As a wife of a veteran, I have experienced firsthand the difficulties of deployment, separation, returning P.S.T.D. and navigating with V.A. benefits.
I empathize with single-parent families and extended family homes as this was my family of origin. Yet, I currently live in a nuclear family and have been married to the same man for over 20 years. I understand the work and dedication it takes to make any family circumstance a supportive, nurturing environment.
I understand the pain and complications of loss and death. I have provided end-of-life care for my own parent working closely with hospice and in-home services as the primary caregiver for a long-term illness. I understand the grief cycle of both those providing care and those suffering from illness.
I have had the devastating experience of losing a loved one to suicide. I cherish several individuals in my life who suffer from chronic depression, anxiety, and or bipolar disorder. I know how this can be a lifelong learning experience both for the individual diagnosed and those who live with them.
Parenting. I have had the experiences of being a new parent, raising teenagers, and even raising twins. I have been a working mom and a stay home mom. I empathize with the demands of both.
I have undergraduate degrees in both teaching and psychology. I am currently completing a master’s degree in Social Work with Campbellsville University.
I have worked and served in adoption agencies, child welfare, substance abuse facilities, utility assistance programs, schools for special needs, federally funded preschools, volunteered in care centers dedicated to those with dementia, disabilities, and low-income needs.
I have held and led positions with adolescents and young children up to 200 individuals. I can be a leader and a team player.
I understand and have experience with varied religious and political views and some of their distinct cultural differences. This was my childhood experience for 2 decades. I have family and associations on both ends of the spectrum both religiously and politically.
As a former social worker for the Department of Child and Family Services, I have had many experiences with family function, court systems, third-party services, and the myriad of family and child circumstances.
I truly empathize and recognize the diverse experiences of many family and environmental systems.