In 1985 Cyndee moved to Texas and a year later married her husband, Dave. On October 14, 1995, her husband died unexpectedly at the age of 38, leaving her with four small children, ages 12 days to six years. Her life would never be the same.

Two years after her husband’s death, her daughter, who was then two, was diagnosed with autism. Cyndee made it her mission to learn all she could about raising a special needs child. During that journey, Cyndee began speaking to various groups on grief, special needs, faith, single parenting, and living a joy filled life. She published a special needs resource guide which garnered her an interview on “Good Morning Texas” where author, Karol Ladd, saw her and contacted her to ask if she would agree to be part of her book, Thrive Don’t Simply Survive. Karol became a mentor and friend, and encouraged Cyndee to write her story.

In 2010, Cyndee published her book, Detour to Happiness, which has led her to sharing the message of how to live a joy filled life. Cyndee has mentored women from all walks of life, including women in prison, college students, Moms, and Special Needs parents.

Over the last twenty years, Cyndee has been on a quest to help, inspire, support, and empower women to Create a Life They Love.