on my own without a family when most young people had that support to fall back on was extremely challenging for me. I not only just wanted to survive in life, I set some hugely high dreams for myself in being an artist and musician for my career. When I got the job working backstage for U2 it felt like a miracle because it was during a month I was short on rent- exactly short how much I would earn with U2 that week. Backstage, I had a moment where I was ironing Bono’s pants and I laughed to myself and said “I’m still fucking ironing… but at least these are Bono’s pants.” Somehow I was getting closer to my dreams.


Over the next few years, I steadily performed and released music. I also began teaching visual art to high school students and was deeply inspired by how I could be a positive role- model for teenagers. Because I had had such troubled teenaged years myself- which I truly only survived because of doing my art and music- I have really enjoyed helping young people find their creative voices. In step with this theme, the Beauty Marks have performed at benefit concerts for organizations like “Generation Hopeful” which raises awareness about teen depression and suicide. Because of my own life experiences, I will always seek out positive ways to use my music and art to help others, especially young people.


A few years ago, in the midst of my career pursuits, I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, which had made everyday social


situations a huge challenge. I got a


medical alert service dog to help me with this disorder and she has been by my side ever since. It was a baffling thing to me to have huge anxiety and traumatic memories years after the actual events, when I was living a peaceful life, doing what I love and surrounded by positive people. I have learned that is how trauma can work: if we do not have enough support and space to emotionally express our grief from whatever trauma we have experienced,


it seems to get stored up in our bodies


and minds until we are safe and supported enough to feel the depth of our feelings.


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