I was born and raised in Miami to a Nicaraguan mother and a Cuban father. Though I was born in the U.S., my first language was Spanish and I speak it fluently. My parents immigrated to escape communism and a civil war and built their lives in the U.S. in their later years. I am my mother's 8th child and my father's 4th so I come from a big family.

I was a caregiver for my mother as she faced and ultimately passed from cancer. I’ve also walked through the loss of a former partner to suicide and have close ties to the veteran community. Within my own family, I’ve witnessed the impact of both substance use and mental health challenges. My healing journey has included many years of trauma therapy, and today I continue to care for myself through somatic coaching and other practices. Prioritizing my mental health isn’t just something I encourage for others—it’s a commitment I live by every day. I strive to practice what I preach.

I am happily married and am a fur mom to Sammy, a Parson Russell Terrier. (Like a good dog mom and singer, you know she has her own album of songs by me). I’m grateful for an incredible support system made up of a few close family members but mostly friends—the family we choose. Along my journey, I’ve been blessed to meet amazing individuals who have played a vital role in shaping my life.