The Story Behind the Work

I believe every challenge carries a lesson, and every lesson carries the possibility of transformation. My life and work are grounded in resilience, purpose, and a deep belief in people.

I didn’t always find my voice easily. In my earliest years, my mother worked tirelessly to provide for me while pursuing her education, and my babysitter—who was deaf—cared for me with love and devotion. Surrounded by silence, I struggled to form words, and when I finally did, I carried the weight of shyness and fear of speaking in front of others.

Rather than accept that fear, I chose to challenge it. I began facilitating conversations in some of the hardest spaces imaginable—delinquent adolescents, talking about sex education. It was daunting, but it taught me that connection doesn’t come from perfect words—it comes from courage, listening, and creating safe spaces for truth. That’s why I facilitate today: to guide groups and individuals toward clarity, connection, and growth.

Education has always been both my anchor and my launchpad. I earned my degree in Business Communications and a Master’s in Business Innovation from Carlow University, and I continue to study fields that sharpen my practice and broaden my perspective. From human-centered design to feng shui, I’ve invested in programs and certifications that deepen my ability to design with purpose. My journey includes entrepreneurial programs with the University of Pittsburgh and Cornell University.

My education has never been limited to classrooms. Life has been a teacher just as much as any degree. Mentors, entrepreneurial programs, volunteering, serving on boards, and hard-won lessons have shaped me. I consider myself a lifelong learner…one who values books, travel, and self-discovery as much as formal training.

Over time, this work has been recognized with honors, including being named among women business leaders and receiving recognition on the floor of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. These honors are meaningful, but to me, they represent responsibility—to keep growing, to keep creating impact, and to keep helping others do the same.

Outside of my work, I love to laugh, create, travel, and read. I’m grounded by relationships, including my wonderful, laid-back husband (who I call BooBoo), and I’m energized by being a friend and Auntie to many. These pieces of me—the curious learner, the joyful traveler, the woman who finds humor in life—shape the way I show up in every project and partnership.

My journey has never been about avoiding hardship—it’s about transforming hardship into possibility. That’s why my work is human-centered and legacy-driven: because I know firsthand the power of turning obstacles into new beginnings, and I believe every person, every organization, and every community deserves that chance.