How long have you worked at Positive Alternatives?

2022

Where are you from?

Glenwood City, Wisconsin

What drew you to working in this field?

I came from a broken home, and was abandoned by both parents at age 14. I lived on the streets, a group home, and a brief stint in a foster home. I was pregnant with my first child at 17, and gave birth alone. My love for people and wanting to be a part of a change in their lives began with elderly people that then blossomed into working with youth. I don't have all the answers, but I bring with me many years of my own traumatic experiences. Those experiences have given me life lessons that you cannot get from a textbook, and I want to share all I can with the youth and families I work with. I never want anyone to feel as if I am better than they are when they see and hear what I've become from all that I've endured. I want to be able to teach and guide, families and youth, that life can be sunshine and rainbows, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It's through hard work, sometimes. It's through giving up what we think other people want of us, and becoming what we need to be for ourselves. Someone once asked me, "If you don't do if for yourself, who will?" I live by that everyday. It's not made me only stronger, but more independent from the judgement of others as well. When you thrive on your own and for yourself, you begin to let go of what others want from you. When you realize you are a diamond in the rough is when the strength from within begins to shine outwards and onto others. Let your light shine!

What is your educational background?

What is your favorite thing about working with youth and families?

I feel like I answer this in the question above. At the end of the day, I often hope that something I said or something I did with my families and youth, carries on through their days in a positive way and assists them in making healthy choices.