Your past does not define or limit your future. Today, Cristabelle is joined by guest Paula Walters to share her story of overcoming abuse, brain injury, and hopelessness. This is an inspiring conversation that focuses on healing from trauma and how to move forward, including all of the emotions and real life struggles that come with the process. It doesn't happen overnight, but it is possible to heal and step into your future with confidence - to stand courageous.
•CONNECT & MORE INFO•
Hosted by Cristabelle Braden
Instagram: @declarationlife
Facebook: @declarationlife
Website: http://cristabellebraden.com/declarationlife
Email: declarationlife@gmail.com
Intro/Outro Music: "Not Giving Up" by Cristabelle Braden
•ABOUT PAULA•
Paula Walters is the Founder and President of Standing Courageous, Inc. In her role, Paula has developed and leads the team that provides education and awareness about domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. In 2020, Standing Courageous is expanding its Mission to include survivor services. Drawing on her experience as a survivor of child abuse, domestic violence with strangulation and sexual assault, Paula specializes in educating about the psychology of an abuser and victim, the impacts of abuse, and the role individuals have in stopping the cycle of violence and aiding in a victim’s recovery.
Paula has been in the fire service and EMS since 1999. She became a Paramedic in 2003 after attending The Medical College of Ohio where she received the Clinical Excellence Award. She became an EMS instructor in 2009. Paula has worked in Ohio, North Carolina, and Louisiana as a Paramedic in a variety of EMS and public service capacities.
Paula experienced a traumatic brain injury from being abused that was misdiagnosed for over a decade. She has had a long journey to finally being accurately diagnosed. That journey has led her to be an advocate for traumatic brain injury survivors. She is passionate about educating personnel who works with victims of abuse on the invisible injuries. She is passionate about using her life experiences to inspire others to triumph over trauma and tragedy.
She enjoys painting, poetry, and writing and is currently working on a book of her life, tentatively to be published early 2021. Residing in Toledo, Ohio, Paula enjoys volunteering in many aspects in her community helping others triumph over trauma. She is passionate about her walk with God and how that has shaped her recovery. She can be contacted via email at paula@paulawalters.org.
Website: https://www.paulawalters.org/
•ABOUT CRISTABELLE•
Cristabelle Braden is an award winning singer/songwriter, keynote speaker, author, and podcast host. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, she began to write music. Since then, she has surpassed medical expectations and thrived in her newfound gift of music; she has come from re-learning daily life tasks in brain injury rehabilitation to setting her feet firmly on the ground as a songwriter, speaker, and artist with a message of hope.
Website: http://cristabellebraden.com
