Growing up, money was a constant source of stress in our household. My mom—doing her best as a single parent while managing mental-health challenges—didn’t have the tools to navigate finances. By middle school, I was running our household budget and paying the bills. It wasn’t the childhood most kids imagine, but it taught me to be resourceful, responsible, and determined. For a few years, my sist
er and I lived with our grandparents. That experience felt like stepping into a different world—one with stability, support, and simple things like consistent meals and clean clothes. My grandmothers and great-grandmother were strong, steady influences. And during the school year, my junior-high track coach, Mr. He showed up when others didn’t, taught me perseverance, and reminded me that even when life feels heavy, you can still chase big goals and be a good human. Sports became a throughline. I earned an athletic scholarship, but without a roadmap for balancing academics, training, recovery, and finances, I struggled to navigate the student–athlete puzzle. I learned the hard way that talent opens doors, but structure and support keep you moving forward. At 18, I was on my own. I considered the Navy, worked in banking, and even audited a riverboat casino. I took the long road through college—eight years—while raising a family. When I finally graduated, Ford Motor Company offered me an incredible role, but I chose to stay close to home and work in tax accounting instead—putting values and family over a flashy title. My story has had highs—like the time I shared with my dad before he disappeared—and lows, like the chaos of being a teenager parenting her own parent. Every piece built grit, empathy, and a commitment to do better for others. As my child became an athlete, I saw the game from the sideline too—the early mornings, the travel, the recruiting conversations, the pride and the pressure families carry. Having lived the experience as a former athlete, a parent, and now watching my daughter coach has given me a unique perspective on the demands of performance both on and off the field. Those experiences ultimately led me to become a financial advisor. I understand what it feels like to face financial uncertainty and how valuable it can be to have guidance when making important decisions. Today, I work with athletes, coaches, and families who are highly accomplished in their professions but may not have had the formal education around personal finance, wealth management, or long-term planning. My role is to help simplify complexity, provide prospective, and support clients as they make important financial decisions and align their resources with what matters to them. I help clients make informed decisions, navigate periods of opportunity and change, and stay focused on the goals that are most important to them—on the field and beyond.
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