JT shares the personal history behind Calm in the Storm. Before the traumatic incident, she was focused, serious, independent, and accustomed to serving others through her work in transportation. Her life involved constant travel, responsibility, and earning the trust of the people around her.

After promising her dying mother that she would remain in Minnesota, JT realized, in her own words, “I lied to myself.” While grieving the death of her husband after his battle with cancer, she also faced deep emotional isolation and a lack of support.

When a relationship formed during that vulnerable period became dangerous, JT was attacked from behind with a steak knife. Even while seriously injured, she understood that moving or fighting back could cause her to bleed out faster. She stayed as calm as she could, called 911, and took the action that helped save her life.

This is the beginning of JT’s journey from survival to healing, purpose, and the discovery of the inner shero.