I am a Peer Support Specialist with over 15 years of professional experience in peer support, trauma informed youth engagement, and youth peer support program development, implementation, and evaluation. As a peer, I support neurodiverse queer and transgender people as they figure out their own goals and what works for them. I want to build a space where those of us who have felt alone know that we are part of a community as we are.

My lived experience includes school challenges, mental health needs and trauma, and late diagnosed ADHD. My family has been involved with child welfare and mental health systems. Worcester is my home. 

When I was a teenager, I did not feel accepted by my family, faith community, or school. I felt alone all the time, even when I was surrounded by other people. It took a lot of trial and error, but, eventually, I did find peers who understood what I was going through. I was connected to supportive adults who would listen. Eventually, my nervous system and my heart could heal because I found people who would be my community even as I grew and changed. 

Every queer and trans person deserves to feel belonging. Every queer and trans person deserves chosen family and community that holds them close even when they struggle. I do this work because I believe in the connecting power of our stories. I believe by being vulnerable with ourselves and each other, we can make a home in our world and be happier. It isn't easy, but it can be less daunting when we go through it together.