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Overcoming PTSD: How a Former Servicewoman Found New Purpose through 3D Printing

Aug 29, 2024 09:20:24

Charisse Laverdiere, a retired, disabled veteran, was severely injured during her service in Iraq, leaving her with lasting physical and emotional scars. Diagnosed with severe PTSD, she struggled for years, often isolating herself from family. Two years ago, her interest in polymer clay earrings led her to purchase a Creality 3D printer, eventually inspiring her to start a business, Sassy River Designs by Two. She expanded her equipment quickly, now owning six Creality printers. This venture has transformed her life, reconnecting her with the world and giving her renewed purpose.

Charisse Laverdiere shows a big smile talking about her new life

Charisse Lavertier’s 3D Printing Connection

Charisse Lavertier, now living in Menifee, Southern California, with her husband and their dog, River, runs a thriving 3D printing business. But before reaching this point, she endured a deeply challenging chapter in her life.

As a former servicewoman who served in the Afghanistan War, Charisse sustained severe injuries that left her fully disabled, necessitating a complete pelvic reconstruction. Upon leaving the military, her physical challenges were further exacerbated by the emotional scars of her experiences. She has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Anxiety Disorders, Depression, and Insomnia.

Since then, Charisse found it nearly impossible to escape the darkness that surrounded her. At times, she has found it difficult to get out of bed, pushing her into isolation from those she loved. The most heartbreaking aspect of her ordeal was the strain it placed on her marriage. Reflecting on that painful time, she noted, "At the end of the day, all you have is your spouse. "

Her therapists once grew increasingly worried about her well-being, fearing she might spiral further without a sense of purpose. At one point, they saw only a deeply broken woman and doubted she would ever begin to heal. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when she discovered a passion for crafting clay earrings, marking a significant turning point in her journey.

Healing Through Creality

Charisse came across a pair of earrings that caught her eye. Intrigued, she discovered they were made of polymer clay and, after two days of research, learned they were created using 3D printing technology. This discovery led her to purchase her first Creality 3D printer, the Ender 3 Max Neo.

Subsequently, Charisse and her husband founded their small business, Sassy-River, utilizing the Creality 3D printer. Unable to work outside the home, Charisse dedicated herself fully to indoor activities. When someone requested a cow head model, Charisse realized within 24 hours that she could use 3D printing to bring this idea to life. That is how Sassy-River was born, and they have been 3D printing ever since.

Charisse Lavertier’s Creality 3D Printer Workshop

Charisse Lavertier’s Creality 3D Printing Workshop

Finding Purpose with 3D Printing

Charisse always got lodged into nothing when she got up and finished her morning routines, finding herself with a sense of emptiness. However, since acquiring her 3D printer, she now spends the majority of her day engaged in 3D printing and designing models. "I'm learning new things about Creality because it expands my entire vision," she notes.

Charisse often felt adrift after completing her morning routine, grappling with a lingering sense of emptiness. However, since acquiring her 3D printer, she has spent the majority of her days deeply immersed in 3D printing and model design. "I'm learning new things about Creality because it expands my entire vision," she notes. This newfound passion has profoundly transformed her life, as 3D printing has become a powerful force, offering her a renewed sense of purpose and keeping her actively engaged. Unbeknownst to her, Charisse now owns six Creality printers.

Charisse Lavertier's 3D-printed ornaments

Whenever she feels like she’s having one of those days when everything falls apart, Charisse finds solace in retreating to her office, where her printers await. In those emotional moments, her connection with her 3D printers provides comfort and helps her get through many difficult days."You know, I'm the one who flicks the switch and energizes them, giving life to the creations," Charisse reflects

For Charisse, who suffers from PTSD, spending long periods alone at home is heavy and hard. However, her journey with 3D printing has not only given her a renewed sense of purpose through creating and sharing her work with those who appreciate it—"whether it is just a hugor or what it is "—but has also helped her recognize her own worth in a profoundly new way.

Charisse Lavertier presents her 3D-printed elephant

The Empowering Impact of Creality

Charisse began her journey into 3D printing with no prior experience in the field. Despite being a complete novice, she approached the learning process with enthusiasm and found joy in connecting with others along the way.Charisse has thoroughly studied every component of the Creality Slicer, recognizing that this is where every new creation begins. She believes that one needs to study the slicer, the setting, the bed leveling and all aspects of slicing，because even a minor error in a single layer, she notes, can compromise the entire print.

Charisse Lavertier shows her slicer software Creality Print

Accordingly, Charisse reflects that "You know, ask questions. That's why we have online groups. We're there to help you. You could reach out to us at any given time. And I mean, we're up around the clock, you get people all over the world. So don't hesitate. Ask, learn, listen, and you will find the sky is the limit for you."

Charisse highlights that the 3D printing community extends far beyond the United States, reaching across the globe. By exploring Facebook groups that connect enthusiasts from all corners of the world, one can see the widespread and vibrant nature of the industry. This global network not only reflects the enthusiasm for 3D printing but also underscores the promising future of technology.

"There's no limit.The sky's the limit and I'll leave it there."