My T.O.T.A.L. Me

Our Story

Exposure Creates Opportunity

My T.O.T.A.L. Me was born from a simple belief: exposure creates opportunity.

Founder and Executive Director Carol “Lyssen” Blakely recognized that many individuals, families, and communities face challenges not because they lack talent or potential, but because they have not been given the exposure, encouragement, and opportunities needed to see what is possible for their lives.

Through her own journey of pursuing her dreams and listening to the experiences of others, Lyssen discovered that exposure to new ideas, positive role models, meaningful experiences, and supportive relationships can transform the way people see themselves and their future. She learned that when people are encouraged to believe in themselves and develop a vision for their lives, they begin to walk with greater confidence, purpose, and determination.

Inspired by this belief, Lyssen founded My T.O.T.A.L. Me (My Time Out To Always Learn Me) to help individuals discover their strengths, expand their perspectives, and develop the confidence needed to pursue their goals and reach their full potential.

Working alongside Travis Oscar, VP of Community Operations, the organization evolved its mission into leadership, mentorship, and sports-based development programs that bring together people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Through team-building activities, mentorship, athletics, workshops, and creative learning experiences, participants build confidence, communication skills, discipline, teamwork, resilience, and leadership.

Today, My T.O.T.A.L. Me strengthens youth, families, and communities through programs that inspire personal growth, positive decision-making, and lifelong success. Together with its dedicated Board of Directors, the organization continues to empower people, strengthen families, and transform communities—one opportunity, one relationship, and one life at a time.

Our Mission

My T.O.T.A.L. Me empowers youth, adults, families, and communities through mentorship, leadership development, life-skills training, family engagement, and community enrichment that promotes confidence, accountability, positive decision-making, and continued personal growth.

Our Vision

We envision communities where individuals of all ages have the confidence, support, and opportunities needed to thrive, lead, and create positive change. By providing exposure, mentorship, and meaningful experiences, we strive to inspire people to discover their purpose, realize their potential, and become leaders within their families, schools, workplaces, and communities.

What We Believe

• Exposure creates opportunity.
• Confidence fuels growth.
• Every person has unique gifts and talents.
• Leadership can be developed.
• Mentorship changes lives.
• Strong individuals build strong families.
• Strong families build strong communities.
• Learning is a lifelong journey.
• Purpose-driven people create lasting change.

Together, we are building confident individuals, strengthening families, and transforming communities—one opportunity, one relationship, and one life at a time.

Since its founding, My T.O.T.A.L. Me has provided leadership development, mentorship, enrichment activities, and community engagement opportunities that have positively impacted youth, families, and community members. Through collaborative partnerships and dedicated volunteers, the organization continues to expand its reach and create meaningful opportunities for growth and success.