Meet Joan Olson
Hi! I am Joan and I am the founder and creator of Everyone Deserves A Chance. I am passionate and committed to being an ear and a voice for those who are misunderstood, mistreated, under-appreciated or who find themselves overwhelmed by the anxieties and struggles they face. Born and raised in Minnesota, I acquired a degree in Theatre from the University of Washington and went on to build my own manufacturer's repping business in women's fashion with showrooms in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York City. I retired in my 40s to get married, raise a family and move back to Minnesota. In addition, since retiring I have been a founding member of a community theatre, directed plays composed entirely of children or youth or adults or a blend of all three age groups.
During the height of Covid, I entered into an intense study surrounding anxiety, depression, BPD, PTSD, and other mental illnesses. I became more aware of the challenges facing youth and parents in an ever-increasing stress-filled and anxious world. These studies made me extremely aware of how communication is the key to these relationships. Poor communication has the power to exacerbate these issues. Effective communication comes from compassion, radical acceptance, and mentalization. I want to share with you what has been transformative for me and hear from you how your life is needing and seeking renewal and reasons for hope.
Meet Chance
In 2004, a horse named Spot entered my life. I renamed him Chance because aspects of his demeanor reminded me of the dog named Chance in the movie Homeward Bound. Over the years that followed, Chance became a safe place, a soul mate, a source of unconditional acceptance and love in my often busy or chaotic world. We leaned on each other, learned from each other. Chance became a support born of trust and loyalty, and I found more reasons to delight in being alive when we were together. Sadly, at the age of 35, Chance entered that pasture in heaven and I miss him deeply. The soulful love will never die, and he is still saddled to my thoughts and clearly my passions. When I consider how this remarkable Appaloosa listened to me, loved me and eagerly welcomed me, I believe everyone deserves a Chance in their lives. Everyone deserves a place where self-care becomes self-compassion and where one can find a place of healing for all the bumps and bruises of life.
I desire Everyone Deserves a Chance to be that place for you!
