Let me get really honest...

I'm one of those wounded healers

Since 1982, I have known Jesus personally. He came to me one night and I awoke--I suddenly started crying out to him and asked him to help me and save me from all my pain. He has been by my side since that night (even before but didn't realize it). Needless to say, it's been a bumpy road since that night.

I grew up in rural Kentucky- rode motorcycles, played little league baseball (short-stop) with the boys, raised chickens/rabbits/turkeys, had a mare and a pony. My mare had a little filly and I named her Ginger. My grandmother had several acres and we raised a few cattle and maintained 3 large gardens. I'm very fond of those days. 

I was gender queer all my life and my mom and dad allowed me to be me and loved me for me. I didn't know how mean people could be until I got older. People are cruel and nasty if you are different.

It was all shits and giggles until I started drinking at 16. Over the years, my drinking stole just about everything that was of value to me... the elevator kept going down to lower levels... "Dante's Inferno." Oh, I've got many stories; too many to go into right now but I'll tell you this much, "I don't have to worry about ever going to Hell because I've already been there!

Hey, I'm probably over-educated... I've studied at some of the best graduate social work schools in the country including University of Southern California ('09), Indiana University ('07), and Western Kentucky University ('05). I also did graduate studies in Trans-personal Psychology at John F. Kennedy University ('14) and Trauma Psychology at Holy Names University in Berkeley, California. I studied M.Div/Sexuality and Religion at the Graduate Theological Seminary (PSR '12-'13) in Berkeley as well. Interestingly, I was accepted and provided full financial resources to study the M.Div program at San Francisco Theological Seminary and Claremont Theological Seminary in '09 and '11 (respectively). Fortuitous or not, things occurred that shut those open doors. Oh! it's been such an adventure! Preceding all this, my doctorate was conferred in 2008; my M.A.E. in '90! I have no shame in absolutely loving higher education! I have accomplished a lot considering all the obstacles I have overcome--I've been sober since May 20, 2002 (You may not be impressed but I sure am!) I'm also in recovery from C-PTSD, ADD, Clinical Depression, Domestic Violence, Rape, and being physically assaulted on more than one occasion.

It is only by grace that I'm here. I am a miracle. My God has granted me my heart's desires (Psalm 139:17).

I am very fortunate indeed.

Never stop, 'till we get there!

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