Overcomers Overcoming

Michelle Choairy is the mother to her "complex kid." Since his birth, she navigated her way around developmental delays such as autism, ADHD, and special education services, along with other life happenings. Michelle devoted nearly 10 years to searching for a way to help her son through his developmental issues. He is now diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called TBR1, which only 170 kids worldwide are known to have. TBR1, or T-box brain transcription factor 1, is a crucial protein in brain development, particularly in the cortex and olfactory bulb. It acts as a transcription factor, meaning it regulates the expression of other genes by binding to DNA. TBR1 plays a vital role in neuronal migration, axonal projection, and establishing laminar and areal identity within the brain. Mutations in the TBR1 gene have been linked to neuro-developmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. Michelle shares her journey through this process and how she can help other moms on a learning journey to gain clarity, advance their children, and save time by reducing the need to visit doctors and therapists. Michelle is her son's best advocate. She describes the acronym THRIVE and its application to raising a "complex" child. She has learned through the years what is required to get the best care for her son. She founded Collective Wisdom for Complex Kids, a support group for mothers with children with disabilities. She is passionate about working with families to help them reevaluate and prioritize their dynamics, guiding them from confusion to clarity while raising complex children.

Jennisue Jessen was sold into the sex trade at age four, but God provided for her rescue and escape at age 17. In 2011, Jennisue and her husband, KJ, founded Compass 31, an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that fights human trafficking through prevention, restoration, and leadership development. Jennisue puts the love of Christ into practice by empowering other survivors to be catalysts for change and training national leaders to prevent human trafficking through education. She is a Presidential Appointee who served a 2-year term on the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking, where she, alongside a group of peers, helped to inform federal counter-trafficking policies. As an American survivor of human trafficking, Jennisue knows the depths of trauma a body can endure. Still, she also knows the great lengths Jesus will go to redeem those held in captivity. Imagine being part of a movement that empowers Human Trafficking Survivors to heal, grow, and thrive. Together, with your help, we can bring about a world where hope and possibility are the prevailing forces – powered by the invincible strength of Christ's love. For those ready to take action against human trafficking, read "Human Trafficking Knows No Boundaries." It's not just a dry collection of statistics – It's an inspiring call to action that will empower you to make a difference. Together, we can build a future filled with hope. You can learn more about Jennisue Jessen and Compass 31 at https://compass31.org/compass31-founders/ and https://compass31.org/.

Andrea Leeb's life story will inspire others who have faced trauma early on. She shares her journey in her upcoming book Such a Pretty Picture, scheduled for release in October 2025. It serves as a masterclass in personal resilience and radical reinvention. At just four years old, Andrea experienced sexual abuse by her father. When her mother walked in and saw this, she had a dissociative breakdown and went temporarily blind. That pivotal moment, when her childhood was forever changed, was buried under decades of silence, shame, and a longing for love that never came. Andrea spent many years building a successful legal career while also becoming a registered nurse and yoga teacher. She achieved this by refusing to let her past define her future. Her transformation from survivor to self-healer is remarkable, yet what makes her truly compelling is how she talks about it: with tenderness, clarity, and the hard-earned wisdom only gained through doing the work. She offers valuable insights into overcoming trauma, perfectionism, and self-blame. She is not a victim but a force, ready to share the truths that led her back to herself. Learn more about Andrea at https://andrealeebauthor.com/.

Ray Martin left the corporate world in 2005 to take what he planned as a six-month sabbatical backpacking through Asia. A series of unexpected, unforeseen events transformed that trip into something very different from what he had imagined. Shattered by divorce and the loss of his father, Ray relinquished his role as a successful business leader to embark on a journey of reinvention, taking a six-month sabbatical. However, life had a different plan. His nomadic adventure unexpectedly turned into a fourteen-year trip living out of his backpack. That period became a time of personal reinvention. He chronicled his story in "Life Without A Tie." During this reflective period, he became a mindful coach. Through this work, he now facilitates a program for the Asian Leadership Institute with executives worldwide. Ray coaches leaders on how to find their own path, rather than following others' expectations. His story includes the six rules for happiness that define him and can help others facing struggles: 1. Build a solid foundation 2. Fully Own Everything that Happens 3. Become your observer 4. Create powerful, purposeful, and sustainable relationships 5. Pay attention to your health (spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional) 6. Empower and support others. You can learn more about Ray Martin at https://lifewithoutatie.com/.

