From struggle to strength

In the midst of being bullied and facing adversity, I found my true inner strength when I realized the immense value I hold within. And I believe everyone has that same inner worth and strength, just waiting to be discovered.

From struggle to strength

I woke up every day in constant fear for my life.

I was raised in a home marked by all types of abuse, with an alcoholic stepfather and a mother who didn’t pay much attention to me. Being the youngest of four, I also faced verbal and physical bullying from my siblings. Adding to this turmoil, my military father was extremely strict; nothing I did ever seemed good enough, often leading to harsh punishments.

My siblings often told me I was found in the trash, that I was a mistake, and that I was never meant to be born. Over time, these words began to echo in my mind as truth.

Even school was not a safe place for me.

I was often teased, laughed at, and called hurtful names because I had a severe speech impairment and could not speak clearly.

Even though things were tough, I always tried to keep a smile on my face, hiding the pain and confusion I felt inside.

Asking for help never seemed like a possibility. I remained quiet out of fear and shame, never telling a soul. This heavy weight I carried, like most victims, led me to depression and multiple thoughts of suicide.

But, in all this darkness, I found hope.

At age 8, my cousin introduced me to martial arts, and it became my escape, a place where I felt safe.

It wasn’t until I was 15 that I met the instructor who would change my life.

My martial arts instructor believed in me, and that belief started to change how I saw myself. It gave me hope and the drive to keep going.

My instructor’s trust in me helped me realize my own value. This was a big moment for me, changing not just how I did in martial arts, but also how I lived my life.

Year 1990

Year 2022

I learned empathy, compassion, and forgiveness through my own tough experiences.

I realized how much my actions and presence could lift others up, instead of hurting them. When my instructor told me, “I believe in you,” it completely changed how I saw myself. I started to do better, driven by this new passion and a need to show my worth.

My story shows how powerful belief can be and the potential we all have inside. My past, full of pain and struggle, became the foundation for my mission to empower others. I learned that to really reach your potential, you have to first see your own worth.

Moving into teaching felt like a natural step for me. I could really connect with students, understanding their challenges and hopes. This made me a well-loved figure in schools. I created programs in self-defense and classroom management that showed my deep understanding of how people behave and the importance of a supportive learning environment.

As a teacher, my influence went beyond just the classroom. I became a mentor and a role model, not only for students but also for other teachers. My approach was all about working together – with students, teachers, and parents – to make school a positive and nurturing place.

Why schools should work with me:

My story connects with what a lot of students go through. Turning my own hard times into strengths makes me really valuable to schools. When schools bring me in, they’re not just getting a speaker or a teacher. They’re joining a movement towards understanding, resilience, and empowerment. My own experiences give me a unique view that can really help fight bullying, build leadership, and create a supportive school environment.

In me, students see someone who understands their struggles and gives them hope. They can feel that my story resonates with them. Teachers see a partner in making school a better place, and parents see someone who can help connect home and school. My goal is to make sure everyone in the school community feels valued, understood, and able to reach their full potential.

Fun Facts

Living my best life at 60: Recently married after a heartwarming reconnection.
Blended Family Joy: Proud parent and stepparent to a combined total of eight children.
Fitness Milestone: Achieved a personal best by bench pressing 290 pounds.
Daily Discipline: Commit to doing 200 push-ups every day to stay fit and energized.
Author in the Making: Currently working on publishing two insightful books.
Passion for Empowering: Fully engaged as a full-time speaker, trainer, and coach, inspiring change and growth in individuals and organizations

3rd degree Black Belt in Bu-jitsu (Studied Wing Chung Kung Fu, Tang Soo Do)

State/National Champion Fighter in Martial Arts

Semi-pro football

Championship in football and basketball

Self Defense Instructor

LIFE COACH

Educator of the Year

Sales & Marketing Director – Top Earner

Golden & Silver Poet Award Winner

Lead Singer in a band