For 39 years, I wandered through life feeling as if each birthday was just another Groundhog Day, marking no forward progress but rather a recurring cycle of stagnation. Upon discovering the spark within, it ignited a profound transformation, propelling me onto a path of purpose and fulfillment, forever altering the trajectory of my life. I now passionately share my journey with audiences, inspiring them to break free from their past and embark on their own transformative journeys. Fran Malfer and I co-founded Spark Light Ministry in 2022. We are the forerunners of a global movement. Dedicated to empowering individuals who may feel lost, broken, or lack clarity in their meaning and purpose. We lead the charge in equipping individuals with practical tools to help them reclaim their innate sense of purpose and reignite their passion. As living examples, we embody the transformative power of our teachings, inspiring others to follow suit on the journey toward personal empowerment and fulfillment.

As a photographer, I help people capture life's moments, preserving them for a lifetime through stunning photos. I specialize in both traditional and artistic photography for individuals and events.Responsibilities:Photography: Capturing high-quality, memorable photos at events and portrait sessions.Photo Editing: Enhancing and refining images to bring out their best qualities.Client Consultation: Understanding clients' visions and needs to deliver personalized photo experiences.Event Coverage: Providing comprehensive photographic coverage for a variety of events.Creative Direction: Bringing artistic vision to photoshoots to create unique and memorable images.Portfolio Development: Continuously updating and curating a diverse portfolio to showcase work.Customer Service: Ensuring a positive and satisfying experience for all clients from start to finish.

As the assistant to the advanced funeral planner at Heritage Life Story Funeral homes, I play a crucial role in supporting individuals and families during a challenging time. My responsibilities include:Graphic Design: I created visually appealing and meaningful designs for various materials, such as memorial service programs, tribute videos, and online announcements, ensuring they respectfully honor the memory of loved ones.Social Media: I managed the funeral home's social media presence, sharing important updates, community events, and comforting content. My goal is to provide support and resources to families while fostering a sense of community.Direct Mail Coordination: I was responsible for the creation and distribution of direct mail campaigns. This involved designing heartfelt invitations, reminders, and informational brochures, ensuring timely and sensitive communication with families.Events Coordination: I assist in organizing and coordinating various events, such as memorial services, community outreach programs, and grief support gatherings. My role ensures these events run smoothly, offering families a comforting and respectful environment.

Responsibilities:Management of Staff & Banquet Hall: Overseeing the daily operations and ensuring a welcoming environment.Social Media Content & Press Releases: Creating engaging content and managing press communications to keep the community informed.Webmaster: Updating the website with the latest content and events to keep everyone in the loop.Community Programming: Scheduling and organizing events that are open to the community, fostering engagement and support.Building Relationships with the Community: Establishing strong connections with local organizations and individuals to support veterans.Creating and Establishing Policies and Procedures: Developing and implementing guidelines to ensure smooth and efficient operations.Committee Collaboration: Working with a committee to oversee the facility and its functions, ensuring it meets the needs of veterans and the community.

I have been dedicated to raising awareness and supporting local veterans and veteran organizations in the Grand Rapids area. As a veteran myself, giving back to the community and supporting fellow veterans has always been close to my heart. Inspired by a run I took a few years ago, I conceived the idea of organizing a 5k race to bring the community together for this cause. Acting on this idea, I successfully launched the first Stars and Stripes Dash on June 19th, 2014.Thanks to the incredible support of an amazing team, the event has been a tremendous success. This annual race not only raises essential funds but also fosters a sense of community and solidarity among participants. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting local veterans and look forward to many more years of making a positive impact.