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
One night in 2002, we watched Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, a movie that changed everything. It told the story of someone misunderstood who found love and belonging.
At the end of the movie, there were trivia questions, and to everyone’s surprise—especially mine—I was able to answer them all correctly. That moment gave my mom clear proof that I wasn’t broken, just different. She realized I am a visual learner.
She’ll always be my Ohana.
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.
Stitch’s Transformation Mirrored My Own
From chaos to confidence, from frustration to pride, my mom became my biggest champion. Her belief in me gave me strength and helped me embrace my uniqueness.
Dancing in Disney 2004
A Valentine’s Day Dream Come True
A Testimony of Resilience
"While school was a daily struggle, dance was my escape."
At age 11, Disney saw a recital video of me and selected our group 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.
On February 14, 2004, Valentine's Day
We danced on the Tomorrowland stage. Standing in front of Cinderella’s Castle in our “Dancing in Disney 2004” shirts, I felt like I belonged to something magical.
A Lesson in Teamwork & Resilience
Every dancer, technician, 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. That performance taught me that passion and perseverance could carry me far—and that I wasn’t alone in my challenges.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 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™ – A Legacy of Alignment
I launched Category Minds™ LLC on Valentine's Days 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.
What began as a magical performance became a moment of clarity, and eventually, the foundation for a company helping others embrace how they learn.
Category Minds™ isn’t just a business—it’s a mission. We exist to ensure no student feels as lost as I once did, helping them find confidence, clarity, and color in how they learn. We believe 444 represents resilience, transformation, and the truth that learning differently is a strength—not a flaw.