Atkins left Locus and returned to college in 1986, completing Bachelor of Arts (double major) in Professional Writing and Anthropology from the University of California, Santa Cruz (1989), while also working part-time as both a writing instructor at UCSC and a journalist with several local publications, including popular weekly newspaper, The Sun.

Atkins and her mother were part of a movement to raise awareness of body image issues such as appearance discrimination and eating disorders.

While recovering from the injury, Atkins spent several years as owner of an on-line used and rare book store before returning to writing.

Atkins' injury developed into a chronic pain disorder (fibromyalgia) which prohibited a return to anthropology or journalism.

She was a leader of Pagan organizations in both Santa Cruz and Iowa City, teaching introductory classes, leading public rituals and events.