Growing up, I had big emotions and experienced a lot of trauma in the home, at school, and even with the adults in my life that were supposed to be my role models. I was moved into Special Education in high school, despite being just as smart as my peers, and ultimately fell through the cracks. I dropped out and got my GED instead. After a PTSD diagnosis, years of therapy, and experiencing life on my own, growing, changing, and learning to love myself for who I am and everything I have been through, I decided to use my experience to help others. I became a certified peer counselor in the state of Washington and enrolled at Highline College. I completed an Associate of Arts in Human Services and a Bachelor's of Applied Behavioral Science in Youth Development. I am currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Social Work.
For three years, I was the director of an after-school program and I learned to integrate evidence-based practices into art projects, games and activities and found great success supporting the kids I was working with. I found my passion in helping to promote resiliency and instill a strong sense of self into children. I believe in meeting kids where they are at with patience and positive regard. I believe it is important to listen, understand, and work with kids using language they can understand, on a timeline that works for them.
I moved to Las Vegas from Seattle in 2022. I live with my husband and our two cats, two dogs, and two rabbits (aka "the farm") in an apartment in the valley.