Overcoming self-doubt and building personal confidence

Cathy H.

I’ve faced many challenges in my life, from losing both my parents and navigating a tough childhood to dealing with harassment and living next to a volatile neighbor. These experiences taught me resilience and the importance of confronting fear rather than avoiding it. One of my most rewarding experiences was running an organization for women and girls with UN Women in LA. I helped a woman who felt unsupported due to ageism. By encouraging her to trust herself and find her voice, I saw her confidence grow. That’s the kind of support I want to offer others is creating a space where they can build confidence and feel empowered. Through mentoring and guiding others, I’ve learned that true growth comes from offering space for people to discover their potential. I’m passionate about helping others face their challenges with strength and confidence, just as I’ve had to do in my own life.

Navigating the challenges of special needs parenting and co-parenting through separation

Christine I.

I’ve been through a lot when it comes to parenting—raising four children, two of whom were adopted with special needs. My journey started with a very traditional upbringing, where gender roles were strictly defined. I married young and, over time, found myself taking on more of the responsibility for our children’s care, including advocating for them when they needed extra support. Unfortunately, this led to a growing disconnect between my ex and me, and we eventually separated. But through open communication and a focus on co-parenting, we’ve managed to create a positive environment for our children. Raising adopted kids, especially those with trauma, has been incredibly challenging. My son, Anthony, has severe ADHD, a history of substance exposure, and a head injury, which makes his needs complex. My daughter, Juliette, has autism, which added layers to our parenting experience. I know what it's like to feel overwhelmed and isolated, especially when you're trying to navigate the systems and support your children in ways others may not fully understand. But through it all, I’ve learned resilience. I’ve become a mentor for other parents dealing with similar struggles, whether it's understanding special education laws or finding ways to make sure their children are heard and supported. I’ve realized that advocating for my children, even through the hardest times, has made me stronger—and I want to help others do the same.

The light at the end of the tunnel.

Jamie H.

Hello, my name is Jamie Henkin and I’m a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I experienced mild depression as a young child and it seemed to increase along with added anxiety as I grew older. I noticed it having a profound effect in and on my life as I entered my 30’s. I wasn’t as knowledgeable about healthy coping skills back then as I am now. Over the last 25 years, I used therapy and prescription medications to cope with my anxiety and depression, though not consistently. Unfortunately, in stressful times, when I couldn’t manage my symptoms, I turned to drug and alcohol use, which led me to hit rock bottom three times. All of these periods, included suicidal ideations, and two of them alcohol related consequences. Several months ago, I spent 30 days in a residential treatment center which saved my life and taught me healthy coping skills. It’s my goal to pass on my knowledge to you in the hopes that you can heal as well.

Balancing parenthood and a professional career

Kristi G.

Becoming a parent later in life brought both joys and challenges I hadn’t expected. While some parenting experiences feel universal, I’ve learned that others — like balancing parenthood with a professional life or navigating the world as a parent of color — can be deeply unique. I’ve also found that parenting isn’t just about raising children, but about learning how to show up in different spaces, including among other parents, at schools, and in communities that don’t always reflect my own experiences. Along the way, I’ve thought a lot about how to advocate for my child, connect with the right support services, and step into leadership roles where needed. My journey has taught me that parenthood is about more than just surviving the day-to-day — it’s about building belonging for both yourself and your child.

Deciding whether to stay after they cheat

Myles H.

When someone you love betrays you, everything starts spinning. I watched one of my closest friends go through this exact storm—her boyfriend cheated and got another woman pregnant. She was devastated but still thought maybe she could work through it. And I get that. I’ve seen what loyalty can make us hold onto, even when it’s breaking us. I sat with her in the mess. Not with quick advice or judgment—but with empathy. We talked about everything she felt: the shame, the heartbreak, the anger, the part of her that still wanted to believe in him. When she was ready, I asked her to describe what she truly wanted in a relationship—not what she had, but what she deserved. Then I gently had her compare the two. That clarity was powerful. She realized she wasn’t crazy or weak for considering staying—she was just human. But she also realized staying would cost her peace.

Navigating addiction and mental health when you feel completely lost

Teko D.

I’ve been to the bottom—the kind of bottom where it feels like there’s no way out. I survived domestic violence, battled alcohol addiction, and spent time homeless while trying to make sense of a mental health system that didn’t always feel made for me. I didn’t just feel lost; I felt invisible. But through all of that, something kept me going. My faith played a big part in that, and slowly, step by step, I found my way into healing. I now work as a Mental Health and Recovery Peer Specialist, supporting others who are facing similar storms. I also mentor at-risk youth and share my story in a deeply honest way, including in my book Till Death Do Us Part... Hell in Paradise, which talks about a trip meant to destroy me that turned into a turning point. My mission now is to be the kind of support I desperately needed back then—real, raw, and rooted in hope. If you're feeling like there’s no one who gets it, I’m here to show you that you're not alone, and that the darkness doesn’t get the last word.