Hello

My journey into wellness started during my undergraduate experience as a criminal justice major at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina.  The completion of my field experience at a local juvenile detention center expanded my understanding of empathy and launched my path into the world of mental health.

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I obtained a Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Carolina-Columbia and gained clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and families who endured mental health challenges, physical/emotional abuse, and neglect.  I continued my professional path into federal service, where I spent approximately 10 years serving Veterans and their families within the healthcare setting.  I engaged in several leadership opportunities, developed community partnerships, and executed projects which included the facilitation of employee training to enhance staff engagement, patient satisfaction, and team-based care.  As a teaching organization, I was able to educate graduate students and medical students on departmental policy, procedure, and the most important tool they would need throughout their career...empathy.

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Over the years, I continued to reflect on the needs of my patients, their families, and the community as a whole.  During this time, I experienced multiple transitions in my life which included marrying my amazing husband and bringing our 3 children into the world.  I decided to create a platform dedicated to bringing mental health awareness to everyday spaces.  I serve on the Delegate Assembly for the National Association of Social Workers-North Carolina and the Content Advisory Committee for the American Alliance of Museums.  The Hand Made Dreams® platform continues to expand with the launch of the Art Wellness Exchange® establishing partnerships with multiple organizations.  I look forward to continued growth and collaboration.