About Me
My life changed forever on September 12, 1996, when I survived a violent abduction by three strangers. I live each day with deep gratitude that my life was spared, thanks to the swift and compassionate response of a remarkable first responder.
For a long time, I believed my story was too painful to share. But over time, that experience became the catalyst for my life’s mission: to advocate for survivors of trauma and help communities respond with greater empathy and care. The path to healing gave me insight into the power of support—and how we can show up better for those whose lives have been shattered.
For nearly twenty years, I walked alongside survivors at Prevail, a victim awareness and support program in Hamilton County, Indiana. While there, I helped establish Central Indiana’s first Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), a collaborative initiative designed to provide trauma-informed, victim-centered care.
I was honored to receive the Special Courage Award from the U.S. Attorney General in 2010, and later became the first recipient of Indiana’s Distinguished Hoosier Award—recognitions that remind me how deep and wide our stories can reach.
Today, I serve as Executive Director of The O’Connor House in Carmel, Indiana, a nonprofit that provides safe housing and hope-filled opportunities for single, pregnant women experiencing homelessness.
My book, Found, released in 2020 by Morgan James Publishing, became an instant Amazon bestseller and has been featured on the billboard in Times Square. More importantly, however, are the readers I have heard from who needed to know that healing is possible after a life-changing tragedy.
I’ve had the privilege of sharing my story and message with local and national audiences—from first responders and medical professionals to law enforcement, military personnel, faith leaders, and survivors. I also serve on the Hamilton County Community Corrections board, a full-circle experience that continues to deepen my commitment to lasting change.
At the heart of all I do is this belief: our most painful chapters can become a catalyst for hope and transformation—not just for ourselves, but for others.