Biography

My life, as I know it began November 14th 1986, one day late, weighing 9 pounds 4 ounces at birth. A beautiful baby girl, who was defiantly no jimmy as my doctor exclaimed as I was born. I looked like an Eskimo baby having black hair at birth with dark features. My legs needed straightening in order to walk so I had casts put on at an early age, thus being how I learned how to roll over.

Having a sister three years older than I already in school, and a mom head of the school’s PTA, made the transition into school that much easier. At the age of 3 I was enrolled at St. Christopher School for their morning JK-Junior Kindergarten class. Throughout my school years I am known for being such a people person-friend to all ages and teacher’s pet as well as a class clown, not to mention a drama queen, inspired to go to Paris, France, as either a model or an actress someday. It was Paris, France that I chose as my dream destination because my Aunt and uncle went one year on my uncle’s business trips. Ever since then, I’m Paris, France bound. By grade three when I was 7, I ran the cross country long distance run placing 7th this being the start of my running. I would run everywhere I could run, practising against other people of all ages- I would even race against my dad, as he would come to the school and go for runs with my school mates, my sister, and I. My dad would take me out to Sir Winston to practise running for track and field. One of the students at St. Christopher would even tease me by saying “run Forest run” as I ran to the finish line. I also won many certificates in school; such as kwanis. I later left St. Christopher’s for a year, with my sister and we rode my bike to St. Theresa. During that year my mom became pregnant with my brother, getting a baby Brother at age 9. I would run in cross country and track and field meets. Excelling in both reaching the top 10 every race and at the last track and field meet when I was 13, I placed first overall in every division, giving me the chance to go on to Salsa, however that would have been during the week my class went away camping. Being the social butterfly I am, not realizing what an impact running would have, off to camp I went- besides, my boyfriend (which I wasn’t allowed to have yet) was going along with all my friends. Throughout grade 7 and 8, I shared babysitting jobs for a few families with my sister. The families would range from 2-4 children newborn to eleven years old.

Before I went to babysit for one of the families August 19th 2000 I had a couple letters I had to buy stamps for so I could send them off in the mail. I did just that at the Glendale Avondale as I lived just across Glendale’s double set of train tracks. I bought the stamps, mailed the letters and was on my way home for a quick bite to eat. It was then that I had my accident. Luckily for me since Merriton is such a small community, and my popularity, basically everyone who had stopped their vehicle for the trains knew me in some way or another so I was not alone. From there, my mom was notified of what had just happened by police men coming to our front door. She followed my ambulance in the police car, on the way to the St. Catharine’s General Hospital. I stayed there for only two weeks to get stabilized. From there I was taken to McMaster in Hamilton for three months, and finally Bloorview in Toronto. Throughout the months at McMaster and Bloorview the therapy I received was quite extensive. Extending on to the therapy I received at the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Center. I was there from ’01 to ’08, and the only reason I stopped going there is because of my age- I exceeded the age limit.

During my time at the Children’s Center, I was integrated into going to High school at Denis Morris that January, but only for one class as we weren’t sure how I would manage. That same year, I went to see Creed with a friend I met at Denis Morris. I also went to a summer camp or two with him the first year I went to DM. I saw Dallas Green preform in the gymnasium within the many years I was at Dennis Morris.

As of 2008, I was no longer in school, and looking for other options I could take in order to complete my grade twelve. I went to see Hedley a few times, Mariana’s trench, Green Day, and Alexisonfire. I like my music loud. Hedley, I went to go see with my boyfriend, who’s now my ex two or three times with my ex/ friend, and once with my sister. Mariana’s trench I’ve seen the once with my ex and then Green Day and Alexisonfire with another friend. Nowadays, I still like to live life to the fullest, taking what life throw’s my way head on, dealing with things as they come, most days; mind you I have always had a tendency of getting ahead of myself, creating more of a problem than necessary. Due to my maturity level being so advanced because of past experiences, I attended St. Thomas in order to complete high school.

