For years, I noticed a pattern in my life: relationships that didn’t work, family that criticized, jobs that felt unfulfilling, and efforts that seemed invisible. I complained, gave more, hoped people would see my value—but nothing changed. I felt stuck, frustrated, and like a victim. Eventually, I realized that waiting for others to validate me wasn’t the answer. I had to take responsibility for my own goals, dreams, and needs. It was scary because it meant I alone held the power to succeed—or fail. Through reflection and intentional changes, I slowly regained confidence, learned to make choices that served me, and discovered what it truly means to feel in control of my life.

As a senior, I’ve witnessed and adapted to six decades of change: from black-and-white TV to color, from rotary phones to FaceTime, and from handwritten letters to instant texts. We’ve gone from walk-in restaurants to delivery apps, and from friendly cashiers to self-checkout and grocery delivery. I’ve seen the first Mac, iPods, and the dawn of online banking and 401(k)s. We now navigate AI, including ChatGPT, and stream live shows—from real music to AI-generated concerts—yet we remain resilient. Through it all, we’ve proven we can keep up, learn, and thrive. As a Warmer Everyday Expert, my offering is about seniors supporting other seniors: sharing wisdom, embracing constant change, and reminding each other that we are strong, adaptable, and ready for whatever comes next. Let’s show that seniors are not just surviving, but actively shaping and thriving in this ever-evolving world.

When I got sober in 2018, I was raising three boys on my own and my middle son had just been diagnosed with autism. I was barely staying afloat emotionally and mentally, and the added stress of figuring out how to support him while staying clean felt impossible some days. He had meltdowns I didn’t know how to handle, and I was still learning how to handle myself. I couldn’t rely on old habits anymore. I had to show up clear-headed, patient, and present. That meant building new routines, learning different parenting strategies, and leaning into resources like therapy, community support, and parenting programs. There were moments I felt like I was failing him, like I didn’t know what I was doing. But I kept going, one day at a time. I’ve since helped other parents navigate this same space, especially those who feel ashamed or unsure. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing. And I’m here to walk alongside you.

It can be complicated to expand your personality in ways that feel genuine. Earlier in my life, I developed a masculine persona to protect parts of myself that felt too vulnerable. I experienced (external) confidence, social dominance, and some genuinely positive leadership during that time. The downside of that energy was that it was difficult to socialize in a way that allowed others to truly get to know me and connect. Eventually, I learned how to connect to my warmth, softness, and openness in social settings (some real Maiden/Mother energy!). At that time, though, I faltered a little in my confidence, leadership, and goal/action-oriented side (which dominated in the earlier phase). Now, I have learned to integrate all those traits in a way that feels empowering--tapping into the Huntress and Queen archetypes--and unique and authentic to me.

I know what it feels like to be in limbo where life feels flimsy, unstable, and nothing seems to stick. I’ve been there, caught between who I was and who I was becoming, unsure if I’d ever feel grounded again. What I discovered is that this in-between space holds power: it’s where the old identities dissolve so the authentic self can emerge. My own journey of rediscovery taught me how to strip away roles, expectations, and masks until I could see myself clearly again. Now, I help others navigate this messy, uncertain middle ground, which is finding clarity, strength, and a sense of self that they can finally trust.

Through years of mental rewiring, I practice mindful living. This comes with the often loud voice of self-awareness, as well as presence and acceptance. Mindfulness is the difference between mindlessly binge watching tv that harms your sleep to numb against upset, versus enjoying one cookie. And I obviously still struggle! Acceptance also involves loving your true self and knowing your worth. I'd love to share tips and challenges as we go on a mindful journey together.

There was a time when I felt like I was living someone else’s life—following expectations, ignoring my intuition, and dimming my light to fit in. But slowly, I began to listen to the quiet voice within. I started creating space for myself: journaling, surrounding myself with symbols that felt sacred, and letting my creativity guide me. I learned that transformation doesn’t have to be loud—it can be soft, slow, and full of grace. Now, I hold space for others who are ready to shed old layers and step into their truth. Whether you're navigating a shift, healing from burnout, or simply longing to feel more like you, I’m here to walk with you.

If you have difficulty with procrastination, completing tasks, and staying focused, you may benefit from body doubling. If you have tasks that you want or need to take care of but can't seem to get started, or stay motivated throughout task completion, book your session and I will be there with you every step of the way. It can be so helpful to have someone near while you work on your To Do list, organize your workspace, or fold your laundry. Anything you need to do but have actively avoided, I am here to help you get it all done. I have used the Body Doubling method myself when my procrastination has had me 'stuck', and it has been a great help to me! I'd love to help you, too.

Work can take so much out of us, especially when the pressure feels nonstop or when a boss makes things harder instead of easier. I know what it’s like to feel drained after a long day, carrying stress that you can’t just turn off when you get home. It helps to have someone to talk it out with—someone who gets how stressful work can be and won’t judge what you’re going through. I can be that listening ear, helping you process the stress and explore ways to cope so you don’t feel so weighed down.

After over 30 years in the insurance world, I made the leap to start my own small agency after retirement. It was a big shift, moving from a steady paycheck to running my own business, but it has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. Alongside these professional changes, my personal life has been filled with new blessings too—becoming a grandfather and watching my family grow has been a true joy. Through all these changes, I’ve leaned heavily on my passion for helping others, a value deepened by years of experience as a grief support facilitator and Stephen Minister. I've learned that real growth comes from listening deeply, staying patient, and offering yourself the same grace you would give to others. I know firsthand that transitions can feel overwhelming, but they can also open doors to new opportunities and deeper meaning. I would be honored to walk alongside anyone facing their own big changes.

It’s easy to tell yourself you don’t really have a problem when you can still go to work, raise your kids, and keep your mask on. That illusion of control kept me stuck for years. Looking “fine” became the excuse to stay sick. Not everyone has to hit a rock bottom, but i was still destroying myself, my health, i just did it politely and quietly. I know how hard it is stop something when you become a master at always getting away with it.

Growing up, I always felt awkward and desperate for acceptance. That need for belonging led me into a situation that changed my life—I was assaulted at a party by someone 11 years older, and I became pregnant. As a Native American, I grew up in a culture where we kept personal struggles inside, so I carried that pain silently. To cope, I turned to addiction, numbing myself through 16 years of ups and downs, in and out of jail and prison. My breaking point came after a car accident where I fell asleep at the wheel and hit a pedestrian. I almost killed someone, and the guilt was crushing. Today, after serving my time and doing the hard work, I’ve found acceptance. I’ve made peace with my higher power, my past, and myself. I would never intentionally hurt anyone, and I’ve learned that healing is possible, even after unimaginable mistakes.