Another Situation

Hi friends!

I was born to a first-generation Filipina immigrant who came to the U.S. with a nursing degree in hand and a heart full of ambition. She met my dad—then a sailor stationed in Athens, Georgia—and not long after, I came along.

We eventually left the South and settled in small-town Wisconsin, where I spent the rest of my childhood. Inspired by my mom’s dedication to caregiving, I followed in her footsteps and pursued a career in nursing, earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Winona State University in Minnesota.

After graduation, I swapped the frozen tundra for sunny Orlando, Florida, where I spent the next 17 years of my life. During that time, I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Florida and worked as a Nurse Practitioner in cardiology and transplant medicine.

Eventually, I made my way to beautiful Tennessee—reigniting my southern roots—where I now live with my three amazing children, two lovable pyredoodles, and our newest addition, an adorable cavapoo.

I’ve always had the gift of gab and a deep love for storytelling—whether the story is great, good, or even just okay. Some say I talk too much, which makes podcasting the perfect outlet for me! Naturally, I pulled my little sister into it, because what’s an adventure without a sidekick?

We’re not professionals, just two sisters who love connecting with people and sharing powerful, honest stories. The conversations we’ve had and the people we’ve met have been eye-opening, inspiring, and unforgettable.

Thank you to everyone who’s listened, supported, and shared this journey with us. We’re just getting started!

Hey everyone!

I was born in Athens, Georgia and moved to Wisconsin with my family when I was a toddler. I grew up in small-town Wisconsin and gave college a shot at Winona State in Minnesota. I may not have walked away with a degree, but I did gain lifelong friendships—so I call it a win.

At 21, I moved to Orlando, Florida and started working in patient registration at Florida Hospital. Just a few months later, 9/11 happened. Coming from a long line of Veterans—my dad, grandfather, aunts, uncles, and great uncles (we’ve had someone serve in every American war since the Revolution)—I felt called to do something meaningful. I joined the military, and in January 2003 (yes, it took that long for a spot to open for females!), I left for boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois.

I served five and a half years as an avionics technician, working with EA-6Bs and P-3Cs at NAS Whidbey Island in Washington State. After my service, I returned to Orlando to finish my B.A., and later earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Central Florida.

My first post-grad job? A case manager at a nonprofit serving people who were homeless, at risk, or living with disabilities—for $13 an hour. Fun fact: I ran a food pantry and also qualified to receive food from it. Smh.

A year later, I joined the Orlando VA as a social worker for homeless Veterans—a job I absolutely loved. But life had other plans. I fell in love with my husband (who I met in the Navy and who’s still active duty), and when he got orders back to Washington, I packed up again.

Back in Whidbey, I worked as a civilian for the Department of the Navy doing counseling, family advocacy, and suicide response. Then came another PCS, this time to the great state of Texas, where I’m now back with the VA—this time in suicide prevention. I feel so fortunate for the experiences and opportunities I’ve had along the way.

Outside of work, I have two incredible kids who are the second and third loves of my life—but tied for second. Fourth place goes to the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers. Everything else in the world comes after that. (Don’t tell Ingrid.)

I joined this podcast with full confidence that it wouldn’t last and that all I’d have to do was read a few emails. And now? We’ve got a website, Facebook, Instagram… and probably a few platforms Ingrid hasn’t even told me about yet.

All jokes aside, it’s truly an honor to be part of this project—sharing people’s stories, highlighting important (and often overlooked) topics, and giving voice to the struggles and successes that connect us all.

Thanks for listening. I hope you enjoy what we’re creating—and if there’s something you want to hear or a story you want to share, please reach out. (And let me get back to just reading emails already. Dang it!)