How a cradle Catholic who didn't know Jesus found something more
I grew up Catholic, but I didn't know Jesus. I didn't know He was God. I didn't know He was truly present in the Eucharist. I didn't even know why He died for me.
So I built my life on what the world promised would make me happy. I climbed the corporate ladder to Chief Information Officer, believing a good job and money would do the trick. Behind the success I was addicted to porn, alcohol, marijuana and food. I struggled with bulimia and battled my weight. I committed adultery and had a warped sense of love. I was always insecure, especially at work, where I felt like an imposter no matter how high I climbed. So I built my life on what the world promised would make me happy. I climbed the corporate ladder to Chief Information Officer, believing a good job and money would do the trick.
I Had It All… and Nothing
Coming Home
In 2013, at 42 years old, I went back to Confession and Mass. It changed my life completely.
For the first time I met Jesus in the Eucharist. I learned who He is, what He did for me and how much He loves me. And God began healing me in ways I can only call miraculous. After more than 20 years of addiction to marijuana, I consecrated myself to Jesus through Mary. On the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, He set me free.
But I still had so much to learn. I didn't know how to pray. I didn't understand the spiritual battle. When I stepped into ministry in 2018, I had no idea of the attacks that would come. Everything I teach today, I learned the hard way, on my knees.
The Hardest Season
In mid 2023 my husband retired and we bought 40 acres on a hilltop in Tennessee. It was supposed to be our retirement dream.
On October 25 my dad went into the hospital. He never came home. He died on Christmas Day. Just 33 days later my husband died unexpectedly, with no warning signs at all. The two most influential men in my life... gone.
I have never been closer to Jesus and Our Lady of Sorrows than I was during that time. And in that closeness, they asked me to do something I would NEVER have imagined in my wildest dreams. Leave Chicago. Move to Tennessee, where I knew no one. Build a retreat home on that hill.
Truthfully. I struggled to say yes and debated why this idea wasn't such a good one. Jesus couldn't possibly be serious. I was so afraid... tears falling almost daily type of afraid. But I had walked with God long enough to know He is faithful, so I trusted Him. I put on the Armor of God and fought through the longest and loneliest year of my life.
Today that hilltop is home to the Soul, Mind and Body Retreat, a bishop-approved Catholic retreat where 12 women at a time come to rest, heal and encounter Christ. The land meant for our retirement now holds a chapel for Mass, Confession and Adoration. This is a place for pampering, privacy, reflection and rest.
From Grief to Grace
My life is proof that it's never too late and no one is too far gone. If God could find me, He can find you.
That's why I help others deepen their relationship with God and live their faith boldly. Through speaking, Go Deep, my podcast, coaching and the retreat, I walk with people as they encounter Jesus in the Sacraments, learn why we believe what we believe, grow in prayer, fight the spiritual battle and go out as disciples.
I want you to Find Something More... because life can be so joyful when we do.
Why I Do This
What People Are Saying