This business is dedicated to the incredible women who brought me to life and have been there each step on my journey to finding purpose. Thank you to all who supported me, cheered me on, and helped me discover who I truly am. You are the inspiration behind everything I do.
I’m a proud mom of two teenage boys. Our lives revolve around travel soccer and high school clubs. From the busy game schedules to after-school pick-ups, I find great joy in watching my boys pursue their passions on and off the field.
My path to the nonprofit world was a little crazy—which I’m sure some of your paths to this point are, too. I majored in chemistry in college and pursued a 10-year career as a medicinal chemist at Merck and then as a Forensic Scientist in the Trace Evidence Unit at the New Jersey State Police—yes, like CSI. Now, while I wasn’t on that show, I was on an episode of Forensic Files.
After the birth of our first son, my husband and I decided to move back to my hometown to raise our children. But after two years as a stay-at-home mom, I felt a sense of emptiness and realized that I needed more in my life. I took a part-time job at a local whitewater rafting and paintball company to regain a sense of purpose and be around other adults. However, my true calling came when someone at the rafting company asked me to join the board of directors for a local homeless shelter. I learned as much as possible about the nonprofit’s mission and how my skills and strengths could best serve them. After the Executive Director suddenly left, I stepped up to fill that role. Under my leadership, we went from being barely known to one of the county’s most well-known organizations. Despite challenges with the board, I continued to work passionately, providing impactful programs, revamping our day center, and creating partnerships with local companies and schools. The most rewarding part was the impact on the families we helped – seeing children find a stable home and celebrating their wins.
However, I reached my breaking point due to a sudden and unfortunate board change that created an unhealthy work environment. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but I knew it was right. I was torn between leaving the families who depended on me and the toxic board. I had to leave. After a few days of tears and feeling like I walked away from my purpose in life, I felt a strong calling to do more and be more.
While at the homeless shelter and networking in the community, I saw a large gap in support services for individuals impacted by major and chronic illnesses. For over 8 years, along with the help of an incredibly passionate, compassionate, and knowledgeable board of directors, we created a wildly thriving and impactful program. We started brainstorming and meeting in local restaurants and had our final meeting before the merge with a larger nonprofit in a building we OWNED. Among so many highlights and accomplishments, the one we are the proudest of was opening Northeast PA’s first sensory gym for children with sensory processing disorder, autism, and other special needs.
Over the years, I have actively served in various roles for nonprofits. For two years, I dedicated my time as the PTA president for my son’s elementary school, fostering a supportive and engaging environment for students and parents alike. Additionally, I contributed to the growth and development of my community by serving on the Carbon County Chamber of Commerce Young Professional Board and Women in Business. As a member of both the Carbon County and Lehigh Valley Chambers of Commerce, I actively participated in networking events and initiatives that aimed to strengthen the local business community. Recognizing the importance of community celebrations, I volunteered to organize my town’s Christmas tree celebration, bringing joy and unity to residents during the holiday season. Furthermore, I have had the privilege of speaking to both large and small groups about the significance of supporting homeless shelters and the mission of my nonprofit organization. Through these experiences, I have developed a deep understanding of community engagement’s power and nonprofit work’s transformative power.
How has my experience led me to create this business?
Discovering who I was deep down, removing limiting beliefs, and rewriting my story led me on a journey that completely changed my life and my family in ways I never imagined. I founded a nonprofit that had a ripple effect on everyone around me, opened and operated a Bed and Breakfast that served tourists visiting my beautiful hometown of Jim Thorpe, and showed my children what a life of service offers. Transitioning from the chemistry lab to experiencing the fulfillment of helping others was transformative. Bringing smiles to children’s faces, showing empathy, and supporting people through tough times taught me that we aren’t here to live for ourselves; we’re here to help others and make a difference.
This journey required me to redefine my identity completely. I’ve learned that each step in community service has enriched my life immensely. Through Passion to Purpose Coaching, I aim to share this transformative path with you, helping you rewrite your story and explore new opportunities.