Nicole Richards made a life transition from being a makeup artist to becoming a life performance coach. What/who do you need to make a life transition? Nicole would respond, at least in part, to build your team. Get support when embarking on new journeys. What do you need to feel supported? Nicole works with a therapist, ADD coach, and business coach and is looking for a personal trainer. Having this team stops her from using friends as therapists. She gets unbiased advice, and her goal with a trainer is to challenge her body differently. So, how can you reinvent yourself with confidence? What hurdles have to be overcome to take life in a new direction? How do you overcome those challenges? How do you ignore the naysayers? How do you push through paralyzing fear? Nicole responds to these and other considerations in this podcast. You can learn more about Nicole at https://medium.com/authority-magazine/author-nicole-richards-second-chapters-how-i-reinvented-myself-in-the-second-chapter-of-my-life-eec551f58c77 and https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerichardsco-life-coach-business-strategist/?originalSubdomain=ca

Dr. Kristen Williamson is a licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, and proud ringleader of a "neurospicy" family. Her life is a mix of late-night epiphanies, juggling mental health myths, and a daily dose of laughter as she navigates autism, ADHD, and parenting kids who keep her on her toes (and sometimes hiding snacks). Here's the deal: growing up, she always felt like she was dancing to her beat, but nobody gave me the playlist. It wasn't until adulthood that she realized she was neurodivergent, and suddenly, her quirks and challenges made sense. That "ah-ha" moment didn't just change her life—it gave her a mission to help others embrace their differences and thrive. Now, she blends humor, personal stories, and practical advice to tackle big topics like: 1) Why neurodivergent brains are the secret weapon every workplace needs. 2) How to turn "chaotic energy" into a leadership superpower. And, 3)  Why mental health isn't all doom and gloom (yes, we can laugh about it sometimes!). When she's not counseling clients or speaking on neurodiversity and DEIB, you'll find her debating the merits of pineapple on pizza, struggling to perfect her meme game, or plotting her next adventure with her husband and kids. She keeps it real, relatable, and a little ridiculous—because who says growth can't be fun? Her style is conversational and insightful, empowering, and sprinkled with humor. Together, we can make brains, belonging, and breakthroughs the most entertaining part of your home, workplace, and/or show! You can learn more about Dr. Kristen Williamson at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkristenwilliamson/ and https://www.instagram.com/empowermindsolutionsllc/.

Douglas and Jennifer Dawn Robbins discuss their respective life encounters and how they have grown together. Their first date was a nine-hour telephone call. They each experienced different life traumas that grew into a common bond of commitment. Jennifer Dawn was recovering from a challenging divorce and, at the time, had little interest in dating another man. The adage of "sticks and stones might break my bones, but words can never hurt" has proven false. Many lives are adversely affected because of words said to or about us, and those words can sometimes be a significant setback. Resilience is the ability to continue to get up when we are down. Douglas deftly uses the example of a young infant who gets upright after falling. They are too young to know they cannot get up. Unlike people with life experience, we are sometimes told we cannot do something. Resilience is the ability not to accept that. Jennifer Dawn is advancing her life through her life coaching business. As of this recording, they are enjoying life in their 13th year of marriage.

Paul Doughty's journey exemplifies resilience and transformation. Paul's true story of growing up in an abusive home and then being left unsupervised through his teenage years is now being developed into a TV series. His life's journey has been marked by formidable challenges that have profoundly shaped his character and outlook. From a young age, Paul wrestled with circumstances that steered him down a path of despair. However, with unwavering determination and an intrinsic belief in the power of resilience, he has turned his tale of adversity into one of triumph. The metamorphosis Paul underwent is not solely his own doing. It was through the empathetic guidance of a mentor, the transformative process of therapy, which led to a profound spiritual awakening, and the strength culled from various passions to re-author his life's narrative. As he shares his experiences with audiences, he catalyzes a similar awakening within them, inspiring them to see that with support, inner resolve, and courage, anyone can overcome their trials and emerge stronger. His story is a testament to the unfaltering human spirit in the face of hardship. Today, he is dedicated to educating others on the importance of taking action, empowering teenagers to embrace their journey of self-discovery and resilience. By sharing his personal story nationwide, Paul inspires students and various groups to take action, paving the way for a brighter future for all.

