A certified peer specialist in Massachusetts and Business Associate for a global non-profit, I center my professional and personal life around kindness, curiosity, gratitude, and authenticity. Constantly learning from life experiences and actively offering my own lived experiences as inspiration to others, describes how I operate. Originally from West Michigan, I earned my bachelor’s in Physical Education (Sports Leadership & Management) to spend my early career in Higher Education Athletics & Recreation for universities including MIT, Miami University (OH), and Boston University. After further developing professionally in those roles; while completing coursework in a Master’s of Education and being awarded Supervisor of the Year, I lost my father to suicide. The journey through loss and grief was not new to me; being an attempt survivor and having experienced various traumas throughout childhood and adolescence, I was familiar with pain and suffering. Recognizing I had an opportunity (and responsibility one could argue), to find a way to be part of greater global change, I started working for a global non-profit focused on education, healthcare, and community wellbeing. My professional life had aligned with my heart’s passion, while my personal life was still in need of care and attention. After suffering through seemingly endless health issues (including autoimmune disorder, neuropathy, chronic pain, surgeries, and mental health struggles), I had finally accepted life was going to always be hard. There was a choice to settle for a victim mindset or to dare to know what I could do instead of just complain and despise life itself. My freshman year in college, I elected to take a class on European history and I learned about the European Enlightenment, including one of its most well-known philosophers, Immanuel Kant. “Sapere Aude,” as I understand is translated as “Dare to know,” or “Have the courage to make use of your own mind.” This idea immediately resonated with me and gave me a mantra to focus on during times of crisis and distress. Pairing the Latin phrase with a small infinity symbol, I received my first tattoo that year inside my left wrist; a part of me that often tempted me to call it quits on life. That same year, I started to seriously invest in my own mental health by seeking treatment from a psychologist, Dr. Cunningham. That’s just a little bit about my story; my work and peer support are driven by the lessons I’ve learned through life experiences and formal education. It’s my honor to offer support, space, and encouragement on your journey. If you’re seeking advice, validation, connection, or resources, you are invited to reach out however works best for you. You deserve to be the best You you can be; for it’s the best gift the world could see.