From the Front Lines to the Classroom: A New Chapter in Advocacy

I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately. Twelve years in the field of victim services will do that to you. It’s the kind of career that changes you, shapes you, and humbles you all at once. When you’re standing beside people in their darkest moments, you realize quickly that the work isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.

I still remember my very first case. I was terrified of saying the wrong thing terrified of messing up this moment that mattered so much to her. But it turned out she didn’t need anything fancy. She just needed my hand, someone steady to hold on to, someone who saw her as more than the terrible thing that had happened.

From that day forward, I have witnessed the unimaginable amount of strength it takes to go from victim to survivor. I’ve sat through countless interviews, late-night calls, undercover operations, and those unpredictable moments where you walk into the unknown simply because someone needed you to show up. I’ve been there as people broke apart… and been blessed to watch them rebuild piece by powerful piece when someone finally gave them back just a little bit of control.

I’ve spent overnights in domestic violence shelters, mopping floors while survivors and their babies slept safely nearby. I’ve built relationships with law enforcement, earned the trust and respect to train officers on trauma-informed response, and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with State Attorneys as they prosecuted some of the worst child sex cases imaginable. I’ve stood beside survivors in packed courtrooms, holding my breath as justice was spoken out loud.

And the human trafficking survivors… there are no words strong enough. They forever hold a special place in my heart their courage, their resilience, the way they fight for freedom even after freedom has been stolen.

Every role, every case, every person has taught me something. The laughs, the tears, the long drives, the friendships that feel more like family they’ve all been part of the calling God placed on my life. He took the places where I was once broken and turned them into a light I could shine for others.

Now, I’m stepping into a new chapter. One where I get to take everything I’ve learned in the field and pour it into the next generation of criminal justice professionals. I’m excited for the challenge. I’m excited to teach. I’m excited to continue the mission in a new way by helping future responders understand that justice begins with compassion.

To the survivors who trusted me with their stories thank you.
To the partners who fought beside me thank you.
To God, who has healed me and allowed me to serve from a place of purpose thank You.

Here’s to continuing the work. Here’s to building safer communities, one student at a time. 💙❤️💕