Throughout my life,  I have been blessed by many who influenced me to continue to be curious, love life and love people.  I credit finding my passion through my favorite high school English teacher, Darrell Ledbetter.  He taught me to think outside the box and always put yourself in others’ shoes.   As life continued to grow one experience at a time, I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Kristin Masterski, my angel.  Kristin and I dreamed of owning our own therapy practice together.  She was much more creative than I was and established the name “Choosing Hope.”  Kristin taught me to live life to the fullest, unashamed and wide open!  When she tragically died prematurely in a car accident, I vowed to keep our dream alive.  Her picture hangs in my office, and I carry her in my heart daily.

My next angel who inspired me to dream big was my father, Larry Cook.  Every day, while battling cancer and even before he loved to say, “Every day is a blessing!”  He never complained and truly touched everyone he encountered through his life of service.  He, too, is my why.