From Car Wreck to Conversion
On a rainy day in May 1997, while driving home from college on I-95 during rush hour, my car hydroplaned, hit a jersey barrier, and crossed two lanes of traffic—where it was struck on the driver’s side by a large truck. It then spun back across the highway and hit the barrier again, this time facing oncoming traffic. Miraculously, no one else was hurt. I was discharged from the hospital just hours later with stitches in my forehead and chin, and a large bump on the back of my head. A CT scan showed no internal injuries, and I didn’t even need the Tylenol they prescribed. I was simply grateful to be alive.
But four months later, I began experiencing strange symptoms in my head that no doctor could explain. It felt like my head was in the clouds—like fluid was shifting inside it. It was terrifying, and no medication could touch it. As the symptoms persisted, I developed anxiety and began a long, emotional search for healing. That journey, though painful, shaped me into who I am today: someone passionate about helping others live healthy, purposeful, and faith-filled lives.
At the time, I was focused solely on physical healing. A friend from church recommended Craniosacral Therapy, a gentle form of manual therapy that brought real relief. But healing didn’t stop there.
In the summer of 1998, I was invited on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje. I was terrified of flying, but I went—and experienced profound peace. That trip—the first of three—was the beginning of my conversion and the path to the deeper healing I truly needed, though I didn’t realize it at the time.
The same friend who introduced me to Craniosacral Therapy invited me to help with the church’s youth group. I said yes, not realizing that one small yes would change everything. After a year of volunteering, I left my corporate job in graphic design and newspaper production to become a youth minister. It was a leap of faith—and a significant pay cut—but it felt right.
I served in youth ministry for nine years before stepping away to raise my four children. During that time, I kept thinking about the therapy that had helped me so much. I wanted to offer that same kind of healing to others. I learned that becoming a licensed massage therapist was a path to practicing Craniosacral Therapy, so I pursued it—while continuing to lead teens closer to Christ, not realizing that God was also drawing me closer.
A few years later, I studied health coaching, and once again, I noticed something missing. The programs spoke of “spirituality,” but didn’t reflect my Christian faith (Catholic, specifically). While I deeply respect others’ beliefs, I knew I had to stay true to mine—especially when working with clients who were searching for deeper healing and peace, but their means of finding it were falling short. Many felt better physically, but still carried emotional and spiritual burdens. That’s when it became clear: Jesus is the missing peace in their wellness journey, just as He was in mine. And He wants us all to heal, not just feel better.
I began feeling led to start a ministry where faith, God’s Word, and virtues are woven into wellness; where women can find healing, wholeness, and hope in Christ. Two retreats I hosted in recent years with some colleagues from my church confirmed this calling. With minimal promotion—just church bulletins, small email lists, and word of mouth—we welcomed 80 women to each event. The feedback was clear:
We need Christ in our wellness.
That’s when Virtue Health was born—not just as a wellness practice, but as a ministry. A place where women could grow in faith while caring for their bodies—and vice versa.
At one point, I put my ministry on hold to return for three years to serve at my church as a Director of Faith Formation, working with moms of children and teens. It was there I saw firsthand how much women—especially busy moms who, like me, put everyone else first—need support in both faith and wellness. I believe God is calling me to help bridge the gap between the secular wellness world and the heart of God, who longs for us to be close to Him, so I am back to focusing on this mission more fully, and encouraging women to place their own well-being—body, mind, and soul—where it belongs: as a priority, not an afterthought. To be well, in Christ.
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