There are some people who speak with authority, and others who speak with heart.
Brooke does both.
In recovery for the past five years, Brooke has used her lived experience not just to heal herself—but to lift others up.She’s become a pillar in the recovery community, reminding those around her that connection saves lives, and that no one should ever have to walk this path alone.
When she reached out to me for portraits in celebration of being selected to present at the Peer Rural Conference, I was honored to say yes.
Brooke will be leading a breakout session, sharing her story and insights in the same heartfelt way she supports her community every day. Her presence in that space is more than just a speaker slot—it’s a testament to how far she’s come and how many people she continues to reach.
During our time together, Brooke shared pieces of her journey—what she’s survived, what she’s building, and the way her future is being shaped by the community she continues to serve. What stood out most wasn’t just the strength in her story—it was the gentleness in the way she tells it.
Brooke is the kind of person who makes people feel safe. Seen. Less alone.
She shows up for others not because she has to, but because she believes in the power of being there. She knows what it’s like to struggle. She also knows the power of being met with understanding—and now, she’s paying that forward in every space she steps into.
This session wasn’t just about capturing a headshot. It was about honoring a woman who shows up for her community with her whole heart. A woman who gets it, and still chooses hope.
Brooke, Congratulations on being selected to share your vision at the Peer Rural Conference—you represent what’s possible when we heal out loud, and when we lead with love.
