Our Stories
Share the power of long-term recovery. If you are in recovery, a family member, friend or ally of someone in recovery, we want to hear your recovery story!
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Faces & Voices of Recovery's book page
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US Recovery Delegates
Alabama
Alaska
I have over 40 years of professional insurance experience combined with 20 years of recovery experience. This puts me in the position of being able to help people in recovery with their insurance issues.
I have served on a number of boards and commissions that have addressed recovery issues on both the statewide and local levels. I serve as the Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Rainforest Recovery Center, a local inpatient facility which is part of the Bartlett Regional Hospital. I am particularly effective in dealing with legislators and local assembly members in educating them about recovery issues and funding programs. I also serve on the Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska Broker Advisory Council which gives me the opportunity to provide input to the underwriters about alcohol and substance abuse. In the past, the insurance industry has viewed alcoholism right up there with terminal cancer. A simple DUI is sufficient to get someone turned down for health insurance. We’re working to change that.
As a result of my recovery experience I have served on: The Alaska Legislative Task Force for Mental Health Parity; Juneau Health and Social Services Alcoholic Advisory Board; NCADD-Juneau Board; Rainforest Recovery Center Advisory Board and am currently the Group Service Representative for my local AA home group.
Arizona
Edward Grijalva '08
Arkansas
California
Amy Castro '08
Colorado
I am a woman in long term recovery who has been drug and alcohol free for over 19 years. I started my journey of recovery in May 1990 in Marshall, Texas, where there is a small recovery community but amazing people who taught me the importance of helping others and always being there to lend a hand. In 1990 I moved to Denver, Colorado with my children. The move to Denver opened wonderful opportunities for me, including becoming involved in Recovery Advocacy and learning the importance of putting a face and a voice on recovery.
I have worked in the substance abuse treatment field for over 17 years and I am currently the Executive Director for Advocates for Recovery, a grassroots Recovery Community Organization in Colorado whose primary purpose is to support those in the recovery from addiction in our state. My daily work consists of helping people in recovery find resources they need & connecting them to ongoing support systems to help them sustain abstinence and improve their lives. Sharing my recovery story with others is the highlight of each day for me.
I often get the opportunity speak in Colorado and other states to share the message that RECOVERY HAPPENS and my personal goal each day is to fight against the stigma toward people in recovery from addiction. I serve as a Commissioner on the Denver Drug Strategy Commission, I am a member of the State Action Team for the Rural Law Enforcement Methamphetamine Initiative in Colorado, and I’m the Mountain West Regional Representative on the Board of Directors for Faces & Voices of Recovery in Washington, D.C. The ultimate gift I have received as a result of recovery is a relationship with my Higher Power that I never imagined. I thank God for my recovery and I thank recovery for my relationship with God!
Connecticut
Delaware
Daniel O'Connell '08
District of Columbia
Florida
Michael Counes combines dual roles in the field of addiction treatment that are only matched by his outstanding volunteer commitment to the recovery community. In 2009 he was a national delegate to the Faces and Voices of Recovery Walk.
In his leadership roles at the nonprofit treatment facility, Hanley Center, West Palm Beach, FL, Michael is Director of Information Technology and Education and Executive Managing Director of Gate Lodge, Vero Beach, FL. The new Vero Beach facility offers Twelve-Step based addiction recovery services in a residential setting. Michael is a popular speaker on recovery topics, in venues from community to professional education and recovery groups. He has been in recovery for – years.
Michael has played a leading role in the September 2009 Recovery Month in South Florida. He serves on the Board of Casa De Recuperacion Para Alcoholicos (CARPA) in West Palm Beach, a unique nonprofit program that provides sober housing and support for Spanish-speaking, recovering alcoholic immigrants. Michael has worked with men at the Sunset House residential halfway house in West Palm Beach, and serves on the nonprofit boards of Marathon of Palm Beaches Medical Committee, and New Horizon’s Service Dogs.
