My Story

I am an artist, writer, and mental health professional with more than three years of experience working with at-risk populations.

Before that, I spent years in depression – isolating myself from others in shame – after I was kicked out of the military and placed into an inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation program.

I wouldn’t change any of my past suffering. Being in rehab was the first real step to finding internal happiness. I reluctantly learned about self-acceptance and -forgiveness during mandatory group therapy exercises. When us addicts were once asked what besides drugs makes us happy, I tried all the activities I was never able to do as a child, looking for any insight into myself.

This process of self-discovery continued even once I left rehab. I had practiced every day in the coping skills that I mocked in the past. I found my love for creative expression and psychology. My confidence grew slowly but surely, so much so that I spent years facilitating groups and supporting individuals from at-risk population groups.

My passion is using art and journaling to help others express themselves when the right thing to say cannot be found. To become a licensed therapist is my aspiration – this website serves to document the journey there.