My story begins with a boat ride… 

 

Shortly after I was born, my family immigrated to the United States from Europe, following relatives who had already settled in Upstate New York. Growing up, I was surrounded by diverse cultural influences, which shaped a broader worldview than most of my peers. At the time, this felt more like a burden than a gift. I desperately wanted to fit in with the kids at school and the idealized families I saw on TV. I struggled to see myself in the world around me, leading to years of trying—and failing—to blend in.

 

This lack of belonging spiraled into poor choices, eventually landing me in serious trouble after high school. My actions led to probation, and I thought I’d hit rock bottom. I was consumed by shame, convinced I’d ruined my future beyond repair.

 

When I first met my probation officer, I braced myself for judgment and condescension. Instead, I met someone completely unexpected. She was a petite woman with a physical disability that affected her gait—traits I hadn’t associated with authority. But the moment she spoke, she commanded respect. She was a force of nature: firm, opinionated, and empathetic.

 

Her own story made her uniquely qualified to guide me. Growing up with physical challenges gave her a perspective that allowed her to see people as they truly were, not who they pretended to be. She recognized that I shared this quality, and she taught me to embrace it as a strength.

 

She didn’t just fulfill her duty; she invested in me as a person. She spent countless hours helping me see the potential in myself that I had buried under years of self-doubt. Her ability to uncover my strengths was unlike anything I had ever experienced. She became a mentor and a friend, showing me how to view my differences not as obstacles but as assets—my superpower. Her influence transformed my life and set the foundation for who I am today.

 

Inspired by her, I pursued a career as a counselor, driven by a desire to help others recognize their own hidden strengths and overcome their challenges. Over time, this passion evolved into my work as a breakthrough life coach. Today, I use my experiences and the lessons she taught me to empower others, helping them turn their obstacles into opportunities and discover the power within themselves to transform their lives.

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My approach is simple—real talk, deep listening, and a whole lot of heart.​