Georgia
Michael Devine '08
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas and a Master’s Degree in Human Service Administration from National Louis University in Chicago, Illinois and am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS). I have been in long-term recovery for 17 years. I work for the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse as the Mental Illness Substance Abuse (MISA) Mange, where I do training and consultation on best practices for the treatment of addiction and mental illness.
Professionally and personally I have been able to see the positive outcomes of sustained recovery and speak throughout the State of Illinois on the importance of getting help for addiction, which includes advocacy efforts for recovery. I am passionate about spreading the message of hope for recovery for each individual.
Indiana
Alcohol and drug free since September of 1986, I serve as an advocate for persons suffering from substance abuse and dependence and mental illness. Upon obtaining sobriety I dedicated my career to helping professionals, policy makers, and the general public understand the dynamics of addiction.
I serve as a leader in the public health system in Indianapolis as the Associate Vice President of Midtown, a comprehensive community mental health center and division of Wishard Health Services. I also serve as the Midtown site Principal Investigator for the NIDA Clinical Trails Network’s Ohio Valley Node, designing research protocols and testing the newest addiction treatment advances.
I educate law enforcement, students of professional schools, health care professionals, and serve on a variety of national and statewide efforts aimed at prevention, smoking cessation, addiction-related legislation, and addiction workforce development.
My passion is helping everyday people gain insight into addictive illness from a common sense point of view.
Iowa
After being arrested for felony charges on his 10th birthday, I moved quickly into an adolescence of progressive delinquently and addiction. At 17, I received treatment at Youth and Shelter Services (YSS) in Ames, IA.
Since that time, I’ve remained sober through active participation in 12-step recovery programs and a commitment to advocating for the recovery of others. I served as the charter youth member on the YSS Board of Directors and today co-chair the organization’s $3M capital campaign for a new facility called the Family Life Center.
My passion for “giving back” and community service led me to a profession in the corporate community, where I manages global charitable giving activities and serve as a central resource for community outreach programs.
My professional and community involvement includes the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers Advisory Board; Past Chairperson and Central Iowa Funders Forum Chairperson, Iowa Council of Foundations. In 2007, Iowa Governor John Culver appointed me to sit on the state’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee and I was subsequently appointed to the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice where my responsibilities include advising the President and Congress on matters related to Juvenile Justice.
My many honors include being a 2009 inductee to the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame, 2009 Outstanding Contribution to the Well-Being of Children Award, 2008 Des Moines Register Iowa Star Finalist, 2008 Outstanding Young Alumnus Award from Iowa State University, and the 2007 class of the Des Moines Business Record’s Forty under 40.
Kansas
I am an Associate Professor in the Human Services Department at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, where I have been a member of the faculty for 30 years and chaired the department for 12 years. I have a Doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration; a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology; and an undergraduate degree in History and Women’s Studies – all from the University of Kansas.
I am an AAPS credentialed addiction counselor in Kansas. In 1995, I received a Fulbright to work with the Ministry of Health in Moscow, Russia providing training for physicians who work in the alcoholism treatment programs throughout the country and in 1997 received a grant from the Addiction Technolgy Transfer Center (ATTC) to develop all of the courses required for counselor certification into an online delivery system. I received a post-doctoral fellowship from the University of Wisconsin in Madison to complete a year-long program in Distance Education.
I am the Past-President for the INCASE (International Coalition for Addiction Studies and Education) and a member of the board of directors for the Native American Wellness Association and provide consultation to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Resource Center for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services.
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
William Lowenstein is the Executive Director of the New England Institute of Addiction Studies and the Director of Maine Projects for AdCare Maine since June 2006. He was the former Associate Director of the Maine Office of Substance Abuse for six years prior to leaving that position in June 2006. Bill has worked in the substance abuse field for over 24 years as a trainer, consultant, and administrator and was the Prevention Team Leader at the Office of Substance Abuse prior to becoming the Associate Director. He is the past president of the National Prevention Network and Vice President for Prevention of the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD). He was the recipient of the national Prevention Network Alumni Award in 2007. He is a former child protective supervisor and caseworker, medical social worker, day care administrator and emergency room technician. Bill is also a founding board member of the Sexual Assault Crisis Center in Lewiston and has facilitated support groups for adult male sexual assault survivors. He is also on the Advisory Board of the Maine Alliance of Addition Recovery (MAAR) and has been in long term recovery for 27 years.
