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Why Warr;or Echo?
Why Warr;or Echo?
The Warrior Echo was conceived through overcoming personal challenges and transcending the negative beliefs that anchor us to our past narratives. The term "Warrior" signifies the dynamic leader within each of us—an embodiment of awareness, vigilance, and resilience. Conversely, the "Echo" represents the inner critic shaped by past trauma, a force that previously influenced my words and actions until a transformative experience with a horse taught me the value of gratitude. This "dark passenger," which we all possess, is the aspect of ourselves we might prefer to keep hidden from the world.
The Warrior Echo aims to help individuals cultivate emotional intelligence through strategic prevention and SEL initiatives. The Warrior embodies an understanding of this echo, acknowledges its presence, and channels it toward personal growth and transformation, ultimately fostering an authentic connection to self and others.
The dragonfly, a powerful symbol of transformation and adaptability perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Warrior Echo. My journey as a veteran with PTSd and a survivor of life's many trials has afforded me a unique perspective on the world and my work. I have witnessed systems lacking equity and environments where individuals had to shrink their gifts to be accepted. These experiences, combined with the diversity of my work background, have strengthened my commitment to empowering individuals ages 5 to 105 to become lifelong learners and globally-minded leaders who are fully aware of their true selves.
The Warrior Echo is not just a name, it is a philosophy; a way of life. It represents the constant evolution and the balance between strength and vulnerability. I am the Warrior Echo, dedicated to transforming challenges into opportunities and leading individuals and organizations to do the same.
TRANSFORM. ADAPT. CONNECT.
Everybody Needs An Anthem...
Noteworthy Moments While Serving
Iraq early 2003. This Father tried to sell us his children. This was the first time I remember telling myself that I'd make a difference in the lives of children someday.
An Nasiriya 2003. Her name is Fada. She came to see me every day with a hug and a high five. I promised Fada I'd make the world better for her.
Barwanah 2007. I was a team leader for a Female Engagement Team (F.E.T. aka Lioness detachment). Al-Qaeda used women and children as suicide bombers. We were responsible for searching them.
Barwanah, Iraq. This woman was an English teacher. She risked her life every day coming through our checkpoint to get to her school.
Distinguished honor of presenting General John R. Allen with his two-star flag on the day of his promotion in Iraq. Gen Allen is a mentor who taught me something of value every day. He values women in leadership and understands that relationships are essential to mission accomplishment. We covered many miles together meeting with local Sheiks and despite cultural differences (Iraq's view on women), he never intentionally asked me to leave the room. We visited every wounded service member who arrived at Fallujah Surgical. His commitment to his Marines and the mission profoundly impacted my life and work ethic.
The greatest team and group of leaders I have ever served with. From left to right: Gen John R. Allen, 1stLt Ben Carruthers, Sgt Kellie Noble-Sharpe, GySgt Antwan Foster. Photo is the day the border between Iraq and Syria opened up.
Fallujah, Iraq. Assisting during a mass casualty event. As a former EMT, I spent much time caring for the wounded and volunteered with the mortuary affairs group inventorying the remains of our fallen servicemembers.
Connecting with the children of Iraq brought me great joy and purpose. We complicate a lot of things in this world. Vulnerability and empathy create pathways for growth. Service to others moves us forward.
After 8 years of honorable service, I left active duty and returned to the civilian world. There were challenges. In 2019, this moment with a horse named Elise quieted the noise, extinguished survivor's guilt, and lessened the grip of suicidal thoughts. She taught me that fear is a liar and that you become unstoppable once you become clear on your values. The Warr;or Echo, LLC was established shortly after this photo was taken in 2019.
If you are a veteran or caregiver, struggling or not, please check out H.O.O.V.E.S. Veterans from all over the country can attend a 5-day healing intensive at no cost with travel often covered by generous sponsors.
Unlike humans, horses are free from bias and judgment, as they lack the cognitive structures responsible for those processes. The horses can only respond to your energy and emotional state with complete authenticity, providing a powerful mirror that reveals an individual's struggles AND strengths. Through honest reflection, veterans can challenge personal beliefs about events and process their emotions in a safe space. If you're willing to do the work, you can turn post traumatic stress into post traumatic growth.
Values Etc.
Values
Safety
Connection
Freedom
Community
Life-long learning
Strengths
Discernment & Wonder
(Working Genius Assessment)
Supportive & Cautious
(DISC Assessment)
Enneagram- 9 with 1 and 8 wings
Developer, Relator, Connectedness, Belief, Intellection
(Clifton Strengths)
Family & Fun
I have been married to Kyle for 15 years. We have three children Clayton, Christian, and Olivia. On August 12, 2024 our first grandchild, Levi Thomas made his way into the world.
We live to adventure. We travel to open our hearts and minds, embracing the richness of diverse cultures and experiences. We have discovered while there are many differences among individuals, at our core, we share the same fundamental needs of connection and belonging.
Organizations Our Family Supports
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