Mission

Recovery is a deeply personal journey, but sharing our experiences can bring hope and growth to others. For a long time, I wrestled with how to make my story less about me and more about helping others. Through training and self-reflection, I’ve come to understand how vital writing and journaling are for processing thoughts and emotions. These practices allow us to connect authentically with others, focusing less on ourselves and more on the hope we can offer to others on their paths to recovery.

My story is unique in that I’ve had the privilege to walk in many shoes. God placed me on a path that allowed me to experience life both as a professional in healthcare and as a patient navigating mental illness. These dual roles have shaped my perspective in profound ways.

I endured chronic trauma but emerged stronger, empowered by faith and determination. My education before, during, and after my experiences gave me tools to understand not just my own struggles but also the challenges faced by others. Now, as I stand in recovery, I am committed to sharing my story, breaking down stigma, and advocating for positive change in our healthcare system.

My career in healthcare has been a double-edged sword. For over 15 years, I worked behind the scenes, witnessing the good, bad, and ugly truths of mental health care and substance use disorder (SUD). Often, I felt like a fly on the wall, observing the system’s flaws and the immense stigma faced by patients. Tragically, my career also contributed significantly to the trauma I endured.

For years, I struggled to balance my desire to make a meaningful difference with the need to provide for my family. This constant battle drained me, but it also taught me resilience. Recently, it has become clear that my role in healthcare is evolving. God is guiding me toward a new chapter—one where I can fully embrace my purpose and use my experiences to inspire others.

One of my biggest hurdles has been opening up and finding the right people to support my journey. Early on, I realized that people didn’t truly understand my background or the steps I’d taken to recover. Even when I shared pieces my story with peers or coworkers, they often didn’t know how to help and could not relate.

This forced me to rely on my faith and trust that God would make a way—and He has. My first attempt at stepping into my purpose, through a wellness center I started, wasn’t a complete failure. It was a season of learning and growth. I didn’t yet have all the pieces in place or the right team to support me. I’ve learned that timing is everything, and if something is meant to be, it will happen when the time is right.

What I’ve learned through this journey is that to be taken seriously and accomplish my goals, I need to step out, rebuild, and connect with others. My background as a Doctor of Pharmacy transitioning into mental health advocacy often confused people because they didn’t know my story. But now, I’m learning to embrace the process of sharing more openly and authentically.

My experiences have taught me the importance of education and empathy in healthcare. I’ve seen firsthand how stigma can hinder recovery, and I’m determined to change that. I’ve been deeply affected by the hurtful comments made by some healthcare providers about patients, but I believe that through understanding and education, we can create a system where compassion leads the way.

Through recent opportunities, I see how my personal recovery journey and side work over the years have come full circle. I’ve been my own case study, learning tools and strategies that can now be shared with others. Recovery is not a straight line, and every person’s path is unique. But I know that my story holds valuable insights that can inspire hope and spark change.

My journey has been one of faith, resilience, and self-discovery. I’ve learned that the trials I’ve faced were not in vain—they’ve prepared me for this moment. Now, I’m ready to step fully into my purpose: sharing my story to reduce stigma, advocate for change, and help others find their own paths to recovery.

I hope that by sharing what I’ve learned, I can make a difference in the lives of others and contribute to a more compassionate and effective healthcare system. Recovery is possible, and together, we can create a brighter future for everyone.