About STEF

My childhood was marked by homophobia, bullying, and abuse, teaching me to hate myself and survive alone as I grew up. It stripped away my childhood and a significant part of my life. 

At 17, overwhelmed with shame and guilt, I quit my competitive figure skating career after finally making it to Nationals in Canada, simply unable to endure the abuse any longer.

At 18, I joined professional ice shows, thinking I could escape the shame and guilt by traveling the world and living the party life. But no matter where I went and what I did, the weight of it always followed me.

After nearly losing myself in my early thirties, I began a long healing process, working on myself through therapy, group support, and reaching out for help. During that time, I realized and finally accepted that I needed to change my life to truly learn how to love and respect myself.

Embracing self-care in every area of my life, including my health, eventually led to an ADHD diagnosis in my fifties, which has been key to understanding my journey and guiding my future.

My resilience was tested once again in 2025 when I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, a long-term chronic condition that can cause widespread pain, stiffness throughout the body, and overwhelming fatigue that drains your energy.

This new chapter reminded me of the importance of living fully in the present moment with gratitude, letting go of what I cannot control, and adapting to each moment as it comes.