I am on the road and mission of advocating for mental health and spreading awareness to make a difference in others’ lives. After a childhood of abuse/neglect, dealing with mental health issues, losing my mother to drug overdose, being sexually assaulted and then fleeing for my life from an abusive relationship in January, 2021, I decided to share my voice and story of overcoming to show others they are not alone in the adversities that they may be facing. I used my resources of art, writing, positive self-talk, and walking to help me on my mental health journey.
In June of 2021, on my 26th birthday, I began my walk of 800 miles from Burton, MI to Kansas City, KS to end the stigma on mental health and illnesses. I chose to use my walking as a platform to spread my message that mental health impacts SO many people. During that walk, I met multiple people who shared their story about how mental health effected their life or someone they know. I was able to raise donations for Whaley Children’s Home in Flint, MI.
While on my walk, as well as after, I rocketed into my professional speaking career. I have had the opportunity to be a guest on Laugh4apurpose, a mental health podcast that averages 100K downloads a week. I have been a guest numerous times in the past couple years as well as a co-host. In September of 2021, I spoke for National Alliance of Mental Illnesses (NAMI) at their suicide prevention event in Flint, MI. Upon my move back to Ohio, I spoke in Lima at One Lima Art Event about the significance that art has on mental health. In January of 2022, and then again in October of 2023, I had the incredible honor of speaking at my birth town high school in Sidney, OH. Then, I went on to also speak at St. Mary’s High School in March of 2022. I also had the opportunity to speak for Wapakoneta High School in October, 2023. In June of 2023 I spoke for All Human Alliance, a support group that helps promote diversity. I have also spoke for Voices of Prosperity, Coffee Talk and a few other mental health podcasts, including one that is international.
In July of 2022, I completed a 352 mile walk from Detroit, MI to Mackinaw Island, MI to raise awareness for those with mental and physical disabilities. I raised donations for Danny’s Miracle Angel Network in Detroit, MI. In June of 2023, I completed a 331 mile walk from Cincinnati, OH to Cleveland, OH to raise awareness for mental health and the importance of youth advocacy. I was able to raise donations for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County. During that walk, BBBS honored me with a plaque for outstanding youth mentorship and advocacy.
In my free time, I play a role in my community by attending many social events that help others find their sparks through art, music, and sharing their voice, like poetry slams and drum circles. My number one mission is to show others it doesn’t matter where you come from, you
can go anywhere you set your mind to… You just have keep going.
This is my "why". What is your because?
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