Fundamental Chromatic was born from lived experience — not necessarily theory (although we do incorporate scientific theory in our knowledge-base), not assumption, not through guesses — but real life; real experiences; real knowledge; real people; real communities; and real perseverance.

I know what it feels like to have nothing.
No roof overhead.
No money in my pocket.
No family nearby.
No idea where to turn or who would listen.

I had no idea that I had multiple, undiagnosed disorders/disabilities. 

I know the deep ache of walking into places that claimed to help, only to be judged, ignored, or treated like a burden. I remember being denied benefits I qualified for, by law — and feeling powerless to fight back because I didn't know how. I spent my teenage and young adult years unaware that resources even existed, let alone how to access them. When I did find them, rarely did I feel genuine care or compassion. Too often, I was met with cold systems and people working only for a paycheck, not any mission.

I didn't have access to resources - I didn't know they even existed, and I suffered because of many things including this.

If I were ever given a second chance at life - to start completely over from scratch - I wouldn't take it. Even with all the trouble I've gone through to get where I'm at today. You way be asking why not?

If I hadn't gone through all the heart-breaking grief, devastating challenges, scary disasters, very lonely days and desperate nights, complete thirst and hunger, near-deadly overdose, and a whole-lot more. I don't think I would be right here, right now --- with the abilities, skills, knowledge, determination --- all, in a way, earned, to help the people around me. The learned experiences, these are part of who I am, and what makes me unique in this field --- without these experiences, and ambitions to learn and grow, I wouldn't be able to help my clients as adequately as I'm able to today. Not only have I literally lived through and survived terrible horror; I've climbed from the depths of a dark, cold pit, escaping shattering - mizery, and pulled myself with the help of care teams, new friends, and the communities in which I've received any sort of life-changing supports; out of the hard holds of evil. These attributes have made me stronger, more resilient, courageous, intelligent, resourceful, kind, loving, caring, compassionate, discerning, capable, powerful, and a natural-born leader --- destined to make a meaningful difference and lifechanging impact --- in lives of people who are literally forgotten, judged, turned away, banned, misunderstood, and unacknowledged. 

I'm meant to be here, and so are all of you. Each of us have at least one skill that we're meant to understand completely - wholeheartedly, get great at, and then utilized to help those around us who need support, genuine love, and selfless - generosity. We are all unique, and we are all essential to the successes of our community. Without you, without those you love, without at minimum - knowing and receiving help and supports of extraordinary ambitions, connections, and information, from and within your families, friends, communities, circles, groups, churches, schools, workplaces, neighbors.... ---  life wouldn't be the same. 

We learn from our mistakes, and we grow from them, and these experiences make us stronger --- enough so that we are able to positively influence, lead, help, and support the people ( and animals ) ( and environment) around us. We do this out of love, because love is the most important and reliable aspect of life. To love is to live, and to live at our best --- we must love and be loved to at least - first - survive. Then we can thrive.  

I noticed gaps — wide gaps — in services and systems meant to help.
Gaps in empathy.
Gaps in action.
Gaps between the money raised and the help actually delivered to the people who needed it.

I never had met a nonprofit leader who had walked in the same shoes as the people they were trying to serve.
But I have.

I have lived those days and nights of despair.
I have fought, step by step, to rebuild my life — setting goals, working tirelessly, overcoming setback after setback.
Even now, I still face struggles like so many neighbors do too. Though, today, I have a clearer mind, a kinder heart, and a spirit driven not just by survival — but by purpose.

Fundamental Chromatic was born from this place:
A place of understanding, of knowing firsthand what it feels like to be left behind — and a burning desire to make sure no one else has to feel that way without someone truly standing by their side, and who is able to lift them up. 

Our nascence is more than our beginning.
It’s a promise:

• To fight for those still in the dark.

• To advocate for fairness, access, and dignity.

• To build real connections, real support, and real opportunities for healing and growth.

• To lead not from above, but from alongside.

Knowing that these are real people, and these people matter. 

We believe in community, in education, in empowerment.
We believe in building relationships, not just transactions.
We believe that lived experience is not a weakness — it is our greatest strength.

Welcome to our beginning.
Welcome to our journey.
Welcome to Fundamental Chromatic.

I often wondered if anyone at the helm truly understood the struggles of those they were meant to serve. My own journey—facing homelessness, battling system failures, and feeling unseen—has given me a unique perspective. And, I have walked in those very shoes.

Moments we share can remind you that true empathy and understanding can exist.

• Have you ever experienced a moment when someone in a leadership position truly listened and understood your struggles?

• What does genuine empathy in nonprofit work look like to you?

• How can we all work together to ensure every voice is heard?

We invite you to share your thoughts, stories, or even ideas on what authentic leadership and compassion mean in your life. Your insights would help shape a future where every interaction counts.