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
My recovery sobriety date is September 13, 1979. The only word that comes close to describing what my recovery means to me is Miraculous. Spending many years, dating back to before the age of 10, drinking alcohol and abusing prescription pain killers, I started my journey to a new way of life at age 26. I entered addiction treatment after a suicide attempt. I felt hopeless, helpless and was filled with self hatred. I did not trust myself, my family, God, friends or anyone else in the world. It is a miracle that I am alive and I am filled with gratitude for the blessing of recovery every day.
I have worked in the field of addiction recovery for over 29 years as either a volunteer or as an employee. I have had several honors awarded to me during that time and am humbled by the fact that had God not pulled me out of the disastrous life I was barely existing in I would not have had the honor and privilege to be a part of many other alcoholic / addicts recovery. I give thanks daily for each 24 hours and the many blessings I've had.
I have a wonderful husband of 25 years, a step daughter that is like a daughter to me, and six marvelous grandchildren. With God's direction and his will One Day at a Time my life has been and will continue to be Miraculous.
Missouri
I am the Director of Community Services for the National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse (NCADA) – St. Louis Area. I’ve been with the council since 1995 and have worked in the substance abuse field for the past twenty-five years. Prior to my tenure with NCADA, I held positions as counselor, admissions supervisor and program director in treatment settings. My work typifies the Council’s efforts to provide community development, outreach services, resources and advocacy leadership on a variety of issues that pertain to alcohol and drug abuse and addiction. I oversee the largest alcohol/drug resource center in Metropolitan St. Louis, offering films, videos, literature, fact sheets, posters books and research material to the community.
I am the spokesperson for the council, providing expertise and commentary to the media on a frequent basis. I also oversee publication of the NCADA KEY, a newsletter reaching 5,000 people and the NCADA Treatment and Recovery Services Manual. I am the administrator for the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Eastern Regional Service Center contract held by the council, supervise NCADA’s Helpline and assessment/referral services and coordinate all advocacy activities for the council.
I am in long-term recovery, having been sober since September 11, 1980 and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a degree in social work from the University of Missourii. I have a strong history of advocacy on alcohol and drug abuse issues, serving as the National Policy Chair for SOAR (Society of Americans for Recovery) until 1995, and currently on the council for the Missouri Recovery Network and as a board member of the St. Louis Coalition on Addictions.
I was named to McCluer High School’s Wall of Fame in 2002 and served as an elected trustee for the municipality where I live and as Co-Chair of PROUD (People Reaching Out for Unity and Diversity) in St. Louis County. In 2007 the St. Louis Post-Dispatch named me to their Community Advisory Board. My wife Dana, an Art Therapist who counsels addicted women for the Queen of Peace Treatment Program, and I have two children, Daniel, 16 and Anna, 13
Montana
Marilyn Byrne '08
Nebraska
I am the Senior Director of Behavioral Health at Catholic Charities of Omaha. I am licensed Registered Nurse and hold a Masters of Science degree in Health Care Administration and have over 30 years of experience in behavioral health care. Some of my past experience include director positions of adult and adolescent dual diagnosis programs and youth & family programs, serving over 100 youth and families each day; and Clinical Director of a national managed behavioral health care organization.
Some of my other expertise includes development; implementation and operations management, where I have been instrumental in public/private partnerships, multiple agency collaborations, and the provision of diverse clinical site experience for an array of nursing, social work and counseling students. I’ve served on many local and national boards, as well as authoring “Breaking Away: Saying Good-bye to Drugs and Alcohol”, published in 1988.
In 2002 I participated in the Subaance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) provider panel on the Report to Congress, Co-Occurring Disorders, and in 2003 became a grant reviewer for SAMHSA. In 2003, the Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations (NABHO) named me the Professional of the Year.