It was my goal to finish high school, and then go to both College and University back in high school, and it still is. We shall see about the University bit though; it sounded like a good plan when I was younger. Time will tell.

Nonetheless, knowing all I have endured over the quarter century I have already surpassed, days go by sometimes quickly, other days tend to drag. It is then, when things drag on that I listen to my, “music to kill yourself by” as my mom calls it, music. There are days however when I’m exceptionally happy and on goes the “music to kill yourself by” music. I like to consider myself an extremely weird and funky individual. I am very moody/ emotional, so I try to start each day new. My family tends to never know how to approach me these days, I just get back in my “ugly” days and they seem to take control. I have been receiving help nonetheless to control my moodiness.

It was in 2011 that my friend, Thomas, created a slam poetry group for St. Catharines, which is held monthly at Mahtay Café, downtown St. Catharines. I however did not join until 2012. It was there that I won to compete internationally, in BC. Due to the fact that I had just begun a couple of months prior, I opted out. Since then, I’ve gone to a few other poetry reading across southern Ontario. My family and friends have told me I’m becoming quite the poet, as my writing has improved tremendously! I also submitted a booklet of my poems, available at

http://greyborders.jigsy.com/grey-borders-booksIn 2013, I started modeling for fun with Phil Cheevers as my main go to photographer. He was introduced to me by a fellow poet, JC Mob. He has not only helped my entrée be a smooth ride, he continues to guide me into the modeling world which has wound up being a two way street. Together, we are destined to see that my Paris, France dream becomes a reality.

In 2013, I began my college career, taking one course at a time, in the general arts & science program. It wasn’t until 2014 that I truly acknowledged that I could be graduating with that diploma by the fall of the following year!

And it all began with her persistence to be treated as one would hope every woman would be treated. Have patience she was told, patience for just about everything, or so it came across as the days appeared to be quickly pass her by.

My life , as I know it, began November 14th 1986, one day late, weighing 9 pounds 4 ounces at birth. A beautiful baby girl, who was defiantly no jimmy as my doctor exclaimed as I was born. I looked like an Indiginous baby having black hair at birth with dark features. My legs needed straightening in order to walk so I had casts put on at an early age, thus being how I learned how to roll over. We lived on Louisa street for a couple year, then moved on to Oxford street.

Having a sister three years older than I already in school, and a mom head of the school’s PTA, made the transition into school that much easier. At the age of 3 I was enrolled at St. Christopher School for their morning JK-Junior Kindergarten class. The kindergarten teacher came to my house and despite my moms intent to keep me home for another year and start school at the age of four like my sister, convinced my mom into alłowing me to go. Throughout my school years I was known for being such a people person-friend to all ages and teacher’s pet as well as a class clown, not to mention a drama queen, inspired to go to Paris, France, as either a model or an actress someday. It was Paris, France that I chose as my dream destination because my Aunt and uncle went one year on my uncle’s business trips. Ever since then, I’m Paris, France bound. By grade three when I was 7, I ran the cross country long distance run placing 7th this being the start of my running. I would run everywhere I could run, practising against other people of all ages- I would even race against my dad, as he would come to the school and go for runs with my school mates, my sister, and I. My dad would take me out to Sir Winston to practise running for track and field. One of the students at St. Christopher would even tease me by saying “run

Forest run” as I ran to the finish line. I also won many certificates in school; such as kwanis. I later left St. Christopher’s for a year, with my sister and we rode my bike to St. Theresa. During that year my mom became pregnant with my brother, getting a baby Brother at age 8. That summer I played soccer for the merriton athletics association. My dad along with 2 other fathers were our coach one year and my dad along with my sister were our coaches the following year.

