For over 25 years, I dedicated my life to working with disengaged youth, guiding them through their toughest challenges and helping them see a brighter future. My life was filled with purpose and fulfillment, but ten years ago, everything changed in an instant. At the age of 33, a car accident left me with a traumatic brain injury, stripping me of my ability to speak, write, and even comprehend. The world I knew disappeared, and I found myself trapped in a prison of my own mind, unable to create from a blank space or hold a pencil for more than a few seconds. Simple tasks like reading a sentence or understanding basic instructions became monumental challenges. I suffered from time blocks, losing entire segments of my day, and often found myself standing still in unfamiliar places for hours. For five long years, I was confined to my home, gripped by severe anxiety, depression, and PTSD. My self-esteem plummeted, and I felt isolated and worthless. I couldn’t take my medication on time, pay my bills, or even change my clothes regularly. I remember the heart-wrenching nights, waking my daughter, Nature, at 3 a.m. to apologize for being her mother and for the shell of a person I had become. My turning point came during a self-development workshop, where I realized I was determined to keep going despite my circumstances.

The real breakthrough came after I fell into a manhole and had to undergo spinal surgery and ankle surgery, along with a total of 22 surgical procedures. I could have given up, but instead, I saw it as a blessing. A new surgeon gave me hope, saying he could fix my injuries. I decided that I would no longer be handicapped by my circumstances. I chose to reclaim my life and purpose. Words are powerful, and I started to speak life into my existence. I realized I had the choice to write a new story. I began applying cognitive behavioral techniques I had taught to young people, understanding that every action is a choice, even when the options are limited. Slowly but surely, I began to transform. As I regained my abilities, I was driven to help others who felt as lost and invisible as I once did. I began coaching, using my personal experiences to relate authentically to my clients and show them that vulnerability is a strength. Today, as a cognitive behavioral coach and speaker, I empower individuals and organizations to unlock their potential, teaching them to choose kindness and recognize their worth. My coaching helps people realize they have the power to change their stories, just as I did.