our keynote

Most people experience trauma, tragedy or adversity at some point in life - many as children. Whether it's the loss of a parent or sibling, childhood abuse, illness or injury, divorce, or some other devastating event or destructive ongoing family dynamic, the great challenge lies not only in surviving the trauma, but mitigating the harmful effects that can often last for years. Jodi and Jay both experienced trauma as children. Jodi's took the form of emotional and psychological abuse from a very young age. Jay suffered divorce and the shattering break-up of his family 

when he was ten years old.

If one believes the adage that every cloud has a silver lining, one can imagine that great good can come from great pain. Despite the fear, rage and uncertainty that accompanied Jodi's and Jay's experience, they resolved to overcome their hardships, heal themselves, and build purposeful, healthy lives filled with fulfilling endeavors and much love. Jodi and Jay embodied resilience, perseverance, and courage despite, or perhaps because of their childhood trauma, going on to utilize those strengths and accomplish life-long dreams.

Jodi and Jay's most daunting challenge was infertility when they married at forty, but they brought their dream to life after six years of arduous effort, building their beautiful family with three children: one born "naturally," one adopted, and one born from a donor egg when Jodi was forty-six. They believe that were it not for qualities they developed in the face of adversity, they would not have been adequately prepared or equipped to conquer the climb and reach the summit.