My brother, Douglas Kouneski committed suicide in January, 1982 at the age of 20. I worked for a major finance corporation for twenty years in customer relations until I was diagnosed with an uncommon liver disease and placed on the liver transplant list in 1995. I have always been a very passionate advocate for youth, and combined with the death of Doug, I resolved to mentor youth and have made it my life's work.

I have volunteered in the ministry to youth for over twelve years, as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, and have earned my Advanced Certificate in Youth Ministry with a specialization in Catechesis. I have served as a volunteer youth minister for the past seven years at the parish of St. Ursula Roman Catholic Church, in Parkville, MD. I am also the proud mom of a 19 year old daughter, Stefanie, currently in her second year of college.