About Me

In 1989, we moved to Kwajalein, a small island in the North Pacific ocean. I feel like I grew up on that island in many ways. It was a wonderful experience for the 3 years we were there, but it ended in high levels of anxiety and divorce – something that was not in my life plan. I moved back to North Carolina to be near my family and seek help for my overwhelming anxiety and panic. I landed with a wonderful therapist who helped me get back on my feet and face the challenges of being a single mother. He taught me the tools to manage anxiety that ran all the way up the chain with the women and some of the men in my family.

During my years of adjustment, school, parenting, grieving and hope for the future, I met a professor who became a dear friend. He took me under his wing and became the best mentor I could have ever asked for. His name was Dr. Edmond Hogan – Ed to me. He was from Ireland and had an accent you could listen to all day! He was a psychology professor at the college I attended and offered grief counseling and education at no cost to those in the community who needed it. He was an expert in the field of Grief, and he created safety and solace to many people before his death in 2004. He guided me through school, jobs, adjustments, financial stress, grief, and the break-up of a toxic relationship that resulted in my beautiful third son – a child he took great joy in spoiling rotten! He encouraged me through it all and reminded me who I was and that my circumstances didn’t define me.

“When the student is ready, the teacher will come.” I spoke those words at his memorial service. I can close my eyes and still see him sitting in front of me, sharing his words of wisdom and his wonderful sense of humor. He swore properly as well – something I tend to appreciate. I even named my dog after him, which I am sure he would find extremely amusing!

It was through his love, support and guidance that I learned the value of support, guidance, unconditional positive regard, and a completely safe space to be who you are in this ever-changing world.

Dr. Edmond Pascal Hogan

Hogan Castrati

For the next 21 years, I gained experience as an Individual and Family Therapist in:

• Residential Foster Care (Baptist Children’s Homes)
• Oncology – Southeastern Medical Oncology Center
• School Health Center Counseling/In-school Intervention (Goldsboro
  High School WISH Center)
• Private Practice

As a Volunteer:

• Ethics Committee, Wayne UNC Hospital
• WINGS grief camp for kids – 3HC Goldsboro
• Educational speaking engagements and support groups

I (along with my father) became a primary caregiver to my mother, who died from dementia in 2024. My mom’s story has touched the lives of many people as it was shared on Facebook and resulted in a beautiful online community that continues today.

Hogan and I now share a home with my father, where I provide remote Therapeutic Life Coaching sessions to those who need support, love, and guidance along their paths.

Soul Support was born out of all my education, professional and life experiences, and what I needed along my journey that I want to provide for others.