I would run in cross country and track and field meets. Excelling in both reaching the top 10 every race and at the last track and field meet when I was 13, I placed first overall in just about every race, giving me the chance to go on to Salsa, however that would have been during the week my class went away camping. Being the social butterfly I am, not realizing what an impact running would have, off to camp I went- besides, my boyfriend (which I wasn’t allowed to have yet) was going along with all my friends. Throughout grade 7 and 8, I shared babysitting jobs for a few families with my sister. The families would range from 2-4 children newborn to eleven years old.

I also won many certificates in school; such as kwanis. My class read the poem called “who has seen the wind? By Christina Georgina Rossetti.

Throughout the summertime I visited my auntie Ellen and uncle Brian. We did a lot of things thátvisit including painting pottery, going to the Easton’s centre as well as seeing all of the moossculptures throughout downtown Toronto.

In between babysitting jobs, on August 19th 2000 My life was destined to change. I had a couple letters I had to buy stamps for so I could send them off in the mail. I did just that at the Glendale Avondale as I lived just across Glendale’s double set of train tracks. I bought the stamps, mailed the letters and was on my way home for a quick bite to eat. It was then that I had my accident. Luckily for me since Merriton is such a small community, and my popularity, basically everyone who had stopped their vehicle for the trains knew me in some way or another so I was not alone. One of the mothers even held my hand as we waited for the ambulance to arrive.

I wish I knew her name so I could thank her.

From there, my mom was notified of what had just happened by police men coming to our front idoor. She followed my ambulance in the police car, on the way to the St. Catharine’s General Hospital. My dad stayed at home with my brother as my older sister Andrea was at 7 11 working.

I stayed there long enough to get stabilized. From there I was taken to McMaster in Hamilton for three months, and finally Bloorview in Toronto. Throughout the months at McMaster where I was agitated and nobody wanted to come near me and Bloorview the therapy I received was quite extensive. Extensive to the point where my therapist would literarily sit on my left leg in order to stretch my right leg or visé versa. Greg and Kelly were my physio therapists. One day Greg wore green sweatpants and I told him to think happy thoughts and then he could fly. This being the first thought that came to my mind seeing him wearing green pants. Who cares that they were sweatpants. I was able to come home for weekends once things were in place for me. I required a lot of things in order for me to be able to come home even just for the weekend. My parents either bought or would rent hospital equipment. When I first started coming home I had a ng ( nasal gastric) tube placed in my nose that goes to my stomach so I could receive my daily hydration/medication as I was unable to do liquids without chocking. At McMaster I had an ngtube however that changed as a g tube is not visible and is more long term. Nonetheless the g tube that they inserted into my stomach fell away from my stomach so from that point a ng tube was my means for nutrition. As much as a pain that was to deal with, the doctors decided to keep a ng tube going’ changing the tube every 2-4 weeks. I made a strategic plan with one of the staff there at the rehab. To prevent myself from gagging while changing the tube I would listen to my favourite CD which at the time was Creed and have someone spray my favourite perfume on me, and I had to be sure to swallow once the tube reached the back of my throat.

In order for me to get discharged from bloorview I needed to have the g-tube in my stomach once again. As my parents and I were all hesitant in regards to having another attempt with a g–tube. While I was at McMaster as well as bloorview, one of my parents stayed with me at all times. My mom’s sister would even come for visits as she lived close by.

Extending on to the therapy I received at the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Center. I was there from ’01 to ’08, and the only reason I stopped going there is because of my age- I exceeded the age limit.

During my time at the Children’s Center, my public speaking career began as well as being integrated into going to High school at Denis Morris that January, but only for one class as we weren’t sure how I would manage. That same year, I went to see Creed with a friend I met at Denis Morris. I also went to a summer camp or two with him the first year I went to DM. I saw Dallas Green preform in the gymnasium within the many years I was at Dennis Morris.

