I grew up on the south side of Chicago. My family was plagued by mental health issues and substance abuse. While I was a third-generation teen mom, I was the first person to graduate high school from my household. I did everything different. I did everything everyone told me not to do, and that was trust the world, bet on myself, and leave all I know behind. I left Chicago and took my 2 yr old to college with me. I began studying psychology and fell in love with mental health. I used everything I learned personally and professionally to help other teen moms and those in the inner city beat the odds and follow their dreams. I now have a practice that serves children in state custody. I treat eating disorders and specialize in sexual abuse and trauma. I've taken teen moms under my wing (sometimes under my roof) and shown them a different life, and they, too, are now business owners and great parents. This has taken me further than I imagined. I am now on many major platforms, and I write and share my story all over. I've been in private practice for 14 years now, and I've loved every minute of it.