About Jeannine

Rarely taking time for herself, Jeannine kept busy with her career, family, home, and volunteer work. Until, due to illness, she was forced to retire and curtail her physical activities.

Once Jeannine slowed down, memories of her childhood abuse resurfaced. She tried not to think about it, but the truth of what had happened to her would not go back into hiding and could not be silenced,

Months later, at the age of 51, Jeannine adopted an abused two-year old little brown and white dog named Baby. On their first day together, Jeannine told Baby, "You're a good doggie. You didn't deserve being abused. You are safe. No one will ever hurt you again." All of a sudden Jeannine began to think that maybe she too was innocent, that maybe she too was safe from further harm. 

Baby became Jeannine's confidant. Whether they were sitting alone, or going for a walk, Jeannine shared her feelings and thoughts with Baby.  

 "No one could have questioned the likelihood of a dog teaching me about myself more than I did," Jeannine says. "I thought I was supposed to help Baby heal, not vice-versa." 

Baby's love and healing presence gave Jeannine the strength and courage to let go of her painful past, the impact it had on her life, and move on.   

Jeannine's Background:

Public Speaker: 25 years experience: gives talks on

"How to Let Go of The Past"
"The Story Behind Holy Paws"
"The Human-Animal Bond"
"How To Write Your Life Story" 

Education & Work Experience:
Bachelors of Science in Commerce: St. Louis University
Masters in Business Administratio: University of Missouri Kansas City
Auditor and investigator: 19 years with U. S. Treasury and Department of Energy.

Writing Career: began freelance writing in the 90's, Published first book in 1995, published inspirational bookmarks, writes for organizations, businesses and churches.

Awards:
2008: Amazing Grace Award from Kansas City Writer's Group
2008: City Mayor honored Jeannine for donating book proceeds to help rebuild an animal shelter in southern Kansas destroyed by a flood
2005 Golden Mile Award from Rose Brooks Center
2004 Court Advocate Volunteer Award from Rose Brooks Center
International Speech Contest Winner: Toastmistress Club

Community Service:
Kansas City Hospice - serving third term as treasurer for fundraising event
Former Court Advocate for a domestic violence shelter
Former City Plan Commissioner and Public Building Commissioner  

Jeannine's hobbies include dancing, walking long distances, fishing, giving theme parties and being with friends. She lives in Kansas with her husband Marty, and their five-year old canine kid, Rosie.