As a child growing up on welfare in a home challenged by alcoholism, divorce, prescription drug abuse, mental instability, and physical disability, I always dreamed of getting my PhD in Psychology and inspiring others to overcome the wounds of their childhoods. It didn’t happen quite as I dreamed!

I was only 19 and about one third of the way towards my undergraduate degree when I was derailed by love, got married and quit school to raise our family. I spent the next 20 years trying to be the perfect wife and mother. From the outside it looked like I had it all, but on the inside, I felt empty and unfulfilled. I tried to relieve the emptiness by volunteering in many capacities, taking a multitude of adult education courses and devoting all my energy to my family and friends. Ironically, the more I gave of myself to my friends and family, the more my relationships suffered. I read piles of self help psychology books and watched Oprah faithfully. That didn’t work either!

In spite of my best efforts, one of my daughters left her “perfect” home at 15, my marriage was in extreme jeopardy, I struggled with my friendships and my physical health began to deteriorate. I found myself calling a therapist rather than being the therapist!

It was only then that my life began to turn around. I began to honor my own feelings and listen to my heart. I took a good hard look at who I was and who I really wanted to be! I started nourishing my own spirit. Ironically, the more I focused on healing myself, the more my family benefited. My daughters are now thriving beautifully, my marriage is more loving and supportive than it has ever been, and my health issues are a distant memory!

I even resurrected my dreams!

• I have gone back to university to finish what I started and I am loving it!
• I am employed part-time as a parent and family coach
• I work in the schools as a certified instructor of an innovative program which fosters healthy relationship skills and promotes peaceful societies one classroom at a time.
• I facilitate personal growth study groups for people who want to make the most of their lives!
• I am a Certified Integrative Coach Professional™, and provide personalized life coaching to people who want to step beyond the limitations of their circumstances or experiences.