Throughout my life, I’ve held many titles: mom, sister, daughter, wife, friend, grandmother, employee, coworker, and more. But one title I never expected was “felon.” Yes, I committed a crime that impacted both people I know and people I don’t. I never imagined “felon” would become part of my story, but it has. I served 36 months in federal prison, and through that experience, I came to understand that my path wasn’t solely shaped by my actions; it was also influenced by unresolved, long-standing trauma.

I’ve spent years working on my healing and recovery. Through self-care, education, and advocacy, I am on a journey to heal myself and support others—regardless of their backgrounds, struggles, or past actions—who seek coping skills and a path toward healing.

My experiences have fueled a deep passion for justice reform. I advocate for a system that sees the humanity in every individual and addresses the root causes of crime, such as stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

Connecting to Cope is my platform for sharing my journey and insights. Here, I provide resources, stories, and strategies for those facing similar challenges in their personal or professional lives. Together, let’s empower ourselves to heal and thrive.