Clay Belgie is President of the Lower Shore Autism Community, a 501 (c) (3) organization. The Lower Shore Autism Community Solicits everyone's support in creating a new map and plan for people with Autism, one that helps Lower Shore families fund professional help and the social support they need for their whole lives. Their mission and values include dedicating themselves to and advocating for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, connecting them with resources and information, and building a community of mutual support. The organization envisions a world where individuals with Autism are respected for who they are and are supported in their quest to live whole lives. You can learn more about Clay Belgie and the Lower Shore Autism Community at https://lowershoreautism.org/.

Rebeccah Silence works with leaders to heal high-functioning unhappiness to make the most impact on humanity. Emotional wellness supports leadership, impact, business, and better communication and messaging. Rebeccah knows that the happier you are at home and the more emotionally well you are, the more the world gets the best of you and the difference you were born to make. Rebeccah shares actionable steps to heal family trauma. At the heart of her approach, which you can see at RebeccahSilence.com, is a simple truth: healing is freedom. It's the key to breaking free from the past, empowering ourselves, and fostering more love, more joy, and more fun for families across the globe. She speaks to the soul of those hurting to reshape individual lives and create the dream of what their family can be. She does this through strategies, stories, and a vision for a world where homes are the foundation of healing and happiness.

Michelle Choairy is the mother to her "complex kid." Since his birth, she navigated her way around developmental delays such as autism, ADHD, and special education services, along with other life happenings. Michelle devoted nearly 10 years to searching for a way to help her son through his developmental issues. He is now diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called TBR1, which only 170 kids worldwide are known to have. TBR1, or T-box brain transcription factor 1, is a crucial protein in brain development, particularly in the cortex and olfactory bulb. It acts as a transcription factor, meaning it regulates the expression of other genes by binding to DNA. TBR1 plays a vital role in neuronal migration, axonal projection, and establishing laminar and areal identity within the brain. Mutations in the TBR1 gene have been linked to neuro-developmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. Michelle speaks of her journey through this process and how she can help other moms on a learning journey to gain clarity to advance children and save time by reducing the need to visit doctors and therapists. Michelle is her son's best advocate. She has learned through the years what is required to get the best care for her son. She founded Collective Wisdom for Complex Kids, a support group for mothers with children with disabilities. She is passionate about working with families to help them re-evaluate and prioritize their dynamics, along with guiding them from confusion to clarity while raising complex children.

Casey Head was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at 31 years old on Friday, February 14th, while sitting in the ER. She had no energy, nodes were on her neck, blood was coming out of her nose just from blowing her nose, and she experienced bruising everywhere. She was admitted to the hospital, where she stayed for the next 28 days. She felt her life as she had known it was over. Her treatment protocol lasted almost 2 years, with an aggressive regimen of chemotherapy, which had her going back to the hospital for infusions 3 or 4 times weekly. Cancer became her world. Four months into the treatment, she had an allergic reaction to chemotherapy, causing seizures and a stroke, which left her temporarily paralyzed on her left side. She entered a rehabilitation hospital where she learned to walk, talk, and eat. This required eight consecutive weeks, five days a week, three hours daily of rehab to regain as much function as she could while continuing chemotherapy. Desperate for normalcy in her life, she returned to work too soon. Her cancer was not in remission. The medical staff notified her that her body was no longer responding to chemotherapy. At this point, her only options were a clinical trial or immunotherapy. She decided with her husband to try immunotherapy first since it was the least aggressive of the two. She was sent home with a fanny pack for a 24-hour, 3-day infusion pump. After 68 days, she was allowed to go home. After nearly 2.5 years, her cancer was diagnosed to be in remission. During this time, she took a deep dive into researching, talking to experts, reading every self-help book she could, went on a healing retreat she couldn't afford, doubled down on therapy, and kept searching. As a result of her discoveries and recovery, she has taken on the mission to help others overcome her struggles. Casey wants everyone to know that cancer can be overcome. She is passionate about sharing her signature program, 12 Weeks to A Happier, Healthier You… which is a step-by-step program to start thriving after treatment instead of surviving each day. The program will empower anyone to be stronger mentally, physically, and emotionally, to regain control of their life. You can learn more about Casey at https://www.docancer.org/stories-of-hope/casey-kang-head.

