I was raised in a challenging environment within the outskirts of Flint, Michigan, characterized by familial dysfunction.  Regrettably, these adversities led some of my siblings down the path of addiction to alcohol and drugs, culminating in tragic consequences such as imprisonment and untimely deaths on the streets of Flint.  This experience motivated me to pursue a career in helping people who are struggling with addiction and mental health issues.

Following my high school graduation, I sought solace and opportunity by joining the Army.  After the military I moved to Arizona in 1999 where I committed myself to both full-time employment and academic pursuits. Despite the obstacles, I successfully obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Grand Canyon University, driven by a profound desire to aid individuals grappling with mental health challenges, and drug addictions. My aspiration to provide support and healing prompted me to further my education, earning a Master of Science degree in Addiction Counseling.

Fueled by a resolute determination to make a meaningful difference in the mental health field, I pursued and attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Grand Canyon University. This educational endeavor equipped me with the necessary skills and expertise to fulfill my calling of assisting those battling mental health afflictions as a psychiatric nurse. 

Over the course of ten years, I worked in many different mental health nursing capacities including, psychiatric inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, crisis home visits, community outreach for the mentally disabled, ACT nursing for severely mentally ill clients and wellness coaching.  I also volunteered for over two years for Pinal County as a court appointed special advocate, where I worked with the court system and the foster care system for displaced children.  In 2020 I started an MSN degree program where in 2023 I received PMHNP-BC licensure. All this experience honed my skills for helping patients with mental and or substance abuse disorders.