The Inadvertent Visionary

That night, she says, she was granted a gift from God: She can see things--spirits, signs--that others can't. At first, she was the biggest cynic of all, she says. But in the dozen years since that unusual day, Houghton, who considers herself a mystic (not a psychic), has been sought out by thousands of people--from surgeons to grieving families.

She helps them through troubling times by telling them what she sees, which might be anything from a sickness inside someone's body to a person standing beside them. Houghton, who works in sales and marketing, has never charged anyone for her guidance. "It's a grace from God," she said, "to spread the word of God."

Life Style

My greatest passion is: Spreading the message of God through this grace

My biggest annoyance is: When people have all the tools to help themselves and they don't choose to

I most admire: Mary

Three things I hope people say I am: Kind, fun and I have integrity

My favorite place to be is: Rome

My ideal day includes: Going for a walk in the woods, then going to a spa, and then going out to dinner

For my last supper, I would choose: Rigatoni with marinara sauce and a meatball

When I want to truly treat myself I: Get a massage

If I was given $500 and an hour to spend it, I would go to: Ann Taylor

Favorites

Hobby: Cooking

Holiday: Christmas

Book: "Anatomy of the Spirit" by Caroline Myss

Band: Aerosmith

Movie: "The Notebook"

Gadget: My food processor

Charity or cause: St. Jude's Hospital

Saying: "Sometimes you have to light a fire in the