I know how loss leaves a mark that never fully fades—it shapes who we are, how we love,
and how we heal.

By the time I was twenty-two, I had already lived through a lifetime of grief. My father’s life was stolen by gun violence when I was just sixteen. The memory of that day still lingers—the sharpness of disbelief, the aching hollowness that followed. My mother’s journey ended differently but no less painfully. Her struggle with mental illness began when I was eleven, a shadow over our home. I became her caregiver, tending to her with love and sorrow until she passed during my junior year of college.

These losses were like ripples in water, expanding far beyond the moment they occurred, reshaping my life in ways I could never have imagined. They led me on a journey to seek understanding—not just of grief, but of how to rebuild from the broken places.

In that search, I discovered the concept of Mother Hunger®, coined by Kelly McDaniel. It gave a name to something I had felt so deeply: the longing for nurturing, protection, and guidance that had been absent in my life. Through my own healing, I came to understand that reclaiming these unmet needs is essential for rediscovering a sense of self and creating meaningful connections.

My professional path has taken me across continents—from Shanghai to Chiangmai to Saudi Arabia—where I worked with orphanage leaders to cultivate identity, self-worth, and safety in children. I saw firsthand how trauma echoes through generations and how hope can be planted in even the most barren of soil. These experiences deepened my empathy, enriched my understanding, and shaped the way I approach healing as a therapist.

Today, I’m pouring my heart into my memoir, TRUE, a reflection on the profound losses I’ve experienced and the resilience I’ve found along the way. Through my work, I am committed to helping others find self-compassion, rediscover their strength, and begin to rebuild their lives after loss.

You don’t have to walk this path alone. Together, we can navigate the raw edges of your story and uncover the beauty of what comes next—healing, growth, and the quiet courage to embrace a future filled with hope.