Nevada
Nancy Schenck'09
I’ve been in the publishing field for 22 years. I am the executive editor of Central Recovery Press, a small independent publisher that publishes books on addiction treatment, recovery, and behavioral health care topics. I could not be doing what I’m doing today without being in recovery.
I’ve come a long way from where I was. After a series of tragic losses during my teenage years, I sought the empty darkness alcohol and other drugs provided. My drugs were all that I had left after 15 years of blackouts.
When I woke up in restraints after my third and last overdose, I knew I could no longer continue using. I have not used alcohol or other drugs since November 30, 1982. I completed inpatient treatment, where I was introduced to recovery and the 12 steps. Then, I embarked on a remarkable journey that unfolded beyond anything I had ever dreamed of before. I was working as a nurse when I came into recovery, and through the process of working the steps, I realized I didn’t want to be a nurse when I grew up. I wanted to write, so I went back to school and got a degree in creative writing.
Working the 12 Steps helped me repair my damaged relationship with my parents, who are now deceased, but each lived long enough to see me in recovery. I still attend 12-step meetings on a regular basis, sponsor women, and volunteer at a nonprofit recovery advocacy organization. The life I live today is only because of my commitment to recovery and my belief in the power of the 12 Steps.
New Hampshire
I am managing a project to implement programs and policies and respond to prison assault and working as the Directtor of Recovery Support Services at Operation PAR, Inc., where I’m working with pregnant and postpartum women in residential treatment and Latina and African American women at risk for HIV in intensive outpatient treatment. This work is building on my previous work as the Executive Director of the New Hampshire Task Force on Women & Recovery, a grassroots organization of consumers, providers and concerned citizens dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk, addicted and recovering girls, women and families.
Over the last twenty years, I’ve worked extensively with recovering women with trauma histories. I n New Hamsphire, I served on the Mental Health Commission, the Governor’s Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence and serve on the Board of Directors of New Futures.
I have a Bachelors degree in Human Development from Eckerd College and a Masters of Science in Human Services Organizational Management and Leadership from Springfield College and received graduate training in clinical psychology from the University of South Florida. I am a member of the adjunct faculty at the Springfield College School of Human Services, where I teache in the graduate and undergraduate programs. I’ve authored numerous papers on gender parity in prevention and recovery programming for adolescents and for women and girls in the criminal justice system and received a Gubernatorial Commendation from NH Governor John H. Lynch in 2006.
New Jersey
Bob began his recovery in 1986 at the age of 23. He had been kicked out of high school in 1980, dismissed from college in 1982 and could not sustain a relationship or a job for several years prior to getting sober. In 1988 he went back to school and he earned a Bachelor's degree (1991), a Master's (1992) and a Ph.D. (2001). In 1988 he also began dating Julie, and they were married in 1993. Bob has two sons - Jake born in 1995, and Ben born in 1999. He has been the executive director of a non-profit substance abuse prevention and treatment agency in New Jersey for more than 14 years and currently serves as a member of the NJ Governor's Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.
New Mexico
Randy Owensby '08
New York
North Carolina
Joseph Martinez '08
I got "Straight in "88" after a 20-year career in the music business playing in all sorts of traveling bands from cruise ships to rock concerts to hotel lounges and everything in between. The lifestyle finally took its toll and when I finally realized that the drugs and alcohol were winning and that they were no longer an option for me, I went to work at a state and federally funded treatment center in Miami. I spent twelve years there and rose through the ranks to a senior administrative position while completing my Bachelors and Law degrees. During that time I was able to travel through South America and the Caribbean sharing the word of treatment and recovery. I moved to North Carolina in 2003 where I am the Executive Director of a large Therapeutic Community. I am proud, honored and humbled every day to be part of a movement that doesn 't give back lives but builds new ones.
North Dakota
Kurt Snyder '08
I am a person in long term recovery. For the past 15 years I have been free from the grips of drug and alcohol addiction. As with most people in recovery, after all the destruction that my addiction cost me and the people around me, I have made extra efforts to make it right and be a positive member of society.
In my recovery I have been active in my support group carrying a message of hope for those still suffering from addictions. I went back to school and received a Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies and Social Work and I also have a Masters in Management. For the past ten years I have worked as a Licensed Addiction Counselor in the state of North Dakota.
