About me
Regardless of my role, I believe my job is to create community and provide hospitality, where openness and trust can develop deeply. You can talk to me about anything, but I particularly love talking story, integrating the arts, developing creative resources, normalizing loss, training on childhood development, promoting social emotional learning and wellness, representing collectivistic cultures, supporting diverse families, making new friends, and eating good food!
I’m a Chicago native and wear many hats as an educator, author, artist, speaker, entrepreneur, and mom. For over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of educating both children and adults—whether through tutoring, classroom teaching, designing curriculum, or developing teachers in the U.S. and Asia. In addition to that, I create content focused on social-emotional learning and creative expression, with a special emphasis on grief and loss.
I wrote Moving In Forever, a children’s book inspired by my own experiences, offering a tender perspective on hospice care. After the book debuted, I turned grief care into a professional mission. I’ve since collaborated with child life specialists, counselors, and community leaders to provide resources and workshops that help children, families, and educators navigate sensitive topics such as pandemic loss, death, dying, tragedy, and change. My workshops combine the arts with writing and storytelling, encouraging people to share and process their feelings.
I’m deeply passionate about serving people of color and helping collectivistic communities access support and healing. As a member of the Asian community, I understand how culture impacts the grief journey, especially due to stigma, fear, and language barriers. I often work with multiple generations, using Chinese to connect with older adults or recent immigrants while bridging Eastern and Western norms with their children and families. I’ve also worked with disability and neurodiverse communities, finding that a hospitality-centered mindset fosters natural inclusivity. As a member of the National Alliance for Children’s Grief, I share my experience to promote greater awareness and sensitivity for underserved populations.
Recognizing the need for more helpers in the community, I founded Rooster & Hen Resources, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting those navigating the ups and downs of life by providing education, raising awareness, and holding space. As the "CEO" (Chief Education Officer), I combine my creativity, teaching expertise, and nurturing spirit to design meaningful learning experiences for all.