About Me

I have three beautiful daughters, eight precious grandchildren, and four beautiful great-granddaughters. I love singing, old movies, and spending time with family and friends.  "The Notebook" is one of my favorite movies; I watch far too many crime shows, Patsy Cline is one of my favorite singers, and there are just too many songs I enjoy to mention.

WORKING TO EDUCATE OTHERS AND TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS MY PASSION.

I experienced domestic violence at an early age in my first marriage. I didn't share that with many until years later.  I eventually divorced him and moved on, making more romantic mistakes.  Life led me in diverse directions; eventually, I became a partner in a business in Shelbyville, Indiana. As a business owner, I wanted to get involved in my community. A friend suggested I contact a local program for domestic violence victim support, as they were always in need of volunteers. I started as a volunteer and served our community for over two years as a community outreach coordinator for Turning Point Domestic Violence Services' outreach office in Shelbyville, IN.  I believe life experiences led me to this place at this time to do this work.

Later, after my business closed, I knew my next step was to work full-time in the field of domestic violence.  As I realized this problem needed to be approached differently, my focus changed.  While we should provide assistance to victims, we also need to address the person using violence. I trained with a local program, Nonviolent Alternatives. This program provided services as a batterer's intervention program.  After training with them, I facilitated classes for over two decades. I also attained a license as an Addictions Counselor. Too many times, domestic violence includes substance abuse.  I was a co-founder of the Shelby County Domestic Violence Task Force, which brought together community partners who worked together in the best interest of victims.  I was certified in Officer and Victim Safety training.

Throughout my career, it was my pleasure to have served as a panelist at the Greater Indianapolis Domestic Violence Network training, “When Domestic Violence Comes to Work.”  A panel participant for the cable TV show “Second Opinion” hosted by Dr. Cooper, IPS (Indianapolis Public Schools), broadcasting, “Issues Surrounding Domestic Violence”.

A contributing author to the book “Hear Our Voices,” a collection of stories and poems by victims of domestic violence, published and sold with proceeds going to victim services. Participant in Channel 13 public service “Shattering The Silence” campaign. Over the years, I presented courses at the state annual conference, which included "The Mind of an Abusive Person, Avoiding Collusion in BIP Programs, and Drugs, Alcohol, and Domestic Violence.

I was honored to receive the Turning Point Outstanding Volunteer Service Award for victims of Domestic Violence and sexual assault, Honors from the Zonta International women’s organization for volunteerism to improve fellowship within the community, and the 2014 recipient of the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence's award for Batterer Intervention Professional of the Year.

I believe we should all do whatever we can to end domestic violence.