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I would love to tell you that I've been clear minded and focused my entire professional life, but the truth is that life doesn't work that way and I definitely took the scenic route to get to where I am today. 

 

• Starting off with a BFA, I was going to be this great artist, but unfortunately graduated into a very unforgiving market.  Thankfully, my administrative skills helped support the financial needs of a new marriage/new house/new baby . . .

• Soon after, at age 31 my husband was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Large Cell Lymphoma.  At the same time I was diagnosed with a thyroid goiter requiring surgery. My new baby? . . . .was 18 months old.  Don't worry - we all survived.  But the bills were monstrous so back to work I went. I began as an Activities Coordinator at a residential treatment facility for teenage girls facing significant emotional and behavioral challenges. From there, I became an educator for adults with intellectual disabilities.  It was a deeply meaningful experience, offering excellent benefits but only modest pay.  

• At age 41 I inherited a chunk of change and decided to invest in myself.  I returned to school to earn my Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy. Best move I ever made.  

• In 2008, I began working as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) at the VA Medical Center. There, I was finally able to bring together everything I love - Music, Art, Dance, Drama, Creative Writing, Animal Assisted Therapy, Whole Health and even Reiki. Over the 17+ years, I collaborated with some incredible interdisciplinary teams including Physicians, Nurses, Psychiatrists/Psychologists, Physical/Occupational/Kinesio Therapists, Social Workers and Nutritionists.  I've worked with Veterans of all ages and across a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, amputations, cancer, PTSD, depression, substance use disorders, dementia, schizophrenia, anxiety and end-of-life care.

• For 10 of those years, I also presented (both in-person and virtually) for Veterans participating in the MOVE program. My lesson titled "Get Fit for Life" focused on the benefits of movement and encouraged individuals to find accessible, personalized ways to stay active.

• My time at the VA has seen me through my divorce as well as purchasing my own home.  While seeking to maintain my own sense of balance 10 years ago, I discovered CrossFit.  I loved it so much that at age 58, I earned my CF-L1 certification and even coached for a time.  Still am very active to date. 

• My journey has always been guided by both professional experience and personal curiosity. I became a Level II Reiki Practitioner through the VA in 2015, and I continue to explore the science behind healing modalities utilizing sound and vibration. Most recently, in August 2025, I earned my Board Certification in Health & Wellness Coaching.

 

So where do I go from here?  Well, as of June 1, 2026 I'll be retired from the VA embarking on the next chapter of my life as an Entrepreneur, Artist & Health Practitioner.  If I'm going to live to 100, I still have a lot of life ahead of me!  

AS the Founder of Stepping Stone Services, my goal is to offer unconditional support - wherever you are on your journey.  I invite you to reach out so we can begin improving the quality of your life . . . one step at a time . 

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