Service Array:
Individual Skill Development and Enhancement
I grew up in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin spending much of my childhood and teen years enjoying the outdoors and physical activities. Some of my favorite memories were on my cousin’s farm working and riding horses, and fishing, boating, and paddling on the creeks and rivers near us. I also participated in sports and community activities.
I had always had a hard time feeling as though I fit in but I was able to maintain good grades and a generally positive outward presentation until my early 20s. Most people around me were unaware of the mental health challenges I had been dealing with most of my life. Substance Use became a greater challenge for me although I hated to admit it.
I went through a rough period seeking support and trying various therapies and medications. I became a mother of a child with disabilities and dove into the world of disability that I had previously spent time volunteering and working in. Reading, attending workshops, trainings, and conferences centering around disability became my life. Eventually I accepted that disability and mental health challenges were a large part of my own story as well as my child’s and things started to turn around for me with a newfound sense of empowerment and understanding.
I began working at a Recovery Drop-in Center and was trained and certified as a Peer Specialist. I later moved on to a Center for Independent Living where I continued growing as an advocate and learned much more about greater systemic barriers and challenges. I became dually certified as a Parent Peer Support Specialist in 2020, and continued growing professionally. I spent a year and a half working at the State of Wisconsin Bureau of Prevention Treatment and Recovery until I realized I would rather be providing direct service and working in the community. I now work part-time providing direct services and serve as a Public Library Director. I am working on completing my degrees and certifications for Sociology and Wisconsin Public Library Directors.