I am a mother, an Oriental Medicine Practitioner, and a mental health advocate living in Portland, OR.  In May 2014, my husband Jesse killed our four-year-old daughter Maribella and then himself.  I found them a few hours later.  Since then, I have dedicated myself to learning all I can about mental illness, bipolar disorder, grief, and the effects of PTSD.  My goals are to share what I have learned via writing and through public speaking with the aim to increase understanding and compassion, and to decrease stigma around mental illness and related issues.