About

In 2020, I was diagnosed with a genetic connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome after a myriad of random health issues that had followed me off and on throughout childhood and my adult life. I had given into the idea that it was all in my head. Finally finding some answers and being able to more actively pursue a path forward in wellness was incredibly validating and inspired me to find ways to help others do the same.

I started putting together some resources for others around EDS and packaged it under the name Zebra Connective (we’re called zebras because the medical community is usually looking for more common horses instead). It’s a pretty challenging condition to navigate, and I wanted to make things easier to access for others. I realized then that maybe there were opportunities to do similar things in other hard-to-navigate areas like future readiness, foster-to-adopt, and transitioning to adulthood, which is where Penguin Connnective came from (I love penguins and the way that they play and support one another).

The acceleration of generative AI has been mind-blowing. I started studying AI back in 2018 and had benefited from it greatly as a marketing professional. The introduction of ChatGPT was particularly exciting, showcasing numerous potential applications. In early 2023, I launched an on-demand course, "ChatGPT for Teachers," which saw nearly 1,800 signups from educators worldwide over a single weekend. Witnessing the enthusiasm for this technology and being able to assist others in their learning journey was incredible.

To better meet demand, I am currently focusing on empowering future readiness and business growth. In 2024, my husband and I joined the board of a new nonprofit, Dream Quest Foundation, dedicated to helping North Carolina’s at-risk youth overcome adversity through programming and mentorship. Penguin Connective contributes as a content development partner for Dream Quest, allowing me to continue serving causes I deeply care about while focusing on helping businesses and individuals harness AI and other emerging technologies.