About Me.
My work has evolved in ways I never would have imagined. For most of my adult life, I worked in Human Services with adults with disabilities. I was married, with three incredible daughters. I was very involved as a volunteer in their schools, as a coach, Girl Scout leader, social causes, and co-creating a family life I was proud of. Then, after more than 20 years, I found myself surviving from a blind-siding, heartbreaking, devastating divorce. I was broken and lost.
I didn't recognize myself. I was a puddle of pain, confusion, and shock. Then, I received a message from my first crush, an old boyfriend from my teenage years. He learned about my pending divorce, offered comfort and strength, and lots of laughs. He showed up in my life again, when I was in this painful darkness and offered a hand so I could pull myself into the light. I was laughing again, every day. I was remembering my own light. He was the friend I had forgotten how to be to myself. After a year of talking, laughing, planning and imagining what could be, we took a leap of faith and he relocated from Florida to Massachusetts. He transferred his job, we were creating a home, going on dates, laughing all the time, enjoying vacations and weekend get-aways. We were figuring it all out as we went along. Then, in the blink of an eye it all changed. He had an accident that left him with a C5 level spinal cord injury and quadriplegia. I was thrust into the role of being a full-time caregiver. I was not qualified or prepared for what we faced. One of the things I learned the hard way, as a full-time SCI family caregiver is that all the self-care tips and "reminders" from healthcare providers, don't magically create time, supplies, and back-up caregivers. I didn't know how to set helpful boundaries when we were first home and adjusting to this new life. I didn't know so much and I suffered. But, I am learning more every day. I am learning how to get meaningful support. I am learning to prioritize my Self. I am remembering that I was Woman, Artist, Gardener, Animal Lover, Writer, Activist, Healer...all before I was the primary Caregiver. I am reclaiming more of my Self each day and I want to connect with and support women just like me to be able to do the same. As full-time caregivers, many of us don't have the same freedom and flexibility that others have. We may need to be more creative and deliberate in how we practice self-care. We may have to remember to take time for ourselves so we can give so much to others. I'm going to share this part of my journey. It isn't going to be easy or pretty but it is necessary. I'm going to create a space for women like me to gather, learn, and build another community. |
CPRP, Advocate, Consultant, Change Maker
I'm a Luminary with a passion for, and dedication to, advocacy and possibility. As a Human Services Professional, collaborating with people with disabilities and health disparities, I have created unique, person-centered program models to maximize outcomes. I am an eclectic leader who can articulate complex topics to a diverse audience and develop creative strategies and partnerships. Successful at building and engaging communities to work toward common goals within the 8 Domains of Wellness. Motivated changemaker with a talent for identifying, reimagining, and designing an organizational approach that meets the needs of stakeholders.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor Of Arts Psychology/Human Services & Rehabilitation
- US Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, CPRP
EXPERIENCE / SKILLS
Luminary • Creative Problem Solver • Systems Thinker • Program Planning & Collaboration •
Community Builder • Empath • Public Speaker • Mediation Project Coordination • Concept Developer • Onboarding•
Research • Microsoft Office & Google Workspace• Writer
Luminary • Creative Problem Solver • Systems Thinker • Program Planning & Collaboration •
Community Builder • Empath • Public Speaker • Mediation Project Coordination • Concept Developer • Onboarding•
Research • Microsoft Office & Google Workspace• Writer