I am currently a junior at Grand Valley State University earning my bachelor's degree in recreational therapy. Upon graduation, I plan to earn my master's degree in recreational therapy. I grew up in Columbus, Ohio but have spent most of my summers in northern Michigan. As a youth, I was a student at Sail Charlevoix, a local sailing program in Charlevoix, Michigan.  Eventually, I taught at the school and became the lead instructor during the summer of 2022. I’ve always been a compassionate person with the desire to help others. My desire to help others and my love of sailing ultimately guided me to pursue a degree in recreational therapy. In addition, I have a passion for creating art. Throughout my life, I have created art in various forms - pencil drawings, floral arrangements, 3D art using natural materials, and photography - and have found happiness in sharing it with others. 

During the summer of 2023, I will be participating in an internship position with Warrior Sailing. As an intern, I will be educating and supporting veterans at the Warrior Sailing basic training programs in New Orleans, LA, and Charlevoix, MI. Additionally, I will be attending the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic in San Diego, CA, and a Basic Keelboat Certification in Park City, UT. At each of these events, I plan to share my experiences with sailing as both a new student and an experienced instructor. When I am not traveling, I will be involved with planning programs and camps, marketing, and many other professional learning opportunities.

Because Warrior Sailing funds are limited and focused on providing for and covering all costs of each attending veteran, this internship will be unpaid and requires me to provide personal funds for my travel. I have decided to share my love for creating art to raise money for this unique and exciting opportunity. I have created an online shop for my handmade beach art where all earnings will be used to fund my internship position with Warrior Sailing during the summer of 2023.

I invite you to view and purchase my art, or make a contribution to my commitment to the Warrior Sailing program. Thank you!

Warrior Sailing is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing sailboat training, coaching, and racing opportunities to wounded, injured, or ill service members and veterans across the United States of America. Basic training camps are provided to veterans seeking an introduction to sailing. Certification camps are provided to veterans who have completed basic training camps and want to advance their education in both leisure sailing and racing. Warrior Sailing emphasizes education, encouragement, and empowerment, in their sailing opportunities to ultimately improve both the physical and mental health of veterans. 

Additional information can be found at https://warriorsailing.org/