My passion for teaching credit runs deep. After almost 30 years and over 40,000 hours solving credit and lending problems, I still love what I do.

     My heart lies in helping traumatized children and their caregivers overcome their challenges. Having experienced sexual trauma by a family member from ages 5 to 9, I understand the devastation it causes. Sometimes, people ask why I spend so much time working with these families. My answer is simple: I want to be the person my childhood self needed at age 10—supportive, understanding, and kind.

     Since 2011, I’ve collaborated with caseworkers from three East Tennessee organizations, assisting grandparents raising grandchildren. These families often need food, home repairs, trauma counseling, and tutoring. Many of these families live at or below the poverty line, yet they are heroes dedicated to their children’s success.

     I’ve learned that helping the family is often more effective than focusing solely on the child. When a relative caregiver is committed to a child’s future, it creates a strong foundation for growth.

     My blog and credit Q&A platform, “The Birds and the Bees of Credit,” will fund my passion. I aim to partner with nonprofits seeking to raise money. If your organization is interested, I can help promote “The Birds and the Bees of Credit,” with half of the proceeds supporting your cause and the other half benefiting InvestTNkids. This way, everyone wins: people gain essential credit education, and two great causes get much needed funding.