Hope Dixee

Who am I?  First and foremost, I am a multifaceted human being, just like you. Sometimes I feel like I have lived many different lifetimes, mostly because my life has not always looked like it does today. As a complex trauma survivor who lived under extreme / organized abuse until around age 30, my humanity has been shaped by extreme experiences.

I don’t typically lead with “I am an extreme abuse survivor” when writing for a bio, not because I am ashamed of what others chose to do to me, but rather because I understand that who I am is not defined or restricted by trauma.

I am so much more than what was done to me, as is EVERY other trauma survivor on the planet!

I want to share from a place of authenticity though; I understand the complexities and challenges complex trauma survivors experience as they struggle to find good help.  The opportunity to understand and heal is, for me, both a motivator and an important asset in my service with Hesed Place.

In addition to the experience, I hold as a survivor, I hold a degree in political science and have spent most of my professional life in project & startup management and sales administration. In that capacity I have traveled all over the world, meeting some amazing people and enjoying numerous unforgettable places and moments along the way. I currently live in Connecticut where I enjoy each of the four seasons, hikes with my dog, gardening and spending time with those closest to my heart. I enjoy traveling, exploring new places and stumbling into unexpected adventures.

I began my healing journey around age thirty and have invested significant amounts of time, money and raw effort into my pursuing wholeness. Twenty years or so into my journey I began to see an explosion in understanding and research around trauma’s long-term impacts on ones, brain, body, spiritual and emotional development. Yet, survivors where still fighting through many of the same obstacles I had 20+ years later. The disparity between new understanding and lack of tangible improvements for survivors motivated me to begin mentoring and offering case management to other survivors. I believe that as we eliminate the barriers and obstacles more survivors will have the support needed to grow into restoration of their full potential. Hesed Place strives to eliminate these obstacles so joining the Hesed Place team was an easy decision. 

In addition to serving on the board I continue to work with other survivors in this capacity, providing case management and advocacy support as well as sharing the extensive first-hand knowledge and experience I have gained as a mentor and coach. I also partner with other Hesed Place board members as we offer training and support for Life Group members and those supporting survivors.

My journey to now leads me to this:  I believe healing from even extreme lifelong, even ritualistic abuse, IS possible!

I very much understand how incredibly painful, confusing and exhausting healing from complex trauma is.  At the same time, I appreciate and know personally how life-giving and rewarding the process of healing can be!  Restoration is a “Both/And” process – It is hard, AND it is beautiful! I consider the opportunity to now help others by easing the challenges and barriers commonly faced by survivors an honor, and I am so thankful to be here.