- Meet Our Team -
Housing Supervisor
Why I’m here: I’m here today because, during one of the darkest moments of my life, I reached out to Ava Health through Facebook Messenger when my nephew was in the midst of a mental health and substance use crisis here in the Valley. I’m going to refer to the person I spoke with as “they,” because at the time I didn’t know exactly who I was communicating with—only that I was desperate for help. Tragically, it was already too late, and we lost my nephew, Kenneth Ray, to suicide. It was the most devastating experience I’ve ever lived through. But during that heartbreak, something unexpected happened. That tragedy opened the door to one of the most meaningful opportunities I’ve ever been given. After they offered their condolences and kind words—and after I had spent time reading their posts and learning about their mission—I felt compelled to express my interest in joining their team. I went through the process, and I am truly blessed to be here today. Everyone has been so gentle, supportive, and kind. I’m grateful to be part of a place where compassion is lived, not just talked about. I am here, because I want to make a difference. I want to help people. Ava Health provides me the opportunity to actually do that. And be surrounded by others that also truly want that as well.
About me: I was fortunate to grow up in a loving family and have had a good life overall. But even with a solid foundation, I can remember moving through periods of darkness and deep sadness throughout my life. I never fully understood why—until much later.
At 45, I very unexpectedly landed a job as a Mental Health Worker at an inpatient psychiatric hospital. From the very first day I stepped onto the unit, something clicked. For the first time, I felt a sense of purpose—like I had finally found the place I was meant to be. Everything that once felt confusing suddenly made sense.
For the past six years, I’ve worked closely with adults experiencing severe mental health challenges, many compounded by substance use. And while I show up every day to support them, the truth is that helping others has helped me. I often told our patients that they probably helped me more than I helped them—and I meant it. They are some of the most resilient, talented, and remarkable human beings I’ve ever known.
What I’ve learned is simple: when you meet people exactly where they are, and when you treat them with dignity, compassion, and respect, you can change the entire tone of their experience. Sometimes, that alone is what makes the difference.
How I Show Up at Ava:
I show up at Ava with an eagerness to learn—whether it’s something completely new or constructive feedback. I welcome advice and guidance because I want every tool available to improve myself and better support our clients. I am a hard worker, and I take great pride in my work.
What grounds me: I stay grounded by leaning on my amazing coworkers and staying connected with my beautiful son in Texas. My little fur baby, Mona, keeps me smiling—especially on our walks. But my ultimate happy place? Water + sunshine. If it’s summer, you will always find me at a pool, lake, or river. Deep down, I’m convinced I’m actually a mermaid in disguise 😊. And to end the day, nothing beats sitting under the stars with candles or a cozy fire.
