There were times I felt surrounded by people yet deeply alone , like my emotions had no place to land . I questioned whether I was too much or not enough , and that silenced echoe louder than words . Through reflection , I began to understand that loneliness isn't a flaw it's a signal . I learned to listen to it , to create space to myself and to build connection from the inside out . Now , I offer that same space to others who feel unseen , helping them reconnect with their voice and worth.

For years, my identity was wrapped up in being “Mom.” I loved raising my two kids—and still do—but I reached a point where I barely recognized myself outside of who I was for them. As they grew more independent and eventually left for college, I had to rediscover what brought me joy, what dreams I had set aside, and who I was apart from parenting. That journey included grief, growth, and learning to give myself permission to dream again. Now, I help other women reconnect with their passions, purpose, and confidence—even while still being great moms.

I have two adult children, both approaching retirement age, who still blame and resent me as a mother. For years, I felt sad and envious of my friends’ child relations. I thought if I just said it this way or didn't do that that we'd progress. While I understand they could feel betrayed using the perfect mother model, I no longer accept the perfect mother standard. I now understand that past mistakes don't define me today. I was being unrealistic in the present. And once I "got it" things improved, and I felt better. The first big step was to stop listening to abusive complaints and accusations. Today I use a soft voice to say enough now I’m hanging up. Then I do. Once I got clear on my boundaries, their behavior improved (and so did mine!). It's been a long journey with periodic missteps. With help I have more tools to work with. I'm not as angry. I have hope and even some satisfaction. If you are ready to get off that toxic treadmill, join me. Let's find your boundaries.

I’m an introvert who grew up in a family of introverts. I had no childhood friends because of homework and music lessons. A divorce and estrangement from family left me on my own entirely. My adult friendships were few, occasionally satisfying, but contact was sporadic. After retiring, I relocated to an area where I knew no one. Although now eager for connection, I had few social skills, and my initial efforts were fraught with unrealistic expectations in a closed community culture. It took a while, but I’ve turned the corner. A few deep friendships, a weekly Friday afternoon social group at my house, volunteer activities and counseling made the difference. It’s not an overnight solution, but I’m proof that a satisfactory, joyful recovery from isolation and loneliness by learning new skills is possible. It requires willingness to expand your comfort zone, persistence, resilience, a growth mind-set and good humor. Join me. Let’s start your journey to connection and healing.

When both of my kids got married and moved out, I didn’t expect the shift to hit so hard. I had been a stay-at-home mom and homeschooled both of them from kindergarten through high school—my world revolved around being their mom. Suddenly, the house was quiet and I was alone with myself in a way I hadn’t been in decades. It felt earth-shattering, like I had lost a piece of who I was. I found myself wondering what came next and if I even knew who I was outside of motherhood. I still live with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD, and this new stage of life added another layer of complexity to my mental health journey. But I also saw it as a chance to rediscover myself. I became a Certified Peer Support Specialist because I wanted to turn my pain into purpose. I know what it’s like to sit in the quiet and not know where to begin again—and I also know it’s possible to find a new sense of self on the other side. If you're in this transition too, I’d love to talk.

Coming out at 28 and building a life with a same-sex partner took courage, patience, and a deep sense of purpose. Over three decades later, that partnership is still going strong—with two grown children, a loving home, and a lot of wisdom gained along the way. With 25 years as a school counselor, there’s firsthand insight into the challenges people face around identity, parenting, family conflict, loss, and the big transitions that define us—like becoming a parent, starting a career, or retiring. This is someone who understands what it means to raise children in a non-traditional family, to help others navigate their coming-out journeys, and to walk beside people as they step into new phases of life. Whether you're trying to build a life that reflects who you are, support your kids through change, or simply find your footing again, you're not alone.

I’ve spent years as a mother of three adult children and grandmother to three beautiful grandkids. From managing my husband’s chronic health challenges to guiding my kids through their own personal struggles, bullying, and the tough transitions of school, I’ve been through the full spectrum of parenting experiences. Balancing being both a part-time working parent and a full-time mom, I’ve learned how to be present while also finding time for myself. The hardest part of parenting has been learning to let go as my kids grew up, all while staying deeply connected. Today, we have a close-knit family, and I’ve found that even though they’re adults now, the bond we share continues to be strong. My goal is to offer support and wisdom from the many years of navigating parenting’s tough moments, especially when it comes to transitions, letting go, and staying connected to your children through all the stages of life.

Parenting doesn’t end when children grow up—it transforms. For parents of adult children, especially those who are empty nesters or have LGBTQIA+ children, this phase of life is filled with new challenges and deeper opportunities for connection. This unique stage invites reflection, redefinition of roles, and a renewal of the parent-child relationship grounded in respect, openness, and love. Whether you're adjusting to a quieter home, learning to communicate with your adult children as equals, or embracing and supporting your LGBTQIA+ child’s authentic identity, this journey can be deeply rewarding. This profile supports parents in building bridges, letting go of control, and nurturing lifelong bonds with compassion and grace.

I know what it’s like to feel heavy, stuck, and hopeless—like no amount of effort can lift the weight. Depression can make even small steps feel impossible. Through my own healing journey, I discovered practices that rebuild hope, calm the nervous system, and reignite a sense of purpose. I’ve walked with others through the fog of depression and helped them reconnect to their worth and spark again. If you’re feeling lost, I’ll remind you—you’re not alone, and you’re not broken. Together, we’ll find gentle steps forward. You don’t have to climb the mountain today. Just take the next step

The summer before my last kid started his Senior Year of high school, I started making plans for my next phase of life. I understood that my parenting role was going to change significantly, my available time would increase, my husband and I would be together much more, and I had an opportunity to be just me again. Nothing goes as planned :) My dad got sick. I took on physical support of my dad (appointments, meals, etc ...) and emotional support of my mom. My kids came home -- ALOT. My parents were our primary daycare, so my kids are especially close to their grandparents. They spent their time visiting hospital rooms. My husband got grouchy. He really missed the kids and due to his own health challenges, couldn't return to his previous interests as easily as I could (softball, playing in a rock band, etc ...) But I was determined to learn about me again and build a future even in present chaos. That included journaling, counseling, reconnecting to friends, taking a class, trying new things, and basically BEING BRAVE !