Theresa Cretella, also known as Tree, grew up in Connecticut in a large, Catholic/Italian family. In 1981 she graduated from Boston College with a BA in Secondary Education and Spanish. She taught junior high school Spanish for several years, and since then, has continued to serve the world in many ways.
In 1990, Tree studied Muscular Therapy in Cambridge, MA. with Ben Benjamin at the Muscular Therapy Institute. As well as providing an excellent foundation in massage therapy, this program involved comprehensive training in working with clients emotionally, and physically, around past injuries and abuse. After graduating she worked as a massage therapist for Chiropractors, where she also promoted and organized workshops. Tree then went on to run a successful massage practice in Boston for thirteen years.
Since 1993 she has been involved in the Human Awareness Institute, where she has volunteered as an intern and co-lead mini workshops on love and intimacy.
In 1998 Tree was transplanted to Northern California where she continued to work as a CMT in Chiropractic offices and in private practice.
In 2010 Tree teamed up with Michele Fabrega and they designed a four week class for men in Silicon Valley, entitled “Debugging your dating life”, which focused on social skills and dating.
As part of developing a deeper skill-set for working closely with people, Tree participated in trainings with Susan Campbell, Ph.D, on leading Honesty Salons and game nights based on Susan’s work with Radical Intimacy.
In 2012 Tree created and led her first “Heart Centered Speed Dating Workshop” in Scotts Valley. Since then she has led many successful Single’s events and monthly Getting Real Gatherings in Santa Cruz and the greater Bay Area. In these workshops Tree creates a safe place for the participants to share authentically and the end result is a magical evening filled with connection, awareness and growth.
In January of 2013 Tree was on a Santa Cruz Community TV show called “Let’s Date”, where she participated in a panel talking about dating. Watch the episode: Let’s Date – 1/23/2013 on this page.
In 2014 Tree studied with Kadidja Yansane in a 6 month coaching program. Since then she has primarily focused on being a Dating Coach, helping singles ages 40’s to 60’s find love. As part of this practice, she leads monthly South Bay Singles Soirees in Sunnyvale as well as Snuggle Parties.
Tree has experienced many facets of relationship, including being single, dating, and just recently transitioning out of a love relationship of 15 years. She and her former partner are still close friends and support each other in their individual paths. She is now enjoying the world of dating again and living in Santa Cruz. Through all of these experiences she has gained a deep wisdom into the dynamics of personal relationship, and looks forward to sharing her knowledge with others.
