So how did we get here? Was Mountains & Motherhood part of the plan? No. It wasn’t. But now, looking back, it all makes perfect sense.
The love for words (even before I knew it)
I’ve always enjoyed reading, though what I read has definitely changed over the years. And I’ve always enjoyed writing.
In elementary school, I remember how excited I’d get when my poems or stories were published in our school’s books. Somehow, I didn’t see that love as a sign that I’d spend my adult life writing and communicating.
The path that wasn’t quite mine
When I started college, I planned to become a teacher. Honestly? Summers off sounded pretty great.
But by sophomore year, while sitting in a classroom full of middle schoolers for observations, I knew deep down: this isn’t it.
I didn’t know where I wanted to be—but I knew it wasn’t there. This was the first time I was able to see from an outsider’s perspective that kids (even preteens) could not sit at a desk all day. They had so much energy to burn and so much to talk about. They weren’t made to be sedentary and compliant all day long and I quickly realized that I was not the person for that job. Not even kind of.
So, I switched my major to business. First, management—because I’ve always loved leading and helping others succeed. But one semester in, I realized most of the courses were taught by a professor whose thick French accent I struggled to understand.
So, I pivoted again—to marketing.
The start of a writing career I didn’t see coming
My first job out of college was at an internet marketing agency that focused on education. It was 2008, right as the recession hit. That job lasted just four months before layoffs.
The next few years brought two more jobs until I applied for a marketing role at Johns Hopkins Community Physicians. After multiple interviews—even lunch with the CEO—I didn’t get the job.
Just as I thought my door at Hopkins was closing, another one was opened and I walked right in.
The CEO referred me for a different position at Johns Hopkins Medicine. It wasn’t quite marketing—it was internal communications. I was hesitant, but I took it anyways and loved every minute there.
Learning to really write
That’s where I truly learned to write professionally. I still remember the first story draft I turned in; when it came back from the editor, there were more edits than original sentences left.
Instead of being discouraged, I leaned in. I learned from some truly incredible writers and journalists.
I got to share stories that mattered—and felt the impact my words could make.
I stayed for two years, until our family moved to Florida.
Finding my place in communications
In Florida, I eventually found my home: leading a communications department at a large healthcare system—something I’ve now done for almost a decade.
Every day, I help educate thousands of employees about benefits and opportunities that genuinely change lives. I’ve seen people’s student loans forgiven. I’ve watched families grow through fertility benefits. I’ve seen people get promoted…myself included (twice).
I’ve written, edited, and shared more content than I can count. And through it all, I’ve kept writing for fun—though usually just scattered posts here and there.
I thought I had to wait for “someday”
I always thought one day I’d write a book. But then I realized: why wait? Why does it have to be one big, perfect, single-topic project?
So, a few weeks ago, I prayed before going to bed.
The next morning, I woke up with clarity on my heart:
Start a blog.
For moms like me.
Moms who work, who love to travel, who follow God, and who want to homeschool (because I actually do enjoy teaching kids when the lessons are designed to meet them where they’re at, which may not be a classroom at all), who want to grow in faith, finances, and all areas of their lives.
Step by step faith
I didn’t overthink it. I opened my laptop, started a free WordPress account, and started typing.
The name Mountains & Motherhood came to me a few days later. I still haven’t finalized my brand colors, logo, or look—and that’s okay.
A year ago in Bible study, I learned something that stuck with me:
Sometimes God doesn’t give us the full picture. He guides us step by step.
I believe that’s because:
- Our minds can’t always comprehend the big things He has planned.
- We might not even believe we’re capable of what He says we can do.
And maybe there are even more reasons I can’t see yet.
Here we are
So no, Mountains & Motherhood wasn’t part of the original plan. But looking back, every pivot, layoff, and closed door led me here.
To this space:
For moms who work and dream.
For moms who love God, love adventure, and want to give their kids a beautiful childhood.
For moms who know the mountains—both literal and figurative—are worth climbing.
This is just the beginning.
And I’m so glad you’re here with me. 💛