My Story

I have an extraordinary fear of heights. I always have. “When you were a child, you would practically crawl into my skin,” my mom remembers. That’s why she was shocked when I told her I wanted to rock climb. “But I believe you can do whatever you put your mind to.” 

Like the other obstacles that exist in my life, I was determined to overcome my fear of heights. So I climbed. 

Indoor slabs and outdoor cliffs. Palms sweaty, arms spaghetti, I’d force myself to get on the wall, focusing intently on what was in front of me, drowning out the noise, quieting my mind, and facing the fear. 

I’d study the problem, visualizing the climb to completion. Start: right hand on jug hold, left hand crimp, move feet over. Right hand to sloper, left leg flag, swing and push through right leg to reach upper hold. Maintain momentum. Cross hands, move feet over, right hand reach to top hold, flag leg, meet hands and finish. 

Hands chalked up, climbing beta in my mind, I’d take a deep breath, put my hands on the start holds, and begin my send. 

It’s taken years of practice and focus. There have been setbacks, of course, good days and bad. But with endless determination and countless hours of hard work, I can confidently say… I’m still scared of heights. 

Of course it’d be wonderful that after years of climbing I’d have gotten over my fear, but what it has shown me is that sometimes facing obstacles teaches us how to live with them, taking their lessons and applying them elsewhere. 

I know that this fear may never go away, but I’ve learned that I can work through it and that doing so can be worth it, even if it means I have to do it every time.

How I’m expanding what’s possible with money

I help create and share resources and educational content, making it accessible and relatable to spread financial literacy. Outside of work I’m mindful how I spend my money, and support local artists and businesses.

Outside of work, my passions include

I love gardening and turning my little back yard in Philly into an oasis. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends, rock climbing, trying new restaurants and food in the city, and occasionally taking a day trip outside the city to go horseback riding.