Life & Work with Anna Hoegner of Columbus

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Hoegner

Hi Anna , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have somewhat of an unconventional story. I was born in raised in Buckeye Country (Columbus, OH) with ties to Wapakoneta, OH as well. My mother is a strong Black and Syrian woman, my father a White seventy-nine year old hermit. At a young age I was quiet, anxious. I had little self confidence and I found solace in my daydreams. I had identity issues and so much anxiety, I ended up missing a lot of school. So much so that teachers, classmates and eventually the state noticed. I had depression at a very young age. I went through an extremely lonely and frankly scary time. I was in and out of hospitals and residential centers. At the age of 18 I ended up homeless, living out of my car, on drugs, and hating not only myself, but also life. I had made it to what people refer to “Rock Bottom”. I got help, found a couch, got a job and started my adult journey. Now, at the age of 33, I am happily married with 3 loving children (Cohen- 11, Maya – 4, and Isaiah – 7 months). I love myself, I love life and all I want to do in life is make a positive difference. I am currently in school. My big dream goal is Child Psychiatrist, but the idea of school Guidance Counselor in Special Education is also appealing. I’ve worked with kids since High School. My “spare time” favorite hobby is my photography, It has always been my biggest creative outlet. If I’m being more honest, my photography is less of a hobby and more of an extension of me. The daydreams I once had have now finally became obtainable. My photography, “NerveAnna Photo” is and has always had a “moody” vibe. I finally feel like I can do something with it. I never felt capable until my mid-twenties. This made it hard to believe in myself. As I’ve gotten older, I have worked towards a “better me'”. My anxiety is diminishing and I’m flourishing. I am a unapologetically loud advocate for mental health, Black lives, and Autism awareness. The ignorance and stigma that follows these subjects are exhausting. The more we speak out, the better that becomes. I do this through kindness, education and love. Add my photography and my family & friends, this is me.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think I touched on a great deal of that. My mental illness, mixed identity and sexual orientation were all things that have really made it difficult. However, these are also things that make me, me. I love who I am becoming.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is multi-faceted. Not only am I a mother of 3, I also take photos. I have a history of working in early childhood education and special education. I also used to work for Peer Collective. I was a Peer Counselor. I think what sets me apart is one, my experience within the mental health field, and my passion. Those closest to me understand that I stand up for equal rights. That I truly believe all of us should (but are not) treated equal. I have a generous amount of empathy and I love to share it.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
When I applied for the Peer Counselor position, they had 1,200 or so candidate’s.. I was one of eleven chosen. Also I went to Ecole Kenwood French Immersion school from first to seventh grade, so I know a good amount of French.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @nerveanna_photo
• Other: https://tumblr.com/annahoegner