Trauma Youth Support Services, Inc.
About the Founder
With over a decade of experience in education and mission-driven nonprofit work, I am deeply committed to empowering caregivers of youth living with mental illness. My journey took a transformative turn when I adopted J.R. and his younger brother from foster care. This life-changing experience not only shaped my advocacy but also inspired the founding of Trauma Youth Support Services (TYSS).
At TYSS, I bring together my professional expertise and personal passion to ensure caregivers are equipped with the resources, tools, and supportive community they need. My mission is to help caregivers navigate their unique challenges with confidence, resilience, and compassion, fostering hope and healing for both themselves and the youth they care for.
My Inspiration
Adopted from foster care at the age of 3, J.R. was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at just 8 years old. This diagnosis brought intense emotional struggles and behavioral challenges that deeply impacted our family. By the time J.R. turned 11, he had endured multiple emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and intensive outpatient treatments.
As his sole caregiver, I experienced the profound fear, frustration, and isolation that often accompany the responsibility of caring for a child with mental illness—especially during moments of crisis.
This painful journey revealed a critical gap in resources for families like mine—a gap that demanded action. Determined to create meaningful change, I founded TYSS, a nonprofit organization with a powerful mission: to ensure that no caregiver ever faces these challenges alone. TYSS bridges the gaps in support by providing caregivers with essential tools, vital resources, and a compassionate community. Our goal is to empower caregivers to offer their loved ones the care they need and deserve while also fostering their own well-being.