I was born in Detroit, Michigan and raised in an environment where mental illness, instability, and dysfunction were part of everyday life. Growing up with a mother living with bipolar schizophrenia, I learned early what it feels like to struggle without the support, guidance, or understanding people truly need. Even coming from a large family, I understand how someone can still feel unseen, misunderstood, or stuck in the version of themselves others expect them to remain in. My own life experiences, mistakes, and personal growth gave me a deep compassion for people navigating recovery, mental health challenges, life transitions, trauma, homelessness, caregiving stress, and difficult seasons of life. I became a peer support professional because I genuinely want to see people heal, grow, and become who they were meant to be in their own way and at their own pace. I believe my lived experience allows me to connect with people from many different walks of life and offer support with empathy, understanding, dignity, and hope.