The road ahead on our journey continues to take twists and turns, leading us to unexpected places. Meet Chrystina Gilgeous, MS, L.Ac, M.Ac, a Black woman, raised by a loving white family, mostly in small towns populated by mostly white people. How did the construct of race impact her? How did she make sense of her Blackness without mirrors? And without "armor" as she describes in this episode.

In spite of her arduous childhood as a Transracial Adoptee, or perhaps because of the way she grew up, Chrystina's compassion and empathy for others blossomed into a career path that includes many forms of healing modalities. Her perpetual curiosity about life and fellow humans has opened her up to a lifetime of learning and seeking. Listen to her stories and be reminded that everything in life is not as it appears on the surface.

Chrystina Gilgeous is currently serving as a health professional versed in Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, creative wellness programs, wellness coaching, preventative care, stress management and health education with a focus on delivering culturally competent health and wellness programs to minority and underserved populations. She holds a Master of Acupuncture and certificate in Chinese Herbal Medicine from the Maryland Institute of Integrative Health. She also earned a B.A. and M.S. from The American University.