I’m obsessed with the "bones" of things. To me, bones aren’t just remains; they are the structural integrity that allows life to happen. I’ve realized lately that community works exactly the same way.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with George and Christian at Dubz BBQ for Episode 21 of the Hustle and Heat Podcast. While we certainly talked about the "hustle," the heart of that conversation was about the healing power of art and the vital importance of showing up for your community.

Beauty from the Battle: The Birth of Images of Therapy

During the episode, we touched on the deeply personal origins of Images of Therapy. This mission was born from the "Art of War"—watching my husband, Phillip, navigate the weight of PTSD.

We realized that art isn't just a hobby; it’s a lifeline. Images of Therapy was created to harness that healing power, turning the invisible battles of trauma into visible expressions of hope. If we can use art to bridge the gap between pain and peace for our veterans and neighbors, then we’ve done something truly meaningful.

From the Class of 2022 to the Committee

My commitment to this city isn't new. As a proud graduate and Vice President of the Leadership North Port Class of 2022, I’ve seen firsthand how this program transforms our local ecosystem.

Lately, I’ve had the honor of supporting the incoming Leadership Class of 2026, bringing my history as a professional DJ back to the stage to provide MC and music services for their journey. But I wanted to go deeper than just providing the soundtrack. Last week, during our Alumni Happy Hour, I officially stepped up to join the Leadership Committee.

More Than a Middleman

Whether I’m preserving a specimen for Bone Boutique, organizing the North Port Art Crawl, or leading the North Port Paint Posse, my mission is advocacy. I want to eliminate the distance between the artist and the neighbor.

Serving the North Port Area Chamber of Commerce in this new capacity allows me to help shape the structure—the skeletal system—of how our city grows. It’s the same philosophy I apply to my sustainable work: take something with a history, honor its structure, and give it a vibrant future.

The Hustle and the Heat

The podcast episode captures a specific moment in this journey, and I’m so grateful to the crew at Dubz BBQ for giving me a platform to share my "why." Leadership, much like art, requires a bit of heat to forge something lasting.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch the episode—to hear the story of our evolution, and why I will never stop investing in the future of North Port.

Watch the Hustle and Heat Podcast Episode 21 Here