We are each on our own journey.

I welcome you having found yourself here as your next step on yours.

When people hear my story, they are often surprised by what I have been through. They are confused at how I could have found my way back to the surface, much less designed the life of my dreams, full of love, happiness, and compassion! But I have, and everything that I have learned along the way makes me a strong companion on your exploration to find your own peace, happiness and joy, regardless of your life circumstances.

Once upon a time, I was young and in love. Newly wed to my high school sweetheart, I felt the endless possibilities for our future spread before us… until about seven months into our marriage, when my husband decided to end his life and shot himself in front of me.

I was 20 years old, alone, in control of nothing.

And yet, somehow I managed to keep going.

I found the strength within to move my life forward. I even gave marriage another try! My second marriage ended when my husband stepped outside our marriage. I simply refused to let my story -or my happiness- rest on the actions of others. Instead, I took the opportunity to search my heart and mind and reconnect with all the goals I had and all the love I had yet to give.

Years later, the love and possibility that I knew existed within myself has been cultivated, growing into a large family of three beautiful daughters – all adopted! (The adoptions were not without their own challenges, of course, since I was a single mom!) I experienced decades of living and working abroad, a rich personal educational journey including a graduate degree in a field that is meaningful to me and numerous certifications. I have spoken before more audiences than I can count, from elementary school students to professional conference audiences, from the beaches of San Diego to the bright lights of Seoul, Korea. But sometimes even during times where life seems to be rich and full, it can take an unexpected turn – which is what happened in my life when my 34 year old daughter completed her walk with breast cancer as well as her current journey on this earth, leaving me in a puddle of overwhelming grief.

The quest for happiness is universal. We all want it and we all deserve it, but sometimes we just aren’t sure how to get there, especially when we are distracted by life and its energetic obstacles.

I founded Serenity Rescue, Ranch and Rainforest to inspire and empower others to be in charge of their own joy, regardless of the circumstances around them. I have always believed that one of the greatest ways we can heal and grow happiness and peace in our lives is to cultivate kindness and love in ourselves and those around us and by channeling our energy into serving our community, which is why volunteering is a key component of the work here. The participants of my courses and talks leave feeling better about themselves and powerful in their ability to connect with and impact the world around them.

You can and always will create your own happiness, regardless of what you have experienced, what you are going through, or what is ahead.

If you’re ready to learn how to do that, then I am ready to show you how.