Yousef Benhamida is CEO, Humboldts Secret Supplies. He is a self-made entrepreneur and a powerful voice for personal reinvention. He built a multimillion-dollar business from his one-bedroom apartment with no investors, no degree, and no safety net. Yousef shares the pivotal moment when everything collapsed—and how it forced him to rewire his mindset, rebuild his confidence, and return to life with a renewed sense of purpose. His true transformation came from losing everything: emotionally, financially, and physically. It was in that chaos —heartbreak, burnout, and complete exhaustion — that he rebuilt his business and himself. He's lived what some are walking through. He went from financial collapse to deep emotional pain. His story is one to inspire others to know there is strength on the other side of struggle. It is a matter of resilience. He blends business and emotional recovery. While he's a successful CEO, Yousef doesn't shy away from the deeper conversations about self-worth, burnout, and learning to lead from within. He offers practical takeaways. Whether it's creating structure after chaos, reclaiming discipline, or finding clarity after confusion, Yousef provides tools—not just inspiration. He's real, relatable, and ready. With a media-friendly, no-BS style, Yousef connects with listeners through grounded honesty and unfiltered truth. Yousef helps others—especially men—reclaim discipline, identity, and strength after hitting their version of rock bottom. His approach is practical, gritty, and deeply human, speaking to anyone who's ever felt like they've lost their way and need a roadmap back to themselves. You can learn more about him through his book One Mill Dollar, Hot Girls, and a Ferrari and at https://yousefbenhamida.com/.

Diana Flowe is on a mission to work with those working toward sobriety and/or through their addiction as a catalyst to inspire others to build an empowered life, filled with joy, purpose, and freedom. When she was young, Diana lacked self-esteem, had no direction, and hung out with the wrong crowd. At age 13, she was a heavy drug user and addict. She married when she was 15 and dropped out of high school. She made multiple suicide attempts, found herself homeless, and even lived in the woods at one point. By age 27, with a newborn baby, two young children, and a failing marriage, she was desperate for change. She promised herself to do everything in her power to get clean and sober, to change, and never return to that life! She returned to school, earned a leadership and nursing degree, and became a highly awarded Director of Nursing. Despite all the odds stacked against her, she went from high school dropout and addict to Director of Nursing, living a clean, productive, sober, and joyous life for the past 29 years. You can learn more about Diana Flowe at https://www.linkedin.com/in/floweconsulting/ and https://www.google.com/search?q=Diana+Flowe+consulting&rlz=1C1UEAD_enUS1142US1142&oq=Diana+Flowe+consulting&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRg80gEINDI4N2owajSoAgCwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:95a5f6fc,vid:7ijhMk94ghY,st:0

Janet Sherlund chronicles her life as an adopted child. Being adopted made her feel as though she was living a "borrowed life," undermined her sense of trust and personal value, and impacted every decision she made. It also led to a lifelong quest to find her biological mother, with the hope of finally feeling a tether to this world, a sense of belonging, and ultimately, herself. Adoption is often painted as a happy, inspirational act - a baby finds a family and lives happily ever after. But the truth is that adopted children experience displacement and rupture from their mothers, which can affect them for lifetimes and can result in depression, behavioral issues, anger, anxiety, PTSD, higher suicide rates, and more. Adoption is a trauma and a lifelong journey that is often overlooked and not honestly talked about. She raised her family and served on nonprofit boards in education, health, and the cultural arts before writing her memoir Abandoned at Birth. Her single most significant life event was being given up for adoption at birth. Her memoir fulfills a lifelong dream of becoming a published author, as well as raising awareness about loss and grief in adoption, and why it takes more than love to survive that trauma. A graduate of Colgate University, Janet lives on Nantucket Island off the Massachusetts coast with Rick, her husband of 45 years. You can learn more about Janet at https://www.abandonedatbirthbook.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/janetsherlundofficial/.

