My work history includes being a 911 dispatcher for almost 7 years and a dispatch/first responder spouse for over 15 years. I have lived experience with mental health and trauma, some of which comes from my time spent in 911. My first master's degree thesis focused on PTSD and dispatchers. I'm also a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) and state trainer in Virginia for that class. I've been active with NAMI as a volunteer for several years now, trained to lead/present in many of their programs. I'm very passionate about advocacy, which includes sharing my story/experiences with others, so they know they are not alone. I was recognized earlier this year by the disAbility Law Center of Virginia as an Impact Award Recipient for my advocacy work. When not working or volunteering, I enjoy spending quiet evenings at home with my husband, 4 dogs, and 4 birds.

What Certified Personal Medicine is all about for me... I first learned about personal medicine and this training from a fellow peer I was in another training with. Many CPRS in Virginia have went on to take this training and really enjoy it. I also found myself dealing with anxiety/anxious feelings after the holidays last year and needed a new way to deal with those feelings that wasn't traditional medicine. I'm very holistic in my approach to my own recovery and this sounded like a great next step to build on that. I became a CPMC to help me better understand myself and my own personal medicine, but also because I want to share this practice with others. I'm a teacher/trainer at heart, so I love sharing my experiences, including tools/processes I'm familiar with to anyone and everyone I meet!