Currently I am the Executive Director of the Heatview Foundation. Heatview is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit chemical dependency treatment center that was established in 1964 and has served over 36,000 patients and their families. I serve as the Chair of the North Dakota Addiction Treatment Providers Coalition and I am a member of the North Dakota Recovery Council. I am an active member of the North Dakota Addiction Counselors Association.
Ohio
Robert Byrne '08
In 1984, we sought the help of a marriage counselor, who correctly identified my addiction to alcohol and the resulting alcoholism. To preserve my marriage and family, I began attending a recovery program on a daily basis and stopped drinking alcohol at that time. My wife also sought recovery with me. This October 2009 we will celebrate 25 years of continuous sobriety. The impact of our recovery on our immediate family has been enormous. Two of our five adult children are in recovery and the other children have a real understanding of the addictive and abusive nature of alcohol. We have thirteen grandchildren who also learn about alcohol through open family conversation and example. For me, example is the key. I like to tell parents whenever the opportunity arises to “Do as I do not just do as I say”. I believe example is what young people emulate. Our family recovery has been tremendously beneficial to all of us. We are openly caring of one another and recovery has shown all of us the benefits of openly discussing and sharing family issues.
Early in my recovery our family had the opportunity to participate in a weekend dialogue about alcohol abuse and addiction with other parents and teenage children in our community. The Alcoholism Council of the Greater Cincinnati Area, an affiliate member of NCADD, sponsored this program for teenagers arrested for alcohol possession. My wife and I spoke to the parents and our recovering son, a teenager himself, talked to the kids. We participated in the program for a several years. My wife and I also co-chaired the first annual Alcoholism Council Walk in 1995 to raise community awareness of drug and alcohol addiction. We chaired this event for five years and continue to participate in the event. I also became a member of the Alcoholism Council’s Board of Trustees in 1996 and served in various capacities thru 2006. I served as President of the Board of Trustees for the two-year period 1998-99. During my years on the Board, I spearheaded a billboard campaign to raise community awareness of the Alcoholism Council and the disease of alcoholism. Call volume to the Alcoholism Council rose considerably during the campaign periods. I’ve had opportunities to publicly discuss alcohol addiction on radio programs and community outreach events. In September of 2003, I was on the program at a Noon Rally sponsored by the Hamilton County Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board on Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati. I spoke of my own recovery and the need for increased awareness of alcohol and drug addiction within our community. In 2006, I participated in the media spokesman training provided by NCADD in New York City supporting the Hope, Help and Healing Campaign.
I am a strong advocate of community awareness. I believe more needs to be done to educate all communities on the addiction and abuse of drugs and especially alcohol. We are an addictive society. Just look at the many substances that we can and do become addicted too, salt, sugar, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol to name a few. We need to constantly inform all in the community that alcohol is a mood altering-mind altering addictive substance that can harm a loved one, an innocent bystander, or ourselves.
I was born here in Cincinnati in 1940, graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1963, and married my wife, Carol in 1963 as well. I had a working career with Shell Chemical, Clopay Corp. and Red Bank Distribution and retired in 2004. We reside in Cincinnati, Naples, FL. for the winter season, and summer at the Chautauqua Institute in Chautauqua, NY
I was selected and privileged to serve as the U. S. Recovery Delegate from Ohio in 2008. I look forward to continuing to participate in the U.S. Recovery Delegates Advisory Committee.
Oklahoma
Oregon
I am a person in long term recovery who has spent the last twelve years advocating for people in recovery. I have assisted in reducing the amount of stigma that is in my community and around the state. I am a Program Manager for Catholic Community Services of Lane County Inc. where I am working on a daily basis to serve the recovery community by providing housing subsidies for low-income at risk individuals. I am a member of the Governors Methamphetamine task force, the Oregon Association of Addiction Professionals and on the Advisory committee for the Oregon State Office of Addiction and Mental Health. I get to speak around the state about the importance of recovery and people changing their lives. My spirituality has lead me to this incredible place where I get to be a part of changing the lives of many people who have a right to be honored and respected.
