidently and lovingly. I value the principles and ideas of intentional living, self-acceptance/self-love, somatic connections/sacred intimacy, and community care.
Educational and Professional Background
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, but have stationed myself in Pittsburgh (PGH). I first came to Pennsylvania to attain a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing and Intercultural Communication from Juniata College. After spending 3 years working in higher education as a mid-level diversity, equity and inclusion administrator, I decided to take what I learned about my Self from that experience, and further pursue my passions in a more fulfilling way. I chose to start that leg of my journey by receiving a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology degree from Chatham University. I am now in the process of obtaining my LPC (licensed professional counselor) credentials for PA.
Since delving into this career path, I have had the pleasure of therapeutically serving various populations such as elders, young adults, teens and children facing a variety of co-occurring distresses such as or related to: life transitions, depression, anxiety, and grief/loss. Currently, I work full-time as a trauma-informed college coach for a PGH-based non-profit, which specializes in neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, giftedness, etc.) and assists college students and young adults in their quest for successful personal, academic and professional development. For more on my professional background, please feel free to visit my LinkedIn profile.
In addition to my degrees, I am also Green Dot and Safe Zone certified, and a trained intergroup dialogue/relations and Sanctuary Model facilitator, all of which also influence my work. Lastly, I am a registered yoga teacher, having obtained my RYT200 certification through MyVinyasa Practice’s Tantra Yoga Teacher Program, and aim to continue developing my knowledge and skill as a yoga practitioner.
In 2020 – mere weeks before the COVID pandemic began – I founded Intimate Ascension, LLC as a foundational, structured pathway to engage in self-actualization for myself and those who seek my particular assistance. I am humbled by each and every individual and group that I have had the opportunity to serve. Thank you for joining me on this path!
A Note from Skukura:
I, myself, am a multi-faceted being. I strive to be impeccably intentional about fulfilling my purpose, growing and self-actualizing. Life is not always what we’ve made it to be, and it doesn’t have to be harmful. I am healing and on a journey to see, understand and walk in my divinity; in my greatest authenticity. I do not seek or believe in perfection; yet, I have faith in uncovering and expressing the highest version of my Self. I accept, without judgement, my full Self – the past, present and future; the sensual, intellectual, and spiritual; the physical and emotional bodies; my quirks, kinks, and curiosities. I am always also continuing my own journey of unlearning, uncovering, and healing generational trauma so that I may experience the sacredness of joy, passion, restoration, creativity, love, clarity and liberation.