As a female investigator tasked with investigating crimes against children, Andrea opens up about her struggles and what ultimately ended her career in law enforcement. This talk goes into the effects of trauma, the unique stressors faced by females in the field, and the connection between disease and trauma and stress. From negative thoughts to a place of healing, this talk aims to provide hope to those who believe there is no way out.

“The Career That Broke My Heart: Trauma, Resilience, and Life After Retirement,” will explore the emotional and spiritual toll that working crimes against children has on the body and soul, and the extraordinary courage it requires to heal, reflect, and grow beyond it. With candid reflections from my own journey in the criminal justice field, I’ll speak to the pain of burnout, trauma, medical conditions, the complexity of identity after retirement, and the redemptive power of resilience through faith and community. This message is for every officer, counselor, nurse, and advocate whose commitment often goes unseen—and whose healing matters just as much as the work they do.