My life has been shaped by stories. I was first exposed to the tradition of storytelling as a child growing up in Atlanta, where I developed a love for hearing people talk about their lives.
     This was the foundation of my firm belief that stories have the power to foster empathy, to nurture understanding, and – ultimately – to heal.
     As a young adult, I spent an extended period in Central America living with host families. It was there that I learned to speak Spanish, which opened up a new world to me as I learned from people whose lives were distinct from my own.
     Their accounts of resilience described systems of oppression so enduring that I am still working to comprehend them today. And yet, their stories of la lucha, of surviving and finding joy in impossible situations, helped illuminate the
path I continue on today.
     In 2010, my wife and I moved to the Southside of Chicago, where we have lived and worked ever since.
     Through the years, my career led me to the intersection of social work, education, and mental health. This was a natural fit, not only because the convergence of social work and education pushed me to grow as an advocate and ally, but because mental illness was a part of my own story. Along my mental health journey, I found many of my strengths lie in standing in solidarity with those seeking mental wellness for themselves.
     During my time as a social worker, therapist, and educator, I have been witness to countless stories from people from many walks of life.
     These stories compelled me to focus my efforts in various areas over the years: accompanying parents navigating their children’s developmental and emotional needs; leading experiences with adults with chronic mental illness as they found their place in the world; seeking new directions with youth who were caught up in affiliations they wanted to leave far behind them; being present with gay, queer, and trans individuals discovering themselves in identities that were once hidden; dreaming with those brave enough to seek safety and belonging for their families in a foreign land. Their stories taught me about humanity, the world, and myself.
     Some years ago, I shifted my focus to raising our two kids and weaving a new set of stories. This experience brought tremendous learning for me, deepening my understanding of child development, the rigors of parenting, and appreciating the intricacies of life that can only be learned from children.
     In returning to the realm of mental health as a professional, I look forward to the chance to hear more stories, share what I have learned, and walk beside people on their paths to healing.