Dr. Kristen Williamson is a licensed professional counselor, neurodivergent advocate, and proud ringleader of a "neurospicy" family. Her life is a mix of late-night epiphanies, juggling mental health myths, and a daily dose of laughter as she navigates autism, ADHD, and parenting kids who keep her on her toes (and sometimes hiding snacks). Here's the deal: growing up, she always felt like she was dancing to her beat, but nobody gave me the playlist. It wasn't until adulthood that she realized she was neurodivergent, and suddenly, her quirks and challenges made sense. That "ah-ha" moment didn't just change her life—it gave her a mission to help others embrace their differences and thrive. Now, she blends humor, personal stories, and practical advice to tackle big topics like: 1) Why neurodivergent brains are the secret weapon every workplace needs. 2) How to turn "chaotic energy" into a leadership superpower. And, 3)  Why mental health isn't all doom and gloom (yes, we can laugh about it sometimes!). When she's not counseling clients or speaking on neurodiversity and DEIB, you'll find her debating the merits of pineapple on pizza, struggling to perfect her meme game, or plotting her next adventure with her husband and kids. She keeps it real, relatable, and a little ridiculous—because who says growth can't be fun? Her style is conversational and insightful, empowering, and sprinkled with humor. Together, we can make brains, belonging, and breakthroughs the most entertaining part of your home, workplace, and/or show! You can learn more about Dr. Kristen Williamson at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkristenwilliamson/ and https://www.instagram.com/empowermindsolutionsllc/.

Mike Burnop is Virginia Tech's Hall of Fame network analyst and the two-time Virginia Sportscaster of the Year (2019, 2023). He attended Roanoke Catholic High School, where he is a Hall of Fame inductee. Mike was inducted into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. Mike enters his 42nd season in the Hokies' football booth. In addition to his role as an analyst, Mike handles all postgame interviews from Virginia Tech's locker room. Mike was a star tight end at Virginia Tech during his playing days. He held the Hokies' single-season tight end records for receptions (46) and receiving yards until both feats were ultimately surpassed by Bucky Hodges (2013-16). Mike's versatility at the microphone is nearly unparalleled in collegiate athletics, as he also serves as the analyst for Virginia Tech men's basketball broadcasts. He is one of only a few nationwide announcers who analyze both sports. Away from his broadcasting duties, Mike owns New River Office Supply, a Virginia business operating in Blacksburg, Pearisburg, and Salem. He is a prominent member of the Blacksburg community, frequently lending his time, voice, and talents to philanthropic causes. You can learn more about Mike Burnop at https://hokiesports.com/staff/mike-burnop and https://x.com/search?q=Mike%20Burnop&src=typed_query.

Jo Whipp is freer now than she has been in her past. She is still healing, grasping what she thought her life was supposed to look like while pretending it's something it isn't. She committed to stopping living in the past and starting to create her future. Life, the journey, is a forever-growing, forever learning, forever-unfolding experience. She thinks the analogy of the butterfly works so well. Some struggle to overcome more than others. There were moments when she longed for the ultimate freedom. Freedom to be in the arms of Jesus and be finished with the pain of life on earth. However, she learned she was meant to complete a mission on earth. She now feels her sense of calling. Through her past, she has learned she can not only fulfil her calling but also do it in strength and with her God-given right to boundaries. Jo is documenting her life experiential learning in her upcoming book, Crave a Greater Impact. The publishing date has not yet been determined as of this writing. You can learn more about Jo Whipp at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZTc-_fhKts,\.

Austin Davis is a visionary leader in teenage behavioral health and addiction treatment. He has spent the past 15+ years committed to transforming the lives of teens and their families. He uses the power of faith in the recovery process to help his clients grow into healthy and happy members of their community. His dedication to teen mental health makes him a driving thought leader in the industry. He has spoken to parents, community health professionals, educators, and teens nationwide—sharing insights on effective treatment methodologies, the importance of mental health awareness, and the power of faith in the recovery process. Austin earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN. He furthered his education with a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. This education laid the foundation for his professional journey in clinical counseling and church ministry. His book My Kid, My Crisis dives into the inspiring journeys of families who have faced mental health challenges and substance abuse issues with their teens. He is the founder and CEO of Clearfork Academy. You can learn more about Austin at https://clearforkacademy.com/blog/the-benefits-of-adventure-therapy-for-teen-mental-health/ and https://parentingteensandtweens.com/author/austin-davis/.

Jacques Delorme is a farm kid raised in rural Saskatchewan and currently residing in Regina with his two children. He completed a Bachelor of Education degree in Chemistry, physical education, and general science in 1990 and became a master teacher and coached volleyball, curling, badminton, softball, and track and field. He is a science educator who dedicated the past 10 years of his life to personal development including training as a Shaman. With a deep interest in helping others through writing and public speaking, Jacques is developing an online support program for those recovering from trauma using the concepts taught in his book, Driving Out of Darkness: Self-Care Strategies for Trauma Recovery. You can learn more about Jacques at https://www.linkedin.com/in/powerfulimpact/?originalSubdomain=ca.