I grew up in a lower middle class home where helping others and accepting diversity was a strong value. I am proud to share that, when I was a child, my father (Richard N. Dodge) headed up the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon in Jackson Michigan and coordinated holiday events for the families. I have fond memories of; staying up all night, answering calls for donations, sharing in the excitement of reaching financial goals, as well as wrapping numerous Christmas presents for kids suffering from Muscular Dystrophy. My mother (Judy M. Dodge) was also an advocate for disadvantaged people and known throughout the community as a generous and caring person. Both my parents were committed creative individuals and I feel fortunate to have had the experiences they gave me growing up. As a young adult, I struggled when my path in life ventured into experiences of poverty, abuse victim, and being a single parent. While those years were trying and a struggle, I maneuvered through them and survived. As an adult, I am able to look back on my experiences and have discovered them to be a great advantage in my current career. There is definitely a benefit of having walked the walk and survived when working with disadvantaged individuals. I am so grateful for my life experiences and the opportunities I have in my current career. I am blessed every day, thanks to all who I have encountered in life.... so far.