I was pursuing my BFA in Acting from Southern Methodist University when suddenly my voice left me. I had no vibration left, and could only communicate in painful whispers. I went to a famous ENT in Dallas, who told me that I had a paralyzed vocal fold. He couldn't tell me how it happened, but I probably would never speak again. I quit school, unable to do my coursework with no voice, and I went home devastated.

I had no voice for about nine months. Finally I decided that I should try practicing the Linklater Technique, because it made sense to me in school and I found it interesting. So I spent hours in my room doing the exercises, and tried to find pleasure in whatever squeaks I could find and in stretching and moving my body. Within a month, I had my voice back. I was fascinated with what I achieved, and this discovery sent me down the path of training in the Linklater work.

By the age of 23 I was teaching voice at the university level, and I realized how rehabilitating my own voice helped me connect with my students' struggles. I realized I deeply loved teaching, and it was my new path in life. I am deeply grateful for my injury, because that obstacle created a fulfilling career that I never would have imagined.