I’ll be honest, this isn’t easy for me to write. Asking for help has never come naturally to me. I’ve always prided myself on finding my own way, working hard, and pushing through. But after years of sacrifice and determination, I’ve reached a point where I can’t do this alone, and that’s why I’m here, sharing my story.

My Story:

In 2008, during the Great Recession, I was newly divorced with an 8-year-old son, and no one would hire me. So I worked for myself, juggling self-employment while putting myself through both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.

When my son was older and it became clear that we needed more stability, I put my dreams on hold and became a school bus driver in 2016. I had steady hours, a steady paycheck, and a roof over our heads. It wasn’t easy, but it gave us the security we needed.

In 2021, with my son grown and living his own life, I finally returned to my dream: earning my Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine. Becoming a Ph.D. candidate isn’t just about coursework; it has meant years of research, weekly online discussions, video presentations, multiple papers, and significant projects for two classes every semester. And I don’t just go two semesters a year. I’ve been going full-time, three semesters a year, spring, summer, and fall, with only short breaks in between. That means late nights, little sleep, and years of sacrifice of both family time and financial stability. To make it this far is already a victory, but I am determined to cross the finish line.

In 2023, I left my job as a school bus driver and stepped fully into my calling, working for myself as a menopause care provider and certified sexologist. Today, I spend my days helping women navigate this life stage with compassion, holistic strategies, and hope for rediscovering intimacy.

The Challenge:

I was relying on funding to carry me through this last year, but with the change in administration, that support has been pulled, with no explanation and no alternatives offered. Without it, I can’t cover the $8,800 I need per semester for tuition and fees. After everything I’ve worked for, the thought of stopping here is heartbreaking.

Why I Chose This Path:

When I went through menopause, I felt firsthand how dramatically it can change intimacy, self-confidence, and even identity. Like so many women, I was dismissed by doctors who wouldn’t listen, and the only “solutions” I was offered were hormone replacement therapy and anxiety medications. But those paths weren’t right for me, and I knew there had to be another way.

As a lifelong lover of books, I noticed how romance novels sparked my own imagination and sense of desire. They reminded me of possibility, of connection, of passion. That experience lit a fire in me: if romance stories could help me, could they also help other women? That question became my dissertation.

Why It Matters — My Dissertation:

My research explores how reading romance novels can help menopausal women reignite their desire for intimacy. Menopause often brings changes in libido that strain relationships and self-confidence. Romance novels provide a safe, accessible, and empowering way to spark fantasy, awaken closeness, and reconnect women with themselves and their partners.

This method isn’t limited to menopause. Romance novels have also shown promise in helping postpartum women rediscover intimacy and supporting women who are trying to conceive by reducing stress and rekindling desire.

And yes, this work helps men, too. One of the most common complaints I hear from men is: “My wife doesn’t want to have sex.” When women find safe, natural ways to reconnect with desire, relationships can thrive on both sides. My dissertation is about healing intimacy for couples, not just for women.

How It Fits into the SHE-BE-ME™ Framework:

I developed the SHE-BE-ME™ framework as a comprehensive approach to whole-woman sexual wellness. It integrates seven key areas:

My dissertation fits squarely into the Mind and Emotions pillars. It demonstrates how engaging the imagination through romance novels can reduce stress, awaken fantasy, and restore intimacy. When the brain is activated and emotions feel safe, desire naturally returns.

The Work I’m Already Doing:

Alongside my Ph.D. studies, I run my own practice as a menopause care provider and certified sexologist. I also serve as a teaching assistant in Mind-Body Medicine, supporting instructors and contributing to the very field I am preparing to advance.

How You Can Help:

Every donation, no matter the size, helps me walk across that stage next year as Dr. Theiss. You’ll be part of a story about resilience, second chances, and proving that age is never a limit.

Thank you for helping me finish what I started.

The raised funds will go toward:

Tuition: $7,030.00

Institutional Service Fee: $1,750.00

TOTAL (per semester): $8,780.00

If you cannot donate, but would like to help, please share this fundraiser with your social circles.

I appreciate you. Thank you for reading my story.