Born and raised in downtown Salt Lake City, I grew up in an environment that built the foundation for a deep understanding of people, mental health, the environmental impacts on people, substance use, the justice system, and society. Little did I know, at the time, that my environment and adversities as a youth would gift me a unique talent to connect with people in various capacities. This gift later aided me in working with people with disabilities, juvenile corrections, court-involved youth, transitional foster care/adoption, substance use/prevention, homeless youth and adults, the LGBTQIA+ community, young children, adolescents, and families. With my growing appreciation for people and their stories, I pursued a bachelor's and master’s degree from the College of Social Work at the University of Utah where I studied various treatment modalities and substance use to increase my ability to further support those in need. With over 15 years of experience in working with people, it is my honor to utilize my unique combination of hands-on learning and higher education to support others thrive.