My oldest daughter was born with cerebral palsy among many other needs and I was her primary caretaker for most of her life while also working. I also have two more sons and then adopted my youngest daughter after fostering her for two years. Advocating and caring for my children has truly been my greatest accomplishment!

I think new mamas need better resources for postpartum depression and anxiety. As a nurse, I knew what I was experiencing after my third child wasn’t right, but I was still afraid to speak up and ask for help. We need help reducing the shame and stigma around mental illness. Motherhood is hard, and support should be easier to access. 

Right after college, I was working 80 hours a week in politics in D.C., which led to a mental health crisis. I ended up quitting my job and spending more than six months at my parent’s house healing and in therapy. At the time, I truly thought I might never work again. However, I persevered and got strong enough to move to Oklahoma. My ambition makes me vulnerable to workaholic tendencies, which I must intentionally, mindfully combat.