From Hurt to Healing: How Two Women Transformed Their Trauma into Resilience

This blog is part of our Power of Healing series, which explores powerful journeys of healing and recovery and the resilience that fuels them

Content Warning: This blog post contains references to child sexual abuse, sexual assault, trauma, and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline anytime, or contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Trauma leaves invisible wounds, but healing is possible—and often, it begins when we feel safe enough to speak out. In this installment of our Power of Healing blog series, we share the powerful stories of two women—Heather Flowers and Amanda Manard—who transformed their deepest pain into purpose. As survivors of sexual abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and mental health struggles, their individual journeys reflect courage, resilience, and the strength it takes to reclaim your voice. Their stories are raw, real, and full of hope. We are honored to share them in the spirit of breaking silence, building community, and reminding others: you are not alone.

From Trauma to Triumph: How I Discovered Life After Trauma

By Heather M. Flowers 

The word trauma comes from the Greek word meaning “wound,” “hurt,” or “defeat.” As a survivor of sexual assault and domestic violence, I know these meanings all too well. I’ve felt anxiety rush through my body, leaving me constantly guarded. I’ve endured flashbacks and nightmares. I’ve experienced years of emotional numbness, depression, and avoidance—times when I truly believed there was no way out. 

My story begins in 1982, the year that changed everything. I was seven years old, thriving with a loving family and a strong circle of friends. That year brought change—we moved to a new home in the country, full of promise and adventure. A new school, new friends, and new opportunities awaited. What started as a season of excitement quickly became clouded by confusion, fear, and pain. 

In the midst of so many transitions, I never imagined I’d become the victim of sexual abuse—especially not by someone I called “grandpa.” That trauma became the root of so many choices I made during the most vulnerable stages of my life. For 21 years, I carried the weight of feeling dirty, ashamed, and emotionally hollow. I didn’t tell a soul in my family until I was 28 years old. 

For years, life felt unbearable. I struggled with low self-esteem, shame, and depression. I blamed myself. The pain was endless—until I finally faced it. I was sitting in a staff meeting when we reviewed a case involving a seven-year-old girl who had been sexually abused by her uncle. The similarities hit me like a truck. I froze. Then something inside me shifted from shock to survival. Before I knew it, I was pouring out my pain to a coworker. Thank God she knew what to do. Within an hour, I was connected to the right resources—and that’s when my healing began. That moment changed my life. It steered me toward counseling and eventually trauma therapy. I was finally on a path to healing, to becoming resilient, and to reclaiming my power. 

On July 1, 2020, I joined Magnolia House, a shelter for battered and abused women and children, as a Legal Advocate. I had always wanted to work with survivors, but the timing hadn’t been right—at least not until after I underwent trauma therapy in 2018. My role at Magnolia House gave me the chance to offer others what I had once needed most: hope, healing, and transformation. Here, survivors receive emotional support, legal guidance, and life skills that help rebuild their futures. 

As a survivor of both sexual assault and domestic violence, I understand this work on a personal level. I’ve walked through the fear, shame, and silence and I know the emotional toll of reliving trauma while seeking justice. And I’ve learned that communication and empathy are the cornerstones of a thriving survivor. Working alongside leaders and experts in the field of interpersonal violence has empowered me to speak openly about my journey—and to feel confident in the work I now do. 

My mission is clear: to live resiliently, lead with empathy, and use my lived experience to uplift others. I want to empower survivors to rediscover themselves—to find their strength, their voice, and their purpose beyond the pain. Through this journey of healing, I have triumphed over trauma. And in that victory, I’ve discovered a deep sense of meaning, satisfaction, and peace. 

Healing from Past Trauma: My Journey to Resilience

By Amanda Manard 

Before I can talk about my journey to resilience, I have to start with my past trauma. When I was 18, a month into my freshman year of college, I was raped by someone I barely knew. I didn’t fully realize or accept what had happened until months later. At first, I blamed myself—something that can happen with dissociative amnesia, or repressed memories. The memories resurfaced months after the assault, and I fell into a deep depression and began taking antidepressants. Even then, I didn’t truly begin to process the trauma until years later. 

Fast forward to age 26—eight years from the very month the assault occurred, in September, I began experiencing 10 to 20 seizures a day. After countless hospital visits and no clear answers, my husband, Ryan, and I ended up at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. A 24-hour EEG showed nothing abnormal, and the neurologist wasn’t surprised. He shared that 60% of his patients were women like me—whose symptoms were linked to past trauma. He recommended therapy and sent us home with resources. 

A year later, I scheduled an emergency therapy session. My anxiety and depression had escalated, and I felt suicidal. My dad drove me to the appointment, and I still remember his face when the therapist told him all pills and guns had to be removed from our home. The next day, I met with my primary care doctor and admitted I had a plan to overdose. She calmly informed me I needed to go to the ER—and initiated a 10-13, Georgia’s process for involuntary mental health evaluation. My dad took me straight to the emergency room and I answered yes to questions I never thought I’d hear myself answer—like whether I had a plan to end my life. That night, I was admitted to the hospital, but the following day, something shifted. I accepted that I was there for a reason. I embraced the support offered, knowing I wouldn’t be there forever. I met others with experiences like mine. I’ll always remember the people, the Braves games, the moments outside, and even the best mac and cheese I’ve ever had. Those memories are part of my healing. 

