"Doug’s Diner" was the finest establishment in all of Los Angeles—well, according to my dad, at least. The food was simple: plastic hamburgers, hot dogs, and maybe a side of imaginary fries if lucky. But to five-year-old me, it was the real deal. My dad had given me a toy barbecue for my birthday, and that’s where it all began. I spent hours serving meals to my family and friends, ensuring every “customer” left with a smile.
That little toy barbecue was more than just a gift—it sparked something in me. It was the start of a love for hospitality, a passion for making people feel welcome and taken care of. Even at that young age, I knew that there was something special about serving others, about creating a moment of happiness for someone else. I didn’t realize it then, but Doug’s Diner wasn’t just a childhood game; it was the foundation for the life and career I would build.
As I grew older, that playful love for service became more serious. Hospitality was no longer a game—it was my passion, and it guided me to choose a path that would allow me to make a living by creating meaningful experiences for others. I studied hospitality in college and embarked on a career that spanned more than 20 years, rising through the ranks to work in some of the country’s most prestigious private clubs. In every role – from entry-level positions to director – I stayed true to the values that Doug’s Diner had instilled in me: service, connection, and care.
Battling Addiction: A Personal Turning Point
But as my professional life flourished, there was a darker side that followed me. In high school, I started experimenting with substances. What began as casual use soon became a way to cope with the pressures of life. Throughout college and into the early part of my career, addiction took hold of me. On the surface, I appeared successful, driven, and in control, but behind the scenes, I was struggling. My dependence on alcohol and drugs became a weight that dragged me down, even as I worked harder to climb the ladder of success.
By 2009, my life was at a breaking point. I faced a series of legal consequences that forced me to confront the addiction I had been avoiding for so long. I knew I had to make a change, and I decided to get sober. It wasn’t an easy road, but it was the turning point that saved my life.
Sobriety brought me clarity, but more importantly, it gave me a new sense of purpose. I realized that my passion for hospitality had always been about something bigger - service wasn’t just about providing great experiences; it was about helping people. My recovery shifted my focus, and I became dedicated to using my journey to make a difference in the lives of others.
In the early days of sobriety, I found running. At first, it was a way to clear my mind, a way to process the emotions and challenges that came with recovery. But soon, it became much more than that. Running gave me a sense of freedom and discipline that I hadn’t experienced before. Every mile I logged was a step toward healing, a reminder that I was capable of overcoming even the toughest obstacles. Running became a critical part of my sobriety, helping me stay grounded and focused as I moved forward in my life.
My recovery shifted my focus, and I became dedicated to using my journey to make a difference in the lives of others.
A Health Crisis: Overcoming New Challenges
By 2017, I was in a good place—sober, healthy, and thriving in my career. I had just completed the Big Sur Marathon, a personal achievement that felt like a testament to how far I had come. But shortly after crossing that finish line, everything changed. I began experiencing symptoms—vision problems, fatigue, headaches—that I couldn’t ignore. My dad, who has always been the hero of my life, stepped in once again. As an endocrinologist, he immediately recognized the signs and ran tests, discovering that I had a brain tumor. It was a terrifying moment, but with my dad by my side, I knew I was in good hands. His quick action got me into emergency surgery, and once again, he saved my life—along with my vision and my future.
Coming out of surgery, I knew I couldn’t go back to business as usual. Facing my mortality for the second time made me realize that I needed to align my career with the new purpose I had found through sobriety. While hospitality would always be a part of me, I knew I needed to do something more. I decided to shift my focus toward nonprofit and socially focused work. I wanted to take the skills I had developed over decades in hospitality—leadership, relationship-building, and service—and use them to help people on a deeper level.
I began working with behavioral health organizations and nonprofits, using my experiences with addiction and recovery to help others. It wasn’t just about creating programs or raising funds; it was about building connections, offering hope, and creating opportunities for those who were facing the same struggles I had once known so well. My journey through recovery, health challenges, and professional success gave me the perspective and empathy I needed to make a real impact.
Finding New Purpose Through Procure Impact
In 2024, everything came full circle when I joined Procure Impact. When I first heard about the idea from my friend and mentor, Procure’s Co-Founder & CEO, Lauren McCann, I was instantly hooked. I hopped online and ordered personalized gifts for my friends and family that supported Women in Recovery—one of the most incredible features of the work we do at Procure.
From there, Lauren and I kept in touch, and now I have the true blessing of working alongside the wonderful team at Procure. I get to lift our vendors, many of whom are in recovery themselves, and help create meaningful partnerships that change lives. At Procure, we focus on building partnerships that create dignified work opportunities for people who need them most. For me, it’s about helping others find purpose through work—something I know from personal experience can be life-changing. It’s not just about creating jobs; it’s about giving people the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose, just as I did.
Celebrating 15 Years of Sobriety: A Milestone in Recovery
When I look back, I see a clear path, even through the chaos and struggles. From "Doug’s Diner" and running marathons to overcoming addiction and surviving a brain tumor, my journey has always been about service. Whether it was serving plastic hamburgers at five or helping create meaningful work opportunities for others through Procure Impact, my mission has always been about helping people feel valued, supported, and seen.
My dad’s role in saving my life is something I carry with me every day, not just because of his medical expertise, but because of the unwavering love and guidance he’s given me throughout my life. He’s been my hero from the very beginning, and his quick thinking during my health crisis is just one of many ways he has shaped my journey. His example reminds me of the power of resilience and compassion, and I’m committed to honoring that by helping others find their second chances.
Running, recovery, and the people I’ve met along the way have taught me that even in our hardest moments, there is always a way forward. And today, I’m proud to help others find their path to dignity and purpose.
It’s especially meaningful to reflect on this journey during Recovery Month, which takes place every September. This September is even more special, as I celebrated my 15th sober anniversary on September 6th. It’s a milestone that fills me with gratitude, and I’m honored to continue using my story to lift others as they find their way forward.
Running, recovery, and the people I’ve met along the way have taught me that even in our hardest moments, there is always a way forward. And today, I’m proud to help others find their path to dignity and purpose.
Partner with Procure Impact
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