BIO
Hello Friends...
Have you experienced pain and adversity, and need a comeback? Do you have a dream you want to see happen? Believe it or not, that picture on the right was me many years ago. I overcame a life-changing accident to find purpose, happiness, and hope, and I want to help you to find it, too. I can teach you how to be resilient, turn your pain into purpose, and your adversity into opportunity!
Who would've known that many years later God would turn that "Halo" into a crown as Ms. Wheelchair Ohio? Or that I would travel the world as a chaplain for the Paralympics, play wheelchair sports, author books, even complete 14 marathons? I have seen amazing things happen as I learned to take control of my attitude, my actions, and my faith, and the same can happen for you.
I am excited to see what amazing things God can do in your life, too! Shall we get started?
My Story
Who am I...
At 20 years old and a junior in college, I hit my head on the bottom of a swimming pool and was paralyzed from the neck down. In one second, I went from promising college student to life in a wheelchair, devastated that I might never twirl a baton, play piano or guitar, or even hold a brush ever again. My life and my dreams hung in the balance, and I wondered if I would ever be happy again.
But I was determined that nothing would paralyze my spirit. My relationship with God was my rock; my mom never left my side, my family and friends prayed and supported me, and I channeled all my energy into therapy, hoping that one day I would walk again. But even if I didn't, I was still going to have a great life.
I spent 4 months in the hospital and rehab. When I got home, I returned to college, and three years later, with the help of my mom to take notes and type my papers (that I wrote!), I graduated from the University of Cincinnati, Magna Cum Laude! I joined the staff of a campus ministry, which was my dream before my accident.
What I did about it...
During that time, professors asked me to share my story in their classrooms. I was asked to speak in sororities and fraternities about how I stayed positive and worked hard to rebuild my life. I felt more and more called to speak full-time and inspire and motivate others to have hope, courage and faith in their toughest challenges.
Then an interesting thing happened. A wheelchair user on campus invited me to join the wheelchair rugby team. Through my teammates I discovered wheelchair track and field, and learned other recreational sports I could do in my wheelchair. And then, someone challenged me to the New York City Marathon. It absolutely changed my life.
Friend, I have learned to take control of my attitude, my actions, and my faith to make a great life out of what was once a devastating accident. Little did I know that one day I would become Ms. Wheelchair Ohio 2002 - 2003, the 2nd runner up for Ms. Wheelchar America, and more dear to my heart, the People's Choice Award.
After my accident, I thought I would never travel again. But then, 10 years later, I was invited to do a wheelchair sports outreach in an Asian country. Then I was invited to be a chaplain (minister) for the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece, which was super special, because I am Greek! With the help of my mom, we served together, and since then, I have been a chaplain for the Paralympics in Torino 2006, Vancouver 2010, and London 2012.
I am humbled to be one of Columbus Business First's "Forty Under 40" honorees in 2010, and most recently, one of four of central Ohio's "Remarkable Women" of 2020.
How it's changed my life...
Life with a disability is extremely challenging, but I have found that with faith, attitude, and courageous action, you can take your adversities and turn them into opportunities, and your pain and into life-fulfilling purpose.
It's a great place to walk beautifully bold... come along with me,
I'LL SHOW YOU HOW.
