ABOUT

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Barbara learned from an early age that life isn't fair.  As a complex childhood trauma survivor with an Adverse Childhood Experiences Score (ACE Score) of 7 out of 10, she spent years either trying to make sense of what happened to her or trying to escape it.  

During a particularly dark time as a teenager, a man at the local mall claiming to be a photographer gave her his business card and promised to make her a famous model. Desperately wanting a new life, but trusting her instincts, she did not to meet him the next day, only to learn years later from a DATELINE episode that this is a common strategy used by human traffickers. This defining moment gave her the determination to live this life out and do what she could to ease the suffering for others.

From the farmlands of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to the steel and cement of the nation’s capital, Barbara served as a non-profit executive for over 25 years raising millions of dollars securing impossible grants, building six-figure events, developing corporate partnerships, and creating compelling campaigns to support women, children, and people with disabilities around the world.

After landing a dream job as the Executive Director of an international women’s service organization helping women and children around the world, she found herself working 130 hours in one week and completely burned out. Suffering from the fallout of Complex PTSD; exhaustion, debilitating migraines, adrenal fatigue, sleepless nights, and negative voices in her head, she was ready to quit this life once again.

Leaning on her faith, she set off on a new path to learn who she was, what was important to her, and how she could truly make a difference for others. Her journey taught her how to stop running, how to start healing, and how her story could help other women too. 

During the pandemic women were struggling to launch and grow new businesses. Barbara though that her strategies might work for them too.  And they did!  As a result, she founded Sisters Rocking Courage a SAFE, one-of-a-kind, trauma-informed marketing mentoring program that incorporates over two decades of non-profit leadership experience with techniques from great motivational leaders and business coaches.

When women meet Barbara, they see what's possible. They see that they are enough just as they are; they CAN live the life they dream of; they don't have to stay in difficult jobs, relationships, or circumstances; they don't have to deny the calling that's in their hearts. 

Barbara has worked with nearly 100 survivors in 7 countries creating courageous brands and marketing to get their businesses growing. She wakes up every morning energized and ready to lead with compassion so women can be seen, heard, and celebrated creating a business they love, getting paid what they’re worth. 

Barbara lives within walking distance of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on Maryland's Eastern Shore with her blended family with special needs, rescued German Shepherd, and three cats. She shares her story, How to Love in a World Filled with Hate, finding freedom from the bonds of trauma to help women see that no matter what, their darkest days are not the end of their story, they can start living their dreams today.