For nearly three decades, I've navigated the challenging waters of demanding, controlling, and sometimes toxic in-laws. What started as just a vague, uneasy feeling that "something wasn't right" eventually revealed itself as a pattern of behavior that was threatening the peace in our marriage and family...and my physical health.

My Journey

My husband and I have been married for almost 29 years (I still can't believe we're THAT old!). God has blessed with six amazing children – first, four daughters who are now adults and then two sons who came along and completely switched things up on us.

My faith journey hasn't quite been straightforward. I was raised in a completely areligious home – we never went to church, never heard about God (except in cursing), and the only things I knew about Jesus came from Christmas carols and a brief stint at a Presbyterian preschool. It wasn't until college that a persistent friend invited me to a Bible study where I first came to know Jesus.

My husband and I met through Fellowship of Christian Athletes and spent many years in Protestant churches before finally making our way home to the Catholic Church. We joined through RCIA in 2018, and it was during this time of conversion that things with my in-laws really came to a head.

Looking back, I can see how our faith journey actually gave us the strength and clarity to recognize when something wasn't healthy and to make the difficult decision to go no contact for the sake of our family's wellbeing.

Along the way, we've lived a bit unconventionally too – selling almost everything we owned and moving our family of seven to Costa Rica, then Mexico, and even spending time in the Middle East and Europe. Those experiences taught us so much about what really matters in life and gave us the space to heal and grow stronger as a family unit.

Why I Do This Work

As a certified Christian life coach with almost three decades of experience navigating and healing from toxic in-law relationships, I've learned that you can't just "pray away" these problems or "turn the other cheek" indefinitely when your marriage and family are being damaged.

I've also learned that many Catholic wives struggle silently with these issues, feeling like they're trapped between honoring the commandment to "honor thy father and mother" and protecting their own family's peace.

You might have heard things like this from your in-laws or well-meaning friends:

"But that's his mother! You just need to try harder."

"A good Catholic wife would forgive and not hold a grudge."

"Family is everything – you need to make it work."

"'Honor thy father and mother' means sacrificing to make them happy."

"Grandparents are allowed to spoil their grandkids...it's not a big deal."

And each time, you feel a little smaller, a little more confused, and a lot more alone.

I'm here to tell you that you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're not failing as a Catholic wife by setting healthy boundaries.

What I Offer

My mission is to help Catholic wives find their voice, stop being the "Doormat Daughter-in-law," and learn how to stand up for themselves while protecting their marriage and family.

I believe you can be charitable and strong. You can be respectful without being a doormat. You can honor your in-laws without sacrificing your family's wellbeing.

Through my podcast, resources, and coaching, I offer:

Validation that your struggles are real (even when others can't see them)

Biblical and Catholic perspectives on healthy boundaries

Practical strategies for communicating effectively with difficult in-laws

Support in discerning when to engage and when to step back

Community with other Catholic wives facing similar challenges

My approach isn't about vilifying your in-laws or encouraging hasty no-contact decisions. It's about empowering you to find peace in your role as a wife and mother, even amid challenging family dynamics.

Let's Connect

If you're feeling called to share your story, have me as a guest on your podcast, or invite me to speak at your event, I'd love to hear from you. Reach out through the contact form below, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

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Remember, you're not alone in this journey. There is a path forward that honors your faith, your marriage, and your own wellbeing.

Go in peace,