I began in the Rape Crisis Movement as a volunteer then worked for 10 years as an educator and advocate with my local Rape Crisis Team. I have been educating my community about child abuse and violence prevention since 1987 and teaching Empowerment Self Defense since 1998. I trained to teach self-defense in 1998 with Peace Over Violence, and am certified by the National Women's Martial Arts Federation.I developed and taught self-defense courses for two colleges and community groups. As a licensed clinical social worker, I provided treatment for people who’ve committed sex offenses. Beginning this August, I will train ESD instructors with Empowerment Self Defense Global.