She gave her first workshop on the 5 Elements in Honolulu, Hawaii, at the request of Tibetan teacher, H. E. Tai Situpa in the summer of 1983. This began her journey of utilizing photographs for her personal healing, which later, along with degrees in Oriental Medicine, became a tool for her healing practice. She assists others as they explore inner states of awareness through interacting with nature via contemplative photography. Monique practices out of Santa Barbara, CA.