On the Road with PartnerCafe
A Direct Service Mobile Team

I am a certified peer recovery support specialist who live with the experience  with mental illness at a very young age. I live in Ohio all my life. I have been battling with depression, PTSD, and chronic paranoid schizophrenia. At 17, I was admitted to the hospital nearly suicidal attempt. I finished high school and went to college. I was married and have a son who  was diagnosed with Asperger’s Spectrum/Autism before  he turned two years-old.

I was still battling with my own illness. My married fell apart due to complications later became homeless, my son needed my help.

I became very determined to get help for myself so I can become a stronger role-model for my son. I learned about National Alliance for the Mentally Ill from the local county ADAMHS Board. I participate in the recovery project there. I learn to develop advocacy in my wellness management and recovery through education and leadership development workshops.

I was still battling with my own illness. My married fell apart due to complications later became homeless, my son needed my help.

I became very determined to get help for myself so I can become a stronger role-model for my son. I learned about National Alliance for the Mentally Ill from the local county ADAMHS Board. I participate in the recovery project there. I learn to develop advocacy in my wellness management and recovery through education and leadership development workshops.

I choose to return to school and earned my Associate’s Degree from Lakeland Community College and later earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with Music Concentration from Lake Erie College.

After graduation, I struggled to find work. I volunteer in the Community Based Theater and other organizations to get by.

I was able to find work by acting as an extra for Hollywood films in the Greater Cleveland area. I did plus size modeling for independent  fashion designers. I decided to find work in the Greater Cleveland area to grow and educate people why mental health is important in the  black community. I have also become a great advocate for autism awareness at my son’s school.

In 2013, I started my home-based business by selling jewelry, art, crafts, self-published author/playwright and sewing. My business is called “Imaginative & Beyond: Think Outside of the Box”. I believe in creating mentorship and entrepreneurship for transitional youths with autism and mental health individuals who believe in “growth, network, support and become productive citizens. In 2017, I earned my state certified peer recovery support specialist in Columbus, Ohio. I am employed at Sisters of Charity of Augustine in downtown Cleveland, OH.

I am currently working at a medical respite care shelter for homeless men. I believe in dreamers in every place. I strongly believe that social challenges do not define anyone.