From 19 to 25, as an undiagnosed neurodivergent youth, I struggled with severe intravenous addiction. Rooted in low self-worth and disconnection, I found community on the streets. Through harm reduction methods that worked for me:

As of June 2025, I’ve now reached over 10 years since leaving behind those substances, a milestone I celebrate deeply! 🎉

Accessing daily programming at Operation Come Home + Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa + Ottawa Innercity Ministries, where I had my first art show and joined two public art projects with local muralist Mique Michelle - experiences that sparked my art career and saved my life 🩵

Finding myself living at the shelter Shepherds of Good Hope on King Edward, receiving meal service at St. Joe's Supper Table as well as Ottawa Food Bank, and various peer-support groups - these services saved my life 🙏

Grateful daily for Ottawa's Site Needle and Syringe Program, which would deliver clean needles and safer use training - this may have been the most essential service in saving my life 🚑

Difficult stays at the Ottawa Withdrawal Management Centre detox multiple times to try and get clear if the substances. So many years of trying and relapsing - this facility saved my life 💜

Travelled to CAMH in Toronto for their progressive harm reduction in-patient program, as abstinence is not what I needed to recover - their open minded views helped me love myself more and saved my life 🥰

Eventually moved to Toronto where I went for ongoing weekly support for my eating disorder Stella's Place, and found an amazing hub for at-risk youth called SKETCH Working Arts where I had my my first Toronto art show at the Toronto Media Arts Centre - these safe places saved my life 🌿

Turbulent journey stabilized by strong community as I've grown stable - finding myself through opportunities like grants and partnerships - Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, Arts Ottawa, Music.Art.Ppl, and the Urban Art Collective have been amazing collaborators, continuing to inspire with fearless innovation.

This next decade for me, as late-diagnosed neurodivergent adult, is all about self-healing & helping the collective by transforming spaces into places of play, connection, growth, and joy - let's do it together! 🌈