Thank you for showing up here today.

Hey, I'm Sam.

...with titles such as Transformational Psychologist, Speaker, and Best Selling Author but my world shattered into millions of pieces when I unexpectedly lost my husband. Instead of giving up, I turned my pain into my power and I help others to do the same by guiding them to be their true selves not who they think they need to be, by embracing their differences, and by living life on their own terms.

I spent my life building a resume to impress...

my story

favorite TV show

friends

favorite music

Grateful Dead & Led Zeppelin

favorite song

Peacefrog by The Doors

morning routine

A power hour with gratitude, meditation, journaling, some sort of uplifting podcast or reading (and of course snuggling, feeding, and playing with the pups!)

EXERCISE routine

Before back surgery I was a Pilates addict. Now I take full advantage of living in Colorado and doing as much outdoors as I can!

My Timeline

how i got here

Started babysitting when I was 12 Or 13 - the minute I was old enough!

Became a camp counselor, which l'd still do today if I could!

Worked at both preschools and locked male teen correctional facilities in college.

Interned at a teen runaway shelter in graduate school. 

Met Jim as I completed graduate school. And my world changed forever.


When we broke up, neither one of us could stay where we were. 

September 11, 2001
My first day at Livonia Schools. I also created a landmark Adolescent Program & later served on the Livonia Youth Task Force.

2013
With a successful word of mouth practice, my partner insisted I start having an online presence. I started a LinkedIn & Jim found me within a week.

End of January, 2014
Jim came to officially move me and Sassy to Colorado.

August 16, 2013
He came to see me In Michigan for our first 'face to face'’

November 29, 2013
Engaged!

August 8, 2014
Sassy & I are in a serious car accident.

August 16, 2014
Officially (finallllly!) Mrs. Ruth. Jim & I celebrate our wedding in Grand Lake, Colorado with close friends and family.

December 2014-
January 2015
Costa Rica Honeymoon

June 2015
I start my online business (with tons of negative feedback!)

November 28, 2017
Back surgery as a result of my 2014 car accident with Sassy.

December 27, 2017
Unexpectedly lose Jim.
My World is Shattered into Millions of Pieces.

August 16, 2018
Grand Lake with Sassy for my 1st wedding anniversary without Jim. Meet someone from Jack Canfield’s Team.

August 31, 2018
Dallas!

September 2018
Begin working with Jack Canfield

2019
Become Best Selling Author

October 2019
Certified Canfield Trainer

May 1, 2020
Sell our house / Move to Boulder

January 18, 2021
Griefhab is born

March 3, 2021
The Be Ruthless Show is born

March 2022
Move to Northern Colorado / don’t know exactly where, but I know it’s where I’ll plant my roots. First place that feels like home without Jim.

Thanksgiving 2023
Griefhab’s 1st Awareness Calendar

2023
Griefhab wins Best of NOCO 2023. 

December 2023
1st annual Healing Together Through the Holidays. Faces of Grief is announced!

Summer 2024
Annual Healing Together Events

What makes you different makes you beautiful