Bio: I joined the Army at 17 in 1999 and finished out in the Reserves in 2012. I find talking about my military service difficult at best. My piece is about moving forward.

Impact art has made: Moving on after my brain Injury, I’m always afraid of what’s on the other side of the door and who may or may not be there to continue this journey with me.

Finding myself and learning new ways to do things has been a journey by itself. I’m glad I am still here and want to say, thanks for letting me share my art with you. My art therapy has been a blessing through WWP, and I’m thankful for this opportunity.

New Beginnings: This is a picture of a reoccurring nightmare I have. I am just stuck unable to move, looking at this door. I see the photos and hear negative and positive things people have said to me or how I feel about myself. I have aphasia due to a brain injury. When trying to explain what or how a clock looks to me is difficult. I get my days confused so my calendar seems to run together. I feel lost at times without direction. I have lots of maps and places I want to see.

Piece created with: I used acrylic paint, family photos before and after injury, wood, pieces of maps and small trinkets.