As of 2008, I was no longer in school, and looking for other options I could take in order to complete my grade twelve, I went to see Hedley a few times, Mariana’s trench, Green Day, Down with Webster, and Alexisonfire. I like my music loud. Hedley, I went to go see with my boyfriend, who’s now my ex two or three times with my ex/ friend, and once with my sister. Mariana’s trench I’ve seen the once with my ex and then Green Day and Alexisonfire with another friend. Nowadays, I still like to live life to the fullest, taking what life throw’s my way head on, dealing with things as they come, most days; mind you I have always had a tendency of getting ahead of myself, creating more of a problem than necessary. Due to maturity level being so advanced because of past experiences, I attended St. Thomas in order to complete high school.

It was my goal to finish high school, and then go to both College and University back in high school. and it still is as I aspire to go to Ryerson university after my Paris, France trip in the fall of 2019 or 202.

Started talking to Steve ’09 met ‘10

In the beginning of 2013, I started modeling for fun with Phil Cheevers as my main go to photographer. I also did some Pin up modelling for freezing a moment photography in 2015 as my mom won a free session by entering a draw.

Nonetheless due to my interest being engaged amongst all the possibilities in furthering my education, I decided to continue doing what I am doing.

I now am going to graduate with 2 certificates, general arts.& science as well as counselling in the winter of 2021, depending on the arrival and vaccination of the Covid vaccine.

With that being said, I am also going to finally fulfill my life long dream of going to Paris, France the fall of 2019, come back and go to Ryerson university for activism, or McMaster university for counseling.

During my time at the Children’s Center, I started my public speaking career, as well as being integrated into going to High school at Denis Morris that January, but only for one class as we weren’t sure how I would manage. That same year, I went to see Creed with a friend I met at Denis Morris. I also went to a summer camp or two with him the first year I went to DM. I saw Dallas Green preform in the gymnasium within the many years I was at Dennis Morris.

As of 2008, I was no longer in school, and looking for other options I could take in order to complete my grade twelve, I went to see Hedley a few times, along with Mariana’s trench. I like my music loud. Hedley, I went to go see with my boyfriend two or three times with my ex/ friend, and once with my sister. I’ve also seen them with my parents. Mariana’s trench I’ve seen once with my boyfriend and then Green Day featured for Alexisonfire with another friend. Nowadays, I still like to live life to the fullest, taking what life throw’s my way head on, dealing with things as they come, most days; mind you I have always had a tendency of getting ahead of myself, creating more of a problem than necessary. In 2010 I started r have an online boyfriend. His name is Steve Steve is still my friend even though our break up was rather unpleasant and distasteful.

Due to maturity level being so advanced because of past experiences, I attended St. Thomas in order to complete high school when I was 22.

It was my goal to finish high school, and then go to both College and University, and it still is as I aspire to go to Ryerson university after my Paris, France trip in the fall of 2020.

The simplest things became a chore for me. so you should really think, and ask yourself, how bad do you really have it? Before answering that question, I want you to dig down, and really think. Take this for an example, how would you like having an assistant to help wash, and get your day started? Or say our meals. Try having puréed meals since your jaw is too spastic. I hear, eww that's disgusting, or what is that? Quite frequently. I've had to learn to just take it, and laugh. It's their ignorance and stupidity. However, I didn't come to realize this, until a year, or two ago. Before I would just burst into tears. Silly me!!! However, I chose to celebrate all my success, how far I've had to come to get to where I am today. From being comatose, to being a motivational speaker, a Niagara college student, a poet, and we must not leave out; an

In the spring of 2013, I began my college career, taking one course at a time, in the general arts & science program,, not to leave me feeling overwhelmed– much like how I did when I was at DM. The first course I enrolled in was language and communications. Peer pressure arose pushing me at times towards the edge of my breaking point. Regardless of any ridicules that were thrown in my direction, I allowed my perseverance to lead the way.

Mind you, with me being sexual, that causes an ordeal every now and again. My best friend from high school who I saw creed with decided we should try. That lasted maybe 6 months, but our friendship remained uncertain at times which left us both in the dark. He was the sweetest guy– would do just about anything for me until he decided to go to an Ontario college and discontinue our friendship because of the stress it was adding to his life. Getting over the fact that I lost a friend took quite a tole on me, as I’m sure it did to him. Writing poetry helped me to deal with his friendship then and still to this day helps me cope and locate the proper words in order to express myself.

