About Us
About the Founder
With over a decade of experience in education and mission-driven nonprofit work, I am dedicated to empowering caregivers of youth living with mental illness. My personal journey began when I adopted J.R. and his younger brother from foster care, an experience that profoundly shaped my advocacy and inspired the creation of Trauma Youth Support Services (TYSS). At TYSS, I combine my professional expertise and personal passion to ensure caregivers have the resources, tools, and community they need to navigate their unique challenges with confidence and compassion.
The Catalyst
At just eight years old, J.R. was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), bringing intense emotional struggles and behavioral challenges to our family. By age 11, J.R. had endured four hospitalizations, each one leaving us feeling more isolated and unsupported. As his sole caregiver, I faced the profound fear, frustration, and loneliness that often accompany caring for a child with mental illness, especially during crises.
This painful journey illuminated a critical gap in resources for families like mine—a gap that demanded action. Determined to make a difference, I founded TYSS, a nonprofit driven by a powerful mission: to ensure no caregiver faces these challenges alone. TYSS bridges the gaps in support, providing caregivers with essential tools, resources, and a compassionate community to empower them in offering the care their loved ones need and deserve.