Pennsylvania
Casey Duffy is The Sober Samaritan. As he approached 25 years of sobriety, Casey wanted to do something special to give back what had been given to him - a new life. The Sober Samaritan, a 501(c) 3 registered charitable corporation, was founded. It's mission: To raise funds that will be used to provide treatment to an alcoholic and addict that has reached out for help. Further, to raise awareness and to generate participation from individuals and institutions not previously involved in the support of drug and alcohol treatment. Finally, to lay a foundation that will support the ongoing efforts of The Sober Samaritan, Caron, and the treatment of alcoholism and addiction.
The Sober Samaritan has grown far beyond our wildest dreams, providing multiple scholarships, hosting events, parties, and Sober New Year's Eve Gala. Casey was recently appointed to Caron Treatment Centers Board of Directors.
Casey, when he is not out speaking on behalf of those in recovery and in need of recovery, makes his living in the demolition and remediation business, and is the President and General Managing Partner of Delaware Valley Remediation headquartered in Philadelphia. He is an Eagles season ticket holder, a competitive tennis player and member of the USTA, he golfs at Spring Ford Country Club, and spends time with his three children.
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Pat Guerin '09
I am a woman in long-term recovery and have not found it necessary to pick up a drink since October 1970. I would never have believed 39 years ago that I could be free of alcohol, that I could live my life creatively and productively on a spiritual basis. I have the respect of my family and friends. Most importantly, though, I respect myself. From the beginning I havewanted to network with others like me, to learn what I can and share my experience, strength and hope. Over the years, there have been many opportunities to do so. I have presented programs for churches, schools, courts and retreats. I have also worked one on one, hoping to save one family or one person at a time from some of the misery I know all too well. All of this has brought me joy. I have worked professionally in the addiction field, but it is the work I do as an individual that I find the most rewarding. I am now at the other end of the spectrum, age-wise, and have been concerned I might lose some of these opportunities to share my recovery with others. Thereis no adequate way to describe the experience of being an A&E delegate. Being among those who are so proud of their recovery, I find myself rejuvenated and ready to begin a new chapter in my life.
Utah
Vermont
I am a person in long term recovery. Approximately 25 years ago, my boss and Vermont’s US Senator James Jeffords, suggested strongly that if I didn’t do something about my drinking I would lose my job. His gentle nature, fears and tears made an impact and I entered recovery shortly after.
About 10 years ago I decided that it was important to take a more active role in the recovery movement. I joined the Board of Friends of Recovery-Vermont and testified at a legislative hearing on substance abuse and the need to properly fund recovery services. I later became the Board President of the Recovery Center in Central Vermont and still hold that position today. I have received the Jack Barry Award, a coveted award to those who effectively communicate the message of Recovery, and the State Alcohol and Drugs office 's Award for Recovery Advocacy at the annual Substance Abuse Conference.
Virginia
John Shinholser '08
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Founder / President of TSIO
Founder, Western Wisconsin Recovery Advocates
Former Director of an AODA Recovery House
Founder, Co-producer Teen Radio
Wyoming
As Founder of a nationally-based nonprofit, Grace After Fire, Ms. Moles is dedicated to the mission of providing women veterans suffering from post traumatic stress, military sexual trauma, depression and addiction with the most accessible, affordable, and innovative resources available. She seeks to increase social acceptance and community integration through community collaborative efforts across community, state, federal, and recovering community agencies. Ms. Moles’ current focus includes women veterans’ recovery peer support and peer networks as an adjunct to mental and behavioral health therapies. Access to services includes mentor programs, Telehealth and eHealth to increase access to mental health services.
Stephanie has lived a continuous sober and drug free life since June of 1988, and has extensive background in 12 Step Recovery. She supports and encourages spirituality as a critical approach to life and recovery in efforts to further the healing process. As a Recovery Specialist, she has sponsored, mentored and successfully life coached hundreds of women in recovery for over 21 years. Her spiritually enthusiastic approach to life and recovery fuels her positive and high-energy attitude for daily living.