Greatest achievement: Earning my PhD in forensic psychology is my greatest achievement because it represents years of rigorous study, research, and perseverance in a highly specialized and demanding field. It reflects my commitment to advancing knowledge at the intersection of psychology and the legal system.
Passion project: Breaking the stigma around mental health is my passion project because I believe open, honest conversations can change lives. I’m dedicated to creating spaces where people feel safe to share their experiences and seek help without shame.
Lightbulb moment: Coming to terms with my own mental health diagnosis was a lightbulb moment because it gave me clarity about what I was experiencing and helped me understand myself in a new way. It allowed me to approach my well-being with more compassion, and it helps me better understand and connect with my clients on a deeper, more empathetic level.
Influential book: “The Shack,” by William Paul Young
Favorite movie: The original “Nightmare on Elm Street”
Personal hero: My grandmother, Gloria Guimond
Favorite quote: “The most merciful thing in the world is the inability of the human mind to correlate all its contents” — H.P. Lovecraft
Best way to recharge: Travel and exercise.
Maine’s biggest challenge: Homelessness and affordable housing are Maine’s biggest challenges because housing costs have risen much faster than wages, especially in popular coastal and tourist areas. There’s a shortage of rental units statewide, and many homes are being bought as vacation properties or short-term rentals. Combined with a lack of shelter space and support services, this leaves many people, especially low-income workers, seniors, and people with disabilities, struggling to find stable housing.
Dinner party guests: My Nana, my Nanny, and my Papa because they were such important influences in my life, and I would cherish the chance to see them again. Sharing a meal would give me the opportunity to hear their stories, feel their love, and thank them for the guidance and values they passed on to me.
