What I have learned…
My 25 years as a trauma specialist, a non-profit executive, a state employee, a foster/adoptive parent and a guardian has shown me a great deal.
I have spent my life understanding my own identity and history...and work with others wherever they are on their journey.
I endeavor to come alongside communities different than mine - by deeply listening.
I began my clinical career in a child and adolescent inpatient hospital, where I had the privilege of supporting children and their families during moments of crisis in their lives. I learned there is so much we can do before being hospitalized, especially for youth in foster care and group settings. In these critical junctures, I witnessed profound opportunities for healing when individuals gained a new understanding of themselves and acquired the skills needed to navigate life's significant challenges.
This experience fueled my determination to transform our approach to child welfare, foster care and psychiatric hospitalization, prompting a shift towards early childhood. In this work, I clearly saw that the people “doing the work” were the priority. Everything possible was because of them. Not only did they deserve a supportive work climate, but needed the training, skills and support to support some of our most vulnerable children and their families.
My tenure in state government shed light on the intricate complexities of systems. While the child welfare agency often shoulders blame for youth tragedies, my firsthand experience revealed a broader accountability encompassing all stakeholders, from the judicial system and advocates to legislators. True transformation, hinges on everyone understanding their role in mitigating devastating outcomes for our most vulnerable.
My time in state government underscored the boundless potential for positive impact. Serving as a lead during the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the honor of supporting communities, providers, and schools. It became evident that government, when agile and responsive, can wield significant influence on the communities it serves.
Upon returning to the community, I delved into the experience of forced displacement working with individuals in refugee resettlement. Witnessing firsthand the traumatic repercussions of policies and practices, I became acutely aware of the enduring impact spanning generations.
This journey has led me to where I am today—a founder of a company dedicated to aiding those affected by forced displacement. (www.placestothrive.com)
Forced displacement is inherently traumatic, with ramifications transcending generations.
In the midst of this adversity, there lies potential for healing.