I'm a fierce advocate for social justice in the world, and the empowerment of women and girls. My deepest desire has always been to make the world a better, fairer, more beautiful and just place. 

​

In the last 25 years, I've walked many paths, including elementary education, instructional design and development, technical training, economic development through promoting tech and life science entrepreneurship, Lean/Six Sigma work in the healthcare setting, analytics and clinical social work and administration.  I found my fire in helping survivors of domestic violence directly for over a decade, and indirectly for almost two. I worked tirelessly as an advocate, therapist, trainer and later the Clinical Director for Rose Brooks Center, a local domestic violence agency serving the Kansas City Metro area.

 

Life gives us curve balls. In 2008-09, I experienced two "big T" traumas that changed my life. Healing from those traumas back-to-back became a second job, until the third hit, and I knew that change was imminent or my health would surely fail. I made the tough decision to pull back and take a break from the field. I spent some time in the Healthcare IT world, consulting and training with hospital systems and currently continue to serve the community in a training and consulting capacity as time allows.

 

My passion is helping others understand trauma and trauma-informed care, as well as helping advocates and the larger community understand how to better help survivors of domestic violence and break the cycle. I believe in a world where all people are free from the invisible chains that keep us down, quiet, silent or defeated. I believe in a world where all voices are elevated, celebrated and heard. I believe there is power in the collective voice, and that we must not deny our collective histories.​

​

I have a supportive husband and two beautiful, perfectly imperfect children who help me find balance, purpose and calm in the chaotic and often painful world in which we live. They keep me going when I lose my way.  As a perfectionist and highly sensitive human raising two sensitive kids, managing mental health and health is a daily opportunity in my household! I hope to use my experiences, knowledge and passion to create the conditions where others can become empowered, in the way they define it. Whether you find yourself in an abusive or controlling relationship, you are dedicated to helping trauma survivors heal, you support the weary and fierce helpers, or need to heal from the trauma in your own life, exposure to trauma can be extremely isolating. My mentor and dear friend once told me, "Trauma is like a club, that you don't really want to belong to, and nobody else gets." In a world where understanding and empathy can feel scarce, there are lots of people in this world who "get it", heal and find joy, hope and a sense of safety again. ​ I hope to use my experiences, knowledge and passion to break that isolation and help others thrive.

​

The helpers who ignited a healing flame in my own life are those courageous and unapologetic souls who show up with authenticity and vulnerability--People who tell the truth without judgment or blame, and remind us all that to be human is to err, fail, fall down, feel shame, sadness, anxiety and fear at times, even as we may feel joy, peace, calm and blessed at times. These helpers heal by seeing the humanity and beauty in others and break the isolation by normalizing their struggle to exist in this polarizing and scary world, where anger and fear can override safety, hope and beauty. They help us tap into our voices, compassion for ourselves and empathy for others, both alike and different from us. I strive to be one of these helpers.  I hope for you, an increased sense of worth, healing, hope and the best version of yourself possible. Much care in your journey. 

​