About Me
My Story
I never expected a rare form of cancer to be part of my story. When the diagnosis came—right after a painful divorce, an empty nest, and years of long, draining commutes—I found myself in the middle of a storm I couldn’t control. But in that season, God met me in the rawest places of fear, anxiety, and loss, and began transforming my pain into a deeper faith.
I was born and raised in the Chicago area and now live in Madison, Wisconsin, with my husband and best friend, Craig Carstens. I have two grown children who continue to be a blessing to me.
When I’m not writing or speaking, you can find me dancing, bike riding, hiking in nature, exploring whole-food nutrition, or spending time with Craig. And yes—I’ll happily stop whatever I'm doing for a quick puppy break... a pet behind the ears!
With more than 30 years of experience in clinical neurophysiology, I bring both professional insight and personal honesty to my writing and ministry. My passion is to walk alongside others facing cancer—patients, loved ones, and caregivers—offering hope, strength, and peace that can only be found in God.
Today, I share encouragement through writing, speaking, and creating community for those on the cancer journey. My heart is to help others see that even in life’s hardest places, God is still faithful and still present.
One of my favorite phrases is “from crap to compost.” Only God can recycle the junk of fear, anxiety, and loss and turn it into something new—something full of meaning and purpose—through a growing relationship with Him.
My writing roots
My writing journey began through daily journaling as I worked through my cancer diagnosis—processing my emotions and the interactions of those around me. Each story I share carries a piece of the blessing I’ve received from Christ along the way, a reflection of His presence and grace, woven with scripture, through every part of this journey.
My style
I write with God as my co-author—drawing from the depths I find in quiet moments with Him, and sometimes from the pain that has shaped and refined me.