Once I had taken a few classes I decided I would continue to do so as long as it was available for me.

Seeing that a lot of the courses in which I took intertwined with the requirements for the counseling certificate I figured I may swell go for that certificate as well.

Nonetheless due to my interest being engaged amongst all the possibilities in furthering my education world have for me, I decided to continue doing what I am doing. I now am graduating with 2 certificates, general arts.& science as well as counselling in June, although I am continuing to get my diploma after the certificate completion. I’m also going for my part timecertificate in counseling.

With that being said, I am also hoping to finally fulfill my life long dream of going to Paris, France the fall of 2020, then attending Ryerson university for activism or McMaster University for the leadership essentials program afterwards!

Yes, I have a head injury, which I sustained when I was a young teenager. And yes, my life is different now. Regardless, despite all tragedies, I still managed to achieve so much; I'm independent in most aspects of my life. Hell, I'm going to college, while being an active member of the saint Catharines poetry slam team!. So, try not to start with all your woes, rather triumph all that's possible! I couldn't imagine what I would do without the encouragement I received.

Maybe just maybe everything will work out to her advantage or not– have some or none at all. Hope is everything– all she has ever known

I went to see new kids on the block with my personal support worker Tanya June 2017 at the Scotiabank arena formerly known as the Air Canada Centre. I saw Amanda Marshall with my dad June 2018 in Montebello park’ ańd I saw Hedley with my mom June 2018, and I saw the Smàshing Pûmpkins in July 2018 with my friend Kyle at the Scotiabank arena.

I went out with Kameron holland first. That childhood boyfriend/ girlfriend type deal. He is friends with Robert Burke, a boy who was on my soccer team. I played soccer for two years when I was 7–9. My dad was our coach both years that I played. Robert and Kameron were scared as everyone was scared of loosing another friend, as they already lost a friend in Junior Kindergarten.

I also went out with Kevin Clinton and Trevor catterall as well. Originally I met Kameron and Kevin at the dances the ymca used to hold. I wasn’t technically supposed be be allowed to go to these dances but I would beg and plead until my mom said I could go

It is said that after sustaining a brain injury your contact with the world such as your family and friends leave you, this is only somewhat true as my friends and family that truly care for me stuck by my side. Sure I have friends that come and go– every person does however not everybody can say they have managed to keep them all, excluding a few of all their contacts. Yes the very thought of not having a friend, or family member is devastating.

I’m fortunate to have friends, as well as family members that still talk to me after my injury. I have lost a lot by death or they’ve moved. I’ve also lost contact with numerous friends and a couple family members afterwards that the best way to look at it would have to be that they just aren’t strong enough to hold on to the well known fact that I did actually go through such a horrible accident and actually survived. But the most hurtful impact is loosing friends due to life circumstances’ interests and or point of view changes.

Back when I was at blorview still, my community held a fundraiser in hopes to raise enough money so that the house I lived in could be adapted to meet my needs. My family lived in that house for as long as we could. I had real boyfriends I was allowed to have Jamie and Steve.

Jamie was around when I was still living in my house I was in when I had my accident as we didn’t move into my present house until the following year.

I met Jamie in high school. He is two years older than me. I still talk to Jamie, he’s separated from his wife but they have joint custody of their son.

I wanted to live like my mother as most girls do. Have 3 boyfriends total. However I guess times have changed.

I hate listening to my sister and my parents talk about weddings the next day, or any family gathering As comical as it can be. I remember having someone say about how I won’t get married or have a child(ren). Hearing that makes me want to do exactly that just to prove I am able to.

My cousins Ashley and Brittany cousins on my dad’s side have both been married. I remember going to Brittany birthday party and having Barney the dinosaur come. Just as I remember going to Ashley’s or her sister Jennifer’s birthday parties.

