My name is Jackie and writing stuff like this feels awkward (who can relate?). I grew up in Colorado in a small mountain town and found my way to Oregon in 2011. I’m a white, gender-queer person in my mid-ish 30s. I have a rare genetic condition, Cleido-cranial dysplasia, that has provided quite a few medical and dental anomalies. I definitely understand how broken the medical system is in the USA, and how easy it can be for people to get taken advantage of.

I experienced various traumas throughout childhood including violation of trust, and loss. Therapy has helped me feel present, happy, and connected in my life and I am now paying that forward. I still struggle with anxiety, but it is manageable with various therapeutic techniques that I’ve learned throughout the years. I am also a “late in life” diagnosed Neurodivergent human, and utilize both my personal experience and professional expertise in helping other Neurodivergent folx navigate various aspects of living and engaging with the world.

I live in Portland with my two dogs, and am a solo polyamorous/relationship anarchist. I’ve been playing around with my neurodivergent “flow state,” and hobbies recently and have been completing projects! I’ve had a variety of jobs including various gig-economy jobs, archaeology, working in the health and fitness industry, teaching abroad, working for the Salem-Keizer school district, and for the State of Oregon. Having such varied, lived experiences coupled with my educational background has given me a great appreciation for the human experience.