I grew up in Anaheim and after graduating high school at the age 16, I started going to college. I knew I wanted to work with kids. However, life changed suddenly when I became a young mom at the age of 19. This moment changed my life forever. She became determined to do whatever was needed to provide the best life for my son. I got my real estate license and worked as the office manager for a real estate company for almost 10 years. During those 10 years I gained skills in marketing, customer service, transactions and more. I was also a single mom for most of that time before meeting my now husband.

As time went I began volunteering with a nonprofit organization called Higher Ground which was providing after school care for my son. Higher Ground serves underserved youth in Anaheim providing them an abundance of services, classes, after school care, counseling and more at no cost. The more I volunteered there the more I wanted to be there. Eventually I made the decision that this was my purpose so I quit my job, made a complete career change and went to work full time for Higher Ground.

I have seen firsthand how both abusive relationships and human trafficking can affect an individual and a family. Because of this I have become extremely passionate about helping those who find themselves in these situations. I continue to learn more about helping youth and how early childhood trauma affects children as they grow into teens and young adults and making them more vulnerable to human trafficking. I am so excited to be a part of Gems Uncovered. I am passionate about their mission and excited to use all the skills I have acquired over the years to help further their phenomenal mission.

“Your purpose in life is to use your gifts, talents, and experiences to help other people. Your journey in life teaches you how to do that.”
— Tom Krause