About the Staff
Who are we?

Here at Through the Rain we are a group of survivors who have decided to create a small message board for survivors of relationship violence. Together, we hope to create a safe and comfortable environment for survivors to offer support to one another.

Currently, we have five staff members. Each of us have contributed something to this board, in hopes that we can help it grow and thrive.

Alexis: Our USA Administrator & Board Moderator
Domestic Violence/Relationship Abuse are words that I ignored for good chunk of my early 20's. The "love of my life" is what brings me here. Often times in my relationship I felt so alone and isolated. Please know that you are NOT alone, and you do have worth. There are many resources out there to help you. Making Through the Rain one of your stops is a huge step in getting help and healing. I hope you can find a home here. I am now in my healing where I can honestly say that I AM A SURVIVOR.
Aside from being a survivor, I hold a major in Geology. I have minors in Health Education as well as Women's Studies. My plan is pursue a Masters Degree in Social Work. I am currently working on a book with my best friend. I love art, music, sports, and so much more. I play the guitar, badly. One of my passions is teaching others, and I love doing it everyday!!

Julia: Our Canadian Administrator & Board Moderator
I decided a long time ago to create this message board/website in hopes of building a community where survivors of relationship violence would feel comforted and supported. The most valuable knowledge I've gained throughout my healing journey is that I'm not alone. I wanted to offer other survivors the same understanding. Relationship abuse encompasses so much more then just physical violence, and that's why having a message board dedicated to help others heal from RV became something I was interested in. Luckily, I've received support from the other administrators here, and hopefully we've been able to create a welcoming and safe community for survivors.

As an aside, I am currently a student, and very much enjoying it! I live in Canada, and I have three pets. A calico cat named Braidy, a tabby cat named Simba and a German-Sheppard/black-lab named Max. I am a dedicated Tori Amos fan, I like cooking (however, I'm not the greatest at it!). And, contrary to popular belief, although I am Canadian, I do no live in an igloo ;)

Tanya: Moderator & Advisory Staff
I suppose I never thought it could happen to me. One day, I realized that the relationship I was in had taken a quick turn for the worst. I stayed for a short while, before it became very apparent that I needed to get out. I am thankful everyday that I was able to find the strength to leave that relationship when I did.

After my brief, but eye-opening encounter with relationship abuse, I realized that I wanted to be apart of a change. I decided to run for the position of women's advocate at my workplace, which therefore led to my training in domestic violence advocacy. I was delighted when I was asked to be apart of this wonderful environment.

The work I will be doing here will be more centered around an advisory position. I will be apart of the decision-making process, and I will offer what expertise I can with the training I have received. I will also be helping with moderating through the rain. I look forward to being apart of this wonderful community!

Summer: Moderator & Advisory Staff
I am a currently going through a divorce after ten years of marriage as a result of domestic violence. DV has been apart of my life for as long as I can remember, even before my marriage. Thanks to members of this board and the support from another online support group I am finally realizing I am NOT alone and that I DONT have to live this way anymore. I want those of you reading this to know that the members of this board are in various stages of healing and HAVE been/ARE where you are. We are here to support each other and hopefully learn that we are NOT alone and help each other through the rain.

I have three children ages 4, 7, and 9. I have a dog and two cats and I am currently living with my parents. I love music, although sometimes it doesn't love me. I can't wait to meet all of you and I am honored to have been asked to be apart of this board.

You can, at any time, PM one of us if you have any questions.

It's great to have you here!
The Staff

This post has been edited by Alexis on July 21, 2008 03:46 pm