At age four, I witnessed a family member's spirit in my grandmother's home. Soon, I began to explore spirituality and death. Sensitive and caring, I became a lifelong writer, creator, and helper.

 

​I've logged hundreds of hours in senior living homes and memory care centers, providing a caring ear and creative outlet as a creative arts assistant, companion, and creative writing instructor. During this time, I became passionate about working with our community elders, as well as individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia. 

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I graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2010 with an English BA with a concentration in creative writing, a minor in Sociology, coursework in world religions, and a certification as a Creative Writing Workshop Instructor. After college I worked as an educator, content creator, Guardian Advocate in the Florida courts for incapacitated individuals, and a certified mental health technician.

 

My ​grandmother's Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2016 took my family by surprise. We were unprepared for the journey ahead. I drew strength and insight from my experiences, and thrived as a support during the time of her death, but there truly is no preparation for the reality of end-of-life as a family member or caregiver. 

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My beloved grandmother passed away in peace in hospice in 2017 with me and her dearest family members by her side. Through this life-changing and spiritually moving time, I knew I would someday use my skills, compassion, and insight help others going through the same sort of experience.  

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My growth journey has led me to start Empowered Pathways, LLC, to be there for those experiencing end of life and to holistically empower individuals and caregivers to make their best end-of-life decisions. ​