I was born and raised in New Orleans...no, wait, that’s going back too far. How’s this? I’m just an ordinary person who has learned how to accomplish some extraordinary things. One of the lessons I needed desperately to learn in life was that I was a valuable and worthwhile human being, that I was at least as good as other people. Growing up I felt inferior to everyone else. It seemed that nothing I ever did was good enough. I couldn’t be perfect, no matter how hard I tried. I remember hearing myself say, "You are nothing." I thought I was nothing, I believed I was nothing, and I acted like I was nothing. Certainly I didn’t deserve to be happy. Talk about faulty thinking!

When I realized that it was my responsibility to take control of my life, things began to change. When I was twenty years old, my dad started buying me self-improvement books; he knew how unhappy I was. Not long after that, I attended a workshop on the power of the mind. I was hooked! All I wanted to study was how our minds work. I wanted to know what made me the way I was and what makes other people act the way they do. I began a lifelong journey, a quest, seeking more answers, not only to know "why," but "how." How could I make changes for the better? Along the way it became clear to me that I had to focus only on those things that were in my control. I wanted and needed to focus on changing myself --my thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Self-improvement is a never-ending journey.

Of course, I majored in psychology in college. After nine years, mostly as a part-time student, I earned a bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Applied Psychology. For ten years I worked in corporate management in training and human resources. After a life-changing event, a very personal and emotional experience that I sometimes share with audiences, I reevaluated my life and my priorities. I made major changes that affected everything. My life still has its ups and downs, just like everyone else, but now I have a deep sense of inner peace, strength, love and joy.

I am thrilled to be involved in work that I truly love; in fact, I can honestly say that I would do it even if I didn’t get paid for it. When you have a passion for your work, there is no distinction between what you do for a living and who you are.

I take pride in my affiliation with the National Speakers Association. I have given many presentations, conducted numerous seminars and workshops to companies like Pfizer, Sony, Ernst and Young, and for several years taught university-sponsored classes. The most exciting experience as a speaker was being invited to share my ideas with the CIA at their headquarters in Langley, Virginia.

And, yes, I do wear two different styles of earrings -- one on each ear. I have done this every day since 1996. It is a personal celebration of not caring so much what others think of me, and it serves as a reminder that just because you do things in the past in certain ways, you do not have to keep on doing them. You can always be open to new ideas, change, and possibilities.

As an author, professional speaker, and wellness and success coach, I have dedicated myself to helping others learn not only how to use their minds more effectively, but also how to live more joyfully and successfully. As a wellness and success coach I enjoy helping individuals achieve their goals, whatever those might be.

Think of me as a resource for you - someone you can turn to for help with a number of issues. Let me help you change the way you think, feel, and ultimately what you are able to do. I want to help you believe, deep in your heart, that you can accomplish anything you set out to do, if it’s in your control.

In my presentations and workshops, through the audio programs, and in my book, The Inside Advantage: How Ordinary People Can Accomplish Extraordinary Things, I share with you insights from my own personal journey. My intention is to expose you to different ways of thinking, and in the process touch your heart and inspire you to make a difference for yourself.

As an artist I create original works of art - mixed media paintings, jewelry, and wire tree sculptures - Tree of Love . My jewelry, art, and the Celebration of the Heart^™ Collection sprouted from my sincere passion for touching the hearts of others, and creating lasting beauty.

From my heart to yours - I hope to help you feel happier, healthier, and more successful. I wish you strength, peace, joy, and love.

P.S. I founded National Peace of Mind Week - first week in May every year.