My only cousin on my moms side Amelia has gotten married as well.

I have a friend who I met through brain injury community reentry and he takes me out for a drive sometimes to get coffee and a donut or to the movies. In the past he’s even taken me to the momentum church choir.We joke around although some days it’s not funny to me and I tell him off. I love the relationship we share. We met at a Brain Injury Community Re-entry dance. Hé no longer requires any of their services

When I was 13 years old I asked my mom if I could go to the y dances at the ymca with a bunch of my friends, even though I assumed the answer would be no considering all the dangers involved at these dances. Nonetheless surprisingly enough my mom allowed me to go.

There I met Mikey. We would dance together to every song. With the y dances being only once a month, we exchanged phone numbers and would meet up at various places. I had a feeling Mikey was not going anywhere unlike the other boys I dated so with that in mind I would keep telling Mikey no whenever he would ask me out, making sure didn’t loose his interest in me. We lost touch for a couple years due to my accident, nonetheless we then met again after my accident at St. Thomas adult learning centre. I was ecstatic, what were the chances? However because of my accident I needed help getting around. Due to circumstances I was unable to visit him which drove me crazy. I still haven’t been able to go to his house nonetheless I will once I have the proper accommodations in place to my house.

And just to add something different to everybody’s life the world decided to cause a bunch of injustices on top of a pandemic

The friends I still have as well as the new friendships I create that last are the ones I hold The closest to my heart. As Life has a way of altering ones viewpoint which in turn leaves us feeling either scared and alone or as high as a kite on top of the world. Regardless of age, race or wealth as long as you are friendly to me, I shall be your friend. Most people just don’t have the confidence in themselves I find, leaving them uneasy and unsure of how to approach anyone just not me so I at times try making things easier by approaching them and striking up the conversation.

Now that it is 2021, over the past couple years I’ve continued doing poetry as well as completing my college education, as both are of a high importance to my life. With poetry I submitted a poem to the published in the brainwaves newspaper. While also in college I have managed to obtain my major in psychology and a part time certificate in counciling skills for human rights.

In April of 2020 a culinary student made a strawberry strudel and gave it to me, this was my dream to have a boy swoon me so I made sure I got his email. Good thing I did because soon after a worldwide pandemic began unraveling. This pandemic reached out effecting all of our lives in one way or another.

Meanwhile I had started seriously conversing with a man I met through a friend, named Phil. Phil was 41 when I was introduced to him, but now he’s 42. I’m crazy about him regardless of what I have came to know about him.

Letter to self

It’s going to be okay! Hurts like a bitch when he told you however you gotta remember you broke up with him first after all the childish games he played, along with his new girlfriend. This isn’t the first time you have had your boyfriend treat you this way. And remember you have your friends!

Yes, I have a head injury, which I sustained when I was a young teenager. And yes, my life is different now. Regardless, despite all tragedies, I still managed to achieve so much; I'm independent in most aspects of my life. Hell, I'm going to college, while being an active member of the saint Catharines poetry slam team, as well as a model. So, try not to start with all your woes, rather triumph all that's possible! I couldn't imagine what I would do without the encouragement I received.

Go me!

Jenna is newborn

Michael is my 4 year old nephew

Daniel is my 9 year old nephew

Owen is my 12 year old nephew

Ryleigh is my 13 year old niece

Ron is my 27 year old brother

Andrea is my 37 year old sister

Robert is my37 year old brother in law

Mom is 61 years old

Dad is 63 years old

Anne is Roberts mother

Kevin is Roberts dad

Rino berardi and I reconnected when I was 20, at Niagara peninsula children’s centre as I gave a speech to the Ridley college students. He was one of my favourite elementary school teacher along with Andrea Greives my grade 8 teacher who snuck her pig into McMaster so I could see her pet. I have them both on Facebook.

Music has always been that of a great importance to my life. Twô of my favourite songs are better màn by pearl jam and ugly by Daphne and Celeste

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