I was born in Rugby, North Dakota into a minister’s family. My family moved as my dad was placed in various church’s in North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota. You would think that having grown up in this area it would have felt like home, but it never did. In my teens I fell in love with Colorado on a trip to Estes Park and in 1978 my dream came true. I moved to Colorado and for the first time in my life I felt like I was home. 

My childhood was a combination of many memorable times with family, church, and friends in addition to not so memorable times at the hands of people who did harm to me as a child. I am a survivor of abuse from people within the community and within the church. The impact of this abuse shut me down emotionally and impacted how I saw myself and the world around me. Withdrawn, struggling in school, living in fear, and losing confidence in myself, life was extremely hard, difficult and painful. 

After my second child was born I sought help through therapy, and my journey of healing began. With skilled therapists and the support of family and friends, I finally was able to heal from the damage caused by years of abuse. I assumed that this time in my life would be about “fixing” what was broken inside of me, but I soon discovered that I was on a lengthy journey of process and discovery. I had a lot to deal with. However, and I truly do mean these words: It was worth it – worth every dime; worth every hour of pain. At last I was free to be me – free to love – free from the bondage of my abuse – and free to live my life as I was meant to live it.  

I enjoy and deeply love my family; my husband David, my three daughters, two sons-in-law, eight grandchildren, and dear friends. Today I fully delight in all of them without interference from my past. This is freedom. 

One of my greatest joys is being able to walk with my clients through what has been holding them captive. I personally know that freedom is possible and I understand how hard it is to take the journey, but I also know the ultimate joy that comes in overcoming a crippling past. 

I believe that whatever man meant for evil God meant for good. God never causes our suffering but God can use it to aid in our healing. My less than perfect circumstances of my past has been transformed into wisdom, compassion, understanding, and hope. What I gained going through my own journey is now the lens through which I see each unique client. 

The journey never ends in this life. Each day is an opportunity for me to better understand myself and overcome any obstacle that I might find myself tripping over. My process is easier now because I know there is always a breakthrough of increased freedom waiting for me just beyond what appears to be impassible. There is always a way over, through, around or under- I only need a little courage, with some help at times, to take it on.