At age 26, I beat cancer. But five years later, doctors told me that a routine scan of my brain showed an aneurysm that was about to rupture.

I had a series of three brain surgeries in 2011 to remove the aneurysm. During those months I spent lying in bed, in pain so intense I wanted to die, I realized I had a choice for how I could move forward. Now I teach others how to make that same choice.

I designed my presentations to help organizations adapt to change and crisis when the stakes are high. I’ve done the research and I’ve lived it: I know that resilience in the face of major stress is possible, and I know how to get it done. Audience members who hear my presentations say my strategies make it easier to manage change, cope with anxiety, bounce back, let go of “the plan,” and get clarity when life, love, or work throw you a curveball.

I love to work with what I call “Pillar Professionals”^TM – people whose roles require they remain solid, like a pillar, regardless of chaos or change around them. Typical Pillar Professionals^TM are often found in education, healthcare, administration, customer service, sales, and IT. The people in these roles are called on to be highly resilient because of the pressure of their work and their critical position at the foundation of their organization.

When I’m not on stage working with one of my incredible clients as a motivational speaker, I’m serving my community. In fact, my research shows that giving back to others is the singe best way to get perspective on our own struggles. So I volunteer as the President of the Austin chapter of the National Speakers Association, and I’m on several nonprofit boards. I got my Masters Degree in Philanthropy from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.  I’ve been honored with the Leadership Austin Ascendant Award, as well as my high school’s Distinguished Alumnae Award.  I’ve also been recognized by Austin Monthly magazine as one of “20 in their 30s,” and by GivingCity magazine as one of 2012’s “New Philanthropists.”