Who We Are
Nancy
Nancy Kohne has an infectious zest for life. Originally from Canada,
she has now made her mark in the United States, where she lives with her loving husband and enjoys a very large, blended family. Nancy’s journey is an inspiring tale of resilience and determination.
A survivor of abuse herself she is sharing her story to foster a sense of community and support among other survivors but most importantly to help other parents who find themselves faced with a child who finds the courage to speak out. Her desire in starting “SHUT UP and Smile!” is to build connections with others who have similar experiences and create a “safe” place to exchange advice, resources, and emotional support. She strongly believes that breaking her silence was a way of taking back control over her narrative and allowed her to not be defined as a victim but as a survivor who has overcome adversity. She hopes that her story will provide hope and motivation to those who may be in dark and are in similar difficult situations.
Keery
Keery is a passionate and truly inspirational individual who currently lives in the vibrant city of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Her story started at the age of seven when her stepfather started sexually abusing her until the age of seventeen when she finally broke her silence to her mother. She is sharing her story of survival because abuse is often surrounded by silence and shame, and she wants to break this cycle and silence to help reduce the stigma associated with abuse. She hopes that by doing this it will foster a sense of community and support among survivors but most of all create connections with others who have similar experiences. A place where everyone can exchange advice, resources, and be of emotional support.
Keery made a deeply personal choice by sharing her story with the hopes of creating a positive change for others. Her dream from this is to create a world where abuse is less tolerated, survivors are supported, and voices are heard.
Lisa
Lisa Gillette was born and raised in Chicago. She is a survivor who refused to be defined as a victim. Lisa is a daughter, sister, wife, and mother who learned to thrive and excel personally and professionally, despite the challenges thrown at her. Lisa never accepted anyone telling her who she couldn’t become; instead, she pursued and nurtured her personal growth, refusing to be limited by her circumstances. Through Lisa’s own life experiences, she has cultivated a hyper-empathetic characteristic that has at times been a double-edged sword. However, it’s a part of who she is, and wouldn’t change it. Lisa believes that every person we meet, every season we go through, and every lesson we learn plays a role in shaping our character and purpose. Her mission is to be a pillar of support, someone people can turn to during difficult or confusing times. Lisa aspires to be a beacon of light and hope, helping others realize that life is precious and that everyone deserves inner peace.