Service Array:
Individual Skill Development and Enhancement
My lived experiences, things that happened, and why I feel I have decided to help others. I grew up in a southern Wisconsin town outside of Racine, WI. In my neighborhood there was little to no parent supervision. Kids raised themselves. Along with that came much substance and alcohol use amongst adolescents and young adults. My dad was absent growing up. My stepdad was indifferent to our family’s life. My mother is an exquisite soul. When I was in grade school she was involved with many community events, active in my schools, coached my extracurricular activities, and exposed me to art and culture.
When I was in my early teens, my mother was diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Everything seemed to fall apart in our family. Later, my stepdad and her divorced. After the divorce we (my mom, two brothers, and sister) moved half a dozen times over the next years into my early adulthood. Life became very unstable.
In my early adulthood, I found myself in an abusive relationship. I was suffering from depression and suicidal ideation daily. As time went on, I did make life changes. I removed myself from that relationship. I felt I was on a better path. Shortly after although, I realized my depression and suicidal ideation decided to come along with on that path. I tried getting help, I was given many hoops to jump through and still was unable to get help. Eventually, I was diagnosed with PTSD and persistent depressive disorder. Finally, I was able to get treatment.
I have two beautiful children. They have had their own lived experiences and I have supported them to get the help that they needed. They are successfully living their lives healthily.
Through my experiences, I have witnessed gaps in mental health systems and the pathways of substance use recovery. I dislike stigmas very much. I think everyone’s journey is different and that there is not just one checklist for an individual. I want to help others by exploring with them what they feel their individual needs are to try to get well.
A few things about who I am apart from those experiences is that; I have a variety of interests and love many genres of music, art, and culture. I enjoy anything nature, learning new things, cooking, meeting new people, and traveling.