Tonight's special guest is Penelope Benis from Bellevue, Washington, a returning NAASCA family member and a survivor of childhood domestic violence and sexual abuse. Born into multi-generational abuse, she endured extreme and multiple forms of maltreatment. The abuse was physical, mental, emotional and sexual in nature. As a survival technique in her childhood, Penelope completely dissociated the abuse via depersonalization. Her primary care doctor took notice and gently urged her to seek trauma-informed therapy. Five years ago her healing process began through intensive cognitive therapy and other modalities (such as hiking, yoga and meditation), which enabled her to begin the process of healing. Penelope considers herself to now be in recovery, which she defines as a lifelong process. Living in Bellevue, WA, with her husband and three sons, she works as an instructor at Bellevue College, holds a license as a Certified Ace Health Coach and is an avid activist in the prevention of child abuse. Penelope, a Certified Yoga Instructor (RYS200), has been Trauma Informed Trained in Yoga through Yoga Behind Bars in Seattle, WA. Penelope has published “Healing from Abuse; How Outdoor Exercise Can Energize and Awaken Our Minds, Lift Our Spirits, Enhance Our Cognitive Performance, and Help Alleviate Depression,” which can be found on the NAASCA website. Penelope, a member of NAASCA, serves on NAASCA’s Board, holds the title of NAASCA’s Washington State Ambassador, and hosts the Monday and Wednesday editions of NAASCA’s “Stop Child Abuse Now” talk radio show.