My story is so long and complicated that I’ve actually written a memoir that I am in the process of publishing (ETA on Amazon is April 2025).  I’ll try to condense it here in a few sentences.

• I grew up a military brat, have moved 30 times in my lifetime, and still have a hard time knowing what “home” is.  Friendships too are hard to develop and maintain when one or the other party is always leaving, so this has also been a struggle for me.

• Like many (if not most) people, I grew up in a dysfunctional family.  It taught me resilience, independence, and a hard work ethic that has helped me navigate through the rest of my challenges. My dad leaving affected me deeply and shaped the core beliefs I have of myself (which I am working on).

• Education has been a long and arduous journey.  I was homeschooled all the way through high school.  Undergrad was at Salem College where I double majored in English and Education.  I started but did not complete a grad degree in Education at Walden University. I completed 2 1/2 years of prerequisites and started (but did not finish) my doctorate in Physical Therapy at Augusta University.  Finally, I received a Masters of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies from George Washington University, and someday maybe might pursue a PhD.  I’ve changed careers four times now (not recommended for your wallet or your self-esteem).  

• I taught elementary school for four years in Northern Macedonia, taught high school in Georgia for a year, and taught ESL in Thailand and online for 3 years.  I love teaching but I now refuse to teach in the traditional American school system.

• So I became a professional ballroom dancer!  Dancing has saved my life and would have been my life to this day if I hadn’t physically become disabled.  I miss it greatly, though it is not a profession you choose for the money.

• I tried to become a physical therapist, but in the middle of my doctorate program, I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that makes me tear body parts and dislocate joints.  I became a paralegal instead and have worked in trusts and estates, affordable housing, and civil litigation for 8 years in Georgia, Virginia, and Washington DC.

• I am currently a writer, though I don’t make any money doing it.

• I have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, Treatment Resistant Depression, Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Dissociative Seizures.  I have been in therapy for many years now. Besides for seeing therapists, psychiatrists and psychologists, I’ve also been in an inpatient psychiatric ward, residential treatment, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP).  I have learned a lot and feel like it is only fair for me to share what has made the biggest impacts on me in case it could help someone else in their journey.