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Sometimes I sit with a heavy thought, the kind that doesn’t rush in loudly, but settles quietly in mind, especially in quiet moments. I think about how different life could have been if I had been given the chance to simply live… instead of constantly learning how to survive. There’s a grief that comes with that realization. A deep, complicated grief for the version of me that never got to exist. For the childhood that was shaped more by fear than freedom. For the years spent

I don’t always remember the date right away, but my body does. There are certain dates my body remembers before I do. I don’t always wake up and think, “This is that day." Sometimes it’s quieter than that. Heavier. A tension I can’t explain. A weight or profound sadness that settles in before I’ve even had time to name it. And then I realize. This week marks the anniversary of the last time I was trafficked. There’s no ceremony for days like this. No clear script fo

Recently I heard a song that stopped me in my tracks. The lyrics described something I have lived with for years but often struggle to explain to people who have never experienced trauma. As I listened, I found myself thinking, this is exactly what it feels like to live in a body that remembers. As a survivor of human trafficking, I’ve learned that healing isn’t just about leaving the situation behind. It’s also about learning how to live with a nervous system that spent a lo

Raising awareness that the realities of human trafficking go far beyond human trafficking awareness month. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Every year, I see social media posts, events, trainings, and fundraisers aimed at shining a light on an issue that desperately needs attention. And I’m truly grateful for that. Awareness matters. Education matters. Conversations matter. But as a survivor of human trafficking, January brings up conflicting feelings for me. On

The passing of Virginia Giuffre is a profound loss, deeply felt by many survivors of human trafficking. Her death, whether a suicide or not, is tragic. This loss highlights the ongoing, complex journey of healing from trauma, which is lifelong and often messy. It's crucial to remember that taking time for self-care is not a sign of weakness but a necessity.

While we have made a lot of progress over the years in raising awareness of the issue of human trafficking, there still appears to be a...

In February I had the pleasure of meeting with a group of poetry students and their coach from Boca Raton Community High School. They...

Last month when we did an interview on the Talk It Up Radio Show Jan Edwards mentioned the “deep posts” I write on social media and on my...

We live in a society where people are bought and sold. Every year, MILLIONS of children, women, and men become victims of human...

I recently made several trips to Tallahassee with two other survivor warriors and two of our biggest supporters to testify in committees...

“I could NEVER get up and share my story,” I declared to three of my friends at the 6th Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Day in...

The last quarter of this year has been an unexpected season of great pain and sorrow. In September we were hit with hurricane Irma. The...

Earlier this week I interviewed by Karla Ray for an award I will be receiving next month. Karla works for Channel 9 News, so of course I...

Sixteen years ago I sat alone in fear while waiting for the doctor to enter the room. I was fourteen years old, covered in cuts,...

Statistics tell us that the average price of slave/ human trafficking victim in today’s society is $90. Self-worth is something many...

Five years ago I couldn’t imagine telling a single person the things that happened to me when I was younger. I was overwhelmed by many...

It takes a lot of courage for survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, childhood abuse or any type of abuse to share their...

It’s easy for people in small towns to be ignorant to the reality of what is happening around the world. There are so many people,...

Last week I had the opportunity to go to Carmel, California to speak at the high school three different times. It was the first time I’ve...