About
meet THE FOUNDER
Stronger Together, One School at a Time
I am a woman with a vision. A vision to put Peers in schools. I have been a peer for nearly four years. I have helped to build the WISe team for Lutheran Community Services Northwest. I have worked placing people in homes and campers via FCS (Foundational Community Supports) to now- where most of my “Peer Career” has been a crisis worker. We were the first “Crisis Center “in the state of Washington for 10 years. Here is where the real work came in. I am a front-line worker. In the mix of helping our most vulnerable population. It is here where I learn the most about myself. How strong one must be emotionally. How fast someone can escalate and you must respond appropriately. I have even been assaulted- returning to the same position. Thus, I have learned how to be physically strong. Most important is mentally strong.
I grew up five years of my life in foster care. Ages 9 to 14. I was essentially abandoned as a teen by my mother. I came up to Washington from Oregon. I have experienced so much as human- [as we all do]. I have experience in domestic violence, addiction, loss of my children, CPS, and much more
But my story is not about loss, it is about recovery and gain. I am happy to report that my children live with me. I have over ten years of recovery under my belt. I have lived in the same place for over six years; which resembles stability. I am a single mother- working a full-time job receiving no assistance, not even child support.
Today I can honestly say that I am proud of where my life has taken me. As a Peer the greatest gift is being able to listen, hear and share. And at home my greatest gift is having my children.
