When I retired after 20 years in the Marine Corps, I wasn’t just ready to start a new chapter, I wanted a completely different book. At first, I loved the slower pace and the quiet days at home, free from constant pressure and deadlines. 

But I was sleeping too much. I lacked purpose. Nothing excited me. Something was off.

In nearly a year, I hadn’t made a single friend or meaningful business connection in my new town. Building connection was easy in the military where we all spoke the same language and could bond over shared experiences and values. The real world wasn’t as welcoming.

I was missing human connection. So I started putting myself out there: attending networking events that felt uncomfortable, talking to strangers, and learning how to connect in spaces without uniforms, ranks, or built-in belonging.

That journey opened my eyes to social wellness: the skills that shape how we build friendships, community, and belonging. It’s something the military provides automatically, and something many veterans lose overnight when service ends.

While there are countless resources to help veterans find jobs, housing, and healthcare, far fewer help them learn how to connect, make friends, or feel at ease in civilian spaces.

Today, I’m a certified relational health coach, keynote speaker, and social wellness educator. I work with veterans and their families through speaking, nonprofit programming, and one-on-one friendship coaching exclusively for women veterans.

At the heart of my work is a simple belief: connection is possible for everyone, and it’s a skill you can learn.

Ok, cool, but what’d you do in the military?

::deep breath:: I was an active duty manpower officer (MOS 0102), deployed with 2nd Marine Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, served as a protocol officer to the 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps, was the Adjutant for 4th Marine Corps District, earned a masters degree in international relations from Tufts University as a Commandant of the Marine Corps Fellow, hung out in Okinawa for 4 years as the Inspector General and later G-1 for 3rd Marine Logistics Group, deployed to Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve, became a joint qualified officer, and finished strong serving as the Marine Element Lead in the J-1 at Special Operations Command.