About Me & My Journey
Struggles ~ Values ~ Purpose
Childhood - Fond Memories & Mental Health Challenges
I grew up the daughter of two teachers in a small village south of Buffalo, where the noon whistle marked the time of day and 'lake effect' winters made for lasting memories and good neighbors.
Those early years instilled in me an appreciation for connection, hard work and service to others.
At the same time, I struggled quietly with generalized anxiety. Silently battling mental health issues that began at a very young age helped me understand firsthand how difficult it can be to carry invisible burdens while putting on a happy face. In doing so I developed empathy and understanding which I bring to my work today.
Early Adulthood - New Beginnings
After college, I moved west to Colorado in search of sunshine, mountains and change.
While the transition brought excitement and new opportunity, it also came with periods of loneliness and depression as I adjusted to being far from family, lifelong friends and familiarity.
Those experiences influenced not only my path, but furthered my understanding of what it means to struggle and to adapt.
Motherhood - My Greatest Teacher
Motherhood has been the most transformative experience of my life. Raising my two children has stretched, humbled and reshaped me in ways I never could not have anticipated.
Like many parents, I've also experienced the ongoing tension of balancing career, and family, the pressure to meet personal and societal expectations and daily demands - and the tendency to blame myself when things fell out of balance.
That experience has enhanced by understanding of what so many people are carrying beneath the surface. It has also strengthened my commitment to offering support that is grounded in compassion rather than judgment, and attuned to the realities of real life.
When I am not working, you can find me spending time with family and friends, soaking in sunsets on my back deck, hiking on the Colorado trails, listening to music, cuddling with my fur-babies and traveling. Jackson Hole is my (very) happy place.
Outside of Work - My Interests
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Staying Grounded - Guiding Values
During a trip to Thailand, I learned about the buddha posture associated with my birthday, which symbolizes humility, compassion and the spirit of generosity - values that have long guided me. I keep a photo of this nearby as a daily reminder to approach others with openness, kindness and a commitment to giving what I can.
