About Me

I'm a native Michigander and was raised in a multiracial family where I became acutely aware of social injustices from a young age. Whether it was standing up to a school bully or sitting with the friendless kid at lunch, empathy and a desire for equity have always driven me. My passion for creating led me to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Sculpture. However, I felt a strong calling to make a deeper, more direct impact on my community.

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I worked for a domestic violence shelter and volunteered on a crisis phone line, which further fueled my desire to continue my education. In 2000, I earned my Master’s in Social Work. For the next 23 years, I worked at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, where I led a free, school-based health program for predominantly immigrant children. In this role, I had the privilege of working with individuals from over 43 different countries, which enriched my life and broadened my understanding of global cultures and traditions.

Throughout my career, I worked closely with war refugees, families navigating illness, and LGBT+ youth. More recently, I stepped away from a managerial position to focus on connecting directly with individuals again, which I’m really excited about.

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In my personal life, I volunteer with a group that supports African migrants and serve as a board member for a local literacy center providing free ESL classes. When I’m practicing self-care, I enjoy spending time with my twin daughters, creating in the ceramics studio, and seeking out spaces near water.