I’ve had several therapists over the years—strong, godly women who walked with me through some of the hardest parts of my healing. One recommended the book Healing the Wounded Heart by Dan Allender. I can’t recommend it enough. He explains the lasting effects of sexual abuse but also offers hope. Therapy gave me the space to reclaim my story. I went from blaming myself to calling myself a survivor. I was finally able to say, “I was raped,” and not fall apart. That moment was freeing. It no longer defined me. 

I used to be a 5th-grade teacher, and I loved my students. But in 2023, I felt God calling me away from the classroom. It didn’t make sense at the time—I had a teaching degree and thought it was my path. But one of my therapists helped me see that closing one chapter doesn’t mean the story is over. In April 2024, I stepped into a new role as Coalition Coordinator for Resilient Communities of Southwest Georgia, a program of the Vashti Center. We promote trauma-informed training and increase awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), mental health, trauma, and resilience across our nine-county region. I’ve had the opportunity to share parts of my story with the communities we serve. 

The last few years have been filled with challenges, but also growth. My story of resilience didn’t come easily—it was a journey. In a strange way, the seizures became a blessing. They woke me up to the trauma I had buried, and they set me on a path toward healing.  Therapy and self-care have been essential, and I encourage anyone reading this to make space for both. Whatever you’re going through, you can overcome it. You are not alone. And as Philippians 1:6 reminds me, “I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished.” 

Final Reflections: The Shared Power of Storytelling 

Both of these stories reveal that while trauma can leave deep and lasting wounds, it does not define the whole story. Through years of silence, physical and emotional suffering, and ultimately the courage to seek help, these women found their way to healing. Therapy, community, and faith became lifelines—tools that helped them rewrite their narratives from victims to strong, resilient survivors. Their experiences remind us of the profound mind-body connection and the transformative power of speaking our truth. Most of all, they show how healing can spark purpose—turning personal pain into advocacy, service, and hope for others. These incredible women transformed their pain into purpose, showing that healing is not only possible, but powerful.  Their journeys remind us that trauma doesn’t get to write the final chapter—healing does. 

You Are Not Alone: Resources for Healing and Support 

Heather and Amanda’s stories remind us that while the journey through trauma is deeply personal, healing can't happen alone. Below are resources mentioned in their stories, along with additional tools and services that can support your journey toward healing and resilience. 

Immediate Support 

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential mental health support. 

• Georgia Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Line: Call 1-855-GA-CHILD (1-855-422-2445) for 24/7 support. 

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) for 24/7 support and resources. 

  
  

Local & State Resources 

• Childrens Advocacy Centers of Georgia: Call 1-866-363-4842 to report suspected abuse and get support. 

• Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault (GNESA): Call 1-800-656-HOPE to connect with your local Sexual Assault Center in Georgia. 

• Positive Childhood Alliance (PCA) Georgia Helpline: Call 1-800-244-5373 for support and connection to appropriate community resources.  Bilingual (Spanish/English) call center is open Mon-Fri from 8am-7pm. 

• Waycross Family Justice Center: Call 912-490-8989 or visit 2201 Riverside Ave, Waycross, GA 31501  

  
  

Additional Resources for Healing and Support 

• Read: 

  • Healing the Wounded Heart – Dr. Dan Allender 

  • The Body Keeps the Score – Dr. Bessel van der Kolk 

  • What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing – Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce D. Perry 

• Watch: 

  • The Conversation Around Sexual Assault: A powerful TED Talk series offering education, awareness, and survivor stories. 

Author Bios: 

Heather M. Flowers is a native of Waycross, Georgia, with over 20 years of experience in court, victim, and offender services. She holds an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration from Waycross College and began her career with the Georgia Department of Corrections. Heather has held various leadership roles, including Department Director of Ware County Probation and Chief Probation Officer at Satilla Probation Management Services. She later served as Fatherhood Agent and Parental Accountability Court Coordinator with Georgia’s Division of Child Support Services, launching a new accountability court program in the Waycross Judicial Circuit. In 2020, she joined Magnolia House as Legal Advocate and was promoted to Family Justice Center Site Coordinator. Since 2021, she has worked with Resilient Georgia through the Waycross Area Resilient Georgia Partnership. Heather is an active member of the Waycross Judicial Circuit Domestic Violence Task Force and the Brantley County Sexual Violence Task Force.

Amanda Manard is the newest team member of the Resilient Communities of SWGA coalition. Amanda received her bachelor’s degree from Berry College in 2017, double majoring in Early Childhood Education and Spanish. She received her master’s degree from Georgia Southern University in Curriculum and Instruction in 2023. She is a former teacher, having taught for seven years. However, her passion for raising awareness for mental health and for advocating for children and their families peaked her interest to change careers and to come to Vashti. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, friends and family, reading, and cheering on the Seminoles!