“Everything that I’ve experienced, overcome, and survived — and where I am today — is astonishing. I’m here standing in my truth, offering hope to others through my journey and my story of overcoming any obstacle. I know everything I do comes from a good, authentic place. I’m happier and more at peace than I’ve ever been in my entire life. Now I’m able to use my gifts in a way that helps others.”
For nearly 30 years, AnnMarie has poured her heart into serving others as a social worker. Her passion has always been advocating for people who are unhoused and creating space for them to be seen, heard, and valued.
Her path forward was not without obstacles. After a traumatic event, AnnMarie was prescribed pain medication, which slowly became a struggle. In 2015, she made the decision to get clean — and she has never looked back.
Even after years in recovery, she faced homelessness after an illegal eviction and had to fight to reestablish her life. Yet through every challenge, she chose to rise.
“What I’ve learned is that no matter what you’ve been through or lost — whether it’s family, friends, stability, or even hope — you are still worth the fight. You can overcome anything.”
But her journey has also been deeply spiritual. From an early age, she carried strong psychic abilities, though for much of her life she was told she was “crazy” for knowing and sensing things others could not. For years, she pushed down her gifts, numbing them with substances to quiet what felt overwhelming. But in 2017, after years of healing and recovery, she experienced a true spiritual awakening.
Today, she embraces her gifts fully — using them to bring comfort, clarity, and healing to others. She became a Reiki Level 2 Master and shares her insights and guidance through her social media platforms, where she provides messages of hope, healing, and resilience.
AnnMarie credits The Open Shelter founder, Kent Bittel, with inspiring her to become a social worker and she has maintained a relationship with the organization for over 25 years. The support she received from the staff and friends there helped her rebuild her foundation during some of the hardest moments of her life.
Today, she continues that legacy of service in her role as an Outreach Specialist with South Side Thrive Collaborative, where she is “boots on the ground” along Parsons Avenue. She is also a coordinator for the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless. Her work allows her to walk alongside those experiencing homelessness and poverty, while also partnering with local businesses to strengthen the community as a whole.
Her story is not just one of recovery. It’s one of awakening, resilience, and using every part of her journey — the pain, the loss, and the triumphs — to light the way for others.