Finding My Ohana — A Stitch in My Story
Everyone Has a Story. Mine Began with a Struggle.
Growing up, school was tough—especially for me, with reading and writing being particularly challenging. My mom noticed something was off long before teachers did. I’d come home drained, frustrated, and defeated. Homework felt impossible, and despite trying my hardest, I kept falling behind. I felt lost and misunderstood, navigating a system that didn’t offer the tools my brain needed.
That’s when my mom said something I’ll never forget: “Wear something that makes you feel good.” At first, I thought she meant clothes, but she was teaching me the power of color, confidence, and psychology. She knew how what we wear—and the colors around us—can shape how we feel. Yellow makes me feel happy. Blue calms my nerves. Red gives me energy.
Color helps anchor my emotions and has become a tool to focus, remember, and believe in myself.
Discovering I Was a Visual Learner
In 2002, we watched Disney's Lilo & Stitch — a story about someone misunderstood who found love and belonging. At the end, there were trivia questions. To everyone's surprise — especially mine — I answered them all correctly. That moment gave my mom proof that I wasn't broken. Just different. I am a visual learner.
To cope, I created my Lifeline eight mnemonic devices tied to color and memory triggers. It became my personal toolkit for navigating an overwhelming world. Just like Stitch — labeled as broken, but actually extraordinary — I just needed the right system to show what I was capable of.
Dancing at Disney 2004
At age 11, Disney saw a recital video of me and selected our group of 55 girls from The Dance Place in Ocean City, NJ, to perform at Magic Kingdom. We even participated in workshops led by Disney professionals, giving us a behind-the-scenes look into their world.
"While school was a daily struggle, dance was my escape."
Every dancer and Disney team member worked in sync to create something unforgettable. That mirrored my journey — pushing through challenges, leaning on support, and discovering that with the right mindset, I could overcome anything. Walt Disney, who also faced dyslexia, became a personal inspiration. Standing in front of Cinderella's Castle, I thought of Stitch — an outsider who found his place. That day, so did I.
The Diagnosis — February 14th, 2009
On Valentine's Day, February 14th, 2009 — after nine years of confusion — I was diagnosed with dyslexia at age 16. It was a revelation. For the first time, I had language for my experience. I wasn't broken. I was understood. I felt seen. In that moment, my world shifted from black and white to full color.
The Birth of Category Minds™ — February 14th, 2024
I launched Category Minds™ LLC on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2024, without realizing it shared the same date as three of the most defining moments in my life.
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February 14, 2004 – when I danced at Disney.
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February 14, 2009 – when I was diagnosed with dyslexia.
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February 14, 2024 – when I launched Category Minds™ LLC.
Three milestones. One date: Valentine's Day. Each time, I saw 444 — a quiet sign I was on the right path.
Category Minds™ isn't just a business — it's a mission. We exist to ensure no student feels as lost as I once did. We believe learning differently is a strength, not a flaw. And we believe 444 represents resilience, transformation, and the truth that every student deserves a system that works for them.
Stitch said, "Ohana means family — nobody gets left behind." Category Minds™ was built on that same belief. No student gets left behind. Not anymore.