About Me
I have enjoyed my AMAZING journey, my passion path, that I feel GOD has led me on. I am a person with a disability with many abilities. I have been losing my vision since I was born due to a hereditary blinding condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa. Since it is hereditary I also have other family members that are affected. So I say Vision loss and having other loved ones that are going blind, it’s my norm. I adjust and adapt best I can each time I lose my vision. It is a blessing to wake up each day to be here for my family and others. I continue to live life and make the best of it with my family. I continue to EDUCATE, ADVOCATE, and bring AWARENESS about individuals who are visually Impaired and Blind. I’m still shining and pressing on with life even when many obstacles/road blocks come my way. I’ll tell you this, life is never dull!
Along with spending time with family I enjoy time with friends. I love to laugh and make others laugh. It puts a HUGE smile on my face to make someone smile or laugh. FAITH, HUMOR, and family Support has helped me along in my life. My journey in helping others with disabilities especially my own personal experiences has motivated me to further my education and strive to my ultimate goals. With the support of my family and friends, with doors closing and new doors opening, my life lessons, and more, I am Grateful and Thankful to GOD for my strength and leading me on this wonderful journey I am so passionate about.
"When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we took so long at
the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened up for us” - Helen Keller
Educational Background
. I received a Master’s of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from The University of North Texas (UNT). I was selected as the 2017 Outstanding Graduate Student in Rehabilitation Counseling (Online) by the Department of Disability and Addiction Rehabilitation at the University of North Texas, which I received an award for. I also have become a member of the CSI- Counseling Academic & Professional Honor Society International – Rho Kappa Chapter. I received a Bachelor’s of Liberal and Fine Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA).
Additional Certificates include;
Life Coaching specific training in Motivational Interviewing through the Life Coaching Institute of America (LCIA).
Rehabilitation Studies
Certified Community Health Worker, CHW
Self-Help Groups
Some of my personal and work experience all have given me experiences working with;
Support Groups for Individuals who are Visually Impaired and Blind
Adults and Young adults with Vision Loss and Blindness and multiple disabilities
Crisis/Trauma and Young adults
Young Adults with Mental Health Illnesses
And more…
I’ve been a devoted volunteer/Mentor for various organizations, such as;
Low Vision Resource Center and Owl Radio Support Group Facilitator/Outreach Volunteer
TexasParent2Parent – Parent Mentor/Medical Education Family Faculty
Foundation Fighting Blindness San Antonio/Austin TexasChapter Community Outreach/Social Networking Facltator Volunteer
Family Services San Antonio
RP Social Host 2016- 4 day event
And more…