Meet Jo

Who am I?

I’m a resilient wife and mother who’s spent the last decade uncovering true happiness in a life filled with passion and purpose. I wasn’t always this way. I grew up in a family that didn’t know how to love or encourage women to unleash their potential. I believed all the negative narratives and struggled with depression and escapism, yet I refused to give up.

As my career advanced, multiple barriers challenged my success. I was frustrated, overwhelmed, and burnt out! It was my grit that kept me forging forward. Yet, I felt like a hamster in a wheel and began to wonder if I would ever be happy and accomplish all I intended. It wasn’t until one day, when I took a strategic pause, that I recognized some barriers were in my control. I began working hard, unlocked my true potential, and found my purpose—inspiring and empowering other women to do the same.

“True power comes from realizing YOU control your potential.”

My faith was instrumental to my journey and continues to be a source of love, compassion, and mission. I also equipped myself with healthy habits, set boundaries, and completed a resilience certification program to educate myself and help others to do the same. I am committed to sharing these insights with you so you can achieve the healthy life you’ve always dreamed possible.

I love traveling and living a life without regret. I use a bucket list and try new things as much as possible. In stretching myself, I remind myself that within, I can accomplish anything. I should thank my dad for telling me as I grew up about all the things girls can’t do because, without that determination, I wouldn’t have run the half marathon, climbed the mountain, traveled around the world, published a book, or accomplished all the other incredible achievements on my list and the others, yet to come. Thanks, Dad.

With love,

Achievements are worth celebrating!

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned over the years is to recognize and appreciate your accomplishments. Although some people may face more difficult circumstances than others, your attitude and resilience can play a significant role in shaping your future, even in those challenging situations. During tough times, we can draw on our achievements as a source of motivation and inspiration to keep moving forward.

My achievements.

It's important to keep a list of your achievements as a source of inspiration and motivation during difficult times. When you feel like giving up, look back on your list and remember that you have and can continue to accomplish great things. Below is a list of my most treasured blessings that I still reflect on for further inspiration and encouragement.

  • At the age of 9, I joined a little league baseball team. Despite my obstacles as the only girl on the team, I achieved the most RBIs! This experience taught me that my potential can only be limited by my vision, not anyone else's.

  • When I entered fifth grade, I didn't know how to read. My parents didn't teach me, and I cleverly found ways to hide it until then. With the support of my teacher, Mrs. Smith, I learned how and discovered a passion for storytelling.

  • For many, college is just a dream. It was no different in my family. I became the first and only child in my family to graduate college. Despite what you might think about your circumstances, you need to know that it doesn't define you or your potential.

  • I married Marty, my biggest supporter. I wouldn't be where I am today without him and his unconditional love.

    Raising children is not easy, but I can confidently say that all three of my children were instrumental in my growth and wisdom.

  • I always wanted to travel the world, especially to Poland, where my ancestors so bravely fought for survival. Incredibly, my first visit was as a leader of a large pilgrimage group. Together, we grew in faith, and I grew closer to my identity.

  • When you don't learn to read until you're ten and your college professor tells you to "go back to English class," you might think that publishing a book is out of reach. When I published my first book, Single & Raising Saints, to help single parents reach their untapped potential, I proved that obstacles are only temporary.

    After that, I published my second book, Follow Me, to teach fellow Catholics how to share and witness their faith with others.

  • I was never the most athletic person in the group. Living in Colorado, many have goals to climb a 14er (mountain). When I expressed an interest, many told me I couldn't do it. Why not, I thought? I did my homework, prepared for the goal, and reached the top to see the most incredible view! It was the longest stair master I’ve ever climbed!

  • This was a tough year. I lost both my parents and my job. Friends kept commenting on how resilient I was, and I felt God was calling me to help others learn how to live that way, too. So, I enrolled in and graduated from the Certified Resilience Coach Program from The Leadership Wellness Group so others could be confident in my talent.

  • I never liked running. I would rather do a hundred situps than run a mile. So, this one was a stretch. Yet, choosing goals that seem to be beyond your talents can have incredible benefits! It stretches your mindset, stirs your curiosity and imagination, and releases endorphins that boost your happiness.

My bucket list.

Do you feel constantly surrounded by negativity or in a rut? One way to expand your mindset is to create a bucket list of things you want to achieve, even if they seem impossible. Doing so allows you to tap into your inner strength and unlock your full potential. Let me share my list with you in hopes that it might inspire you to get started!

Run a marathon.
Make the perfect pie crust.
Become bilingual in Spanish.
Research and document our family tree.
Walk the Camino.
Install tile.
Build a dining room table.
Publish a book.
Run a 1/2 marathon.
Hike a 14er (mountain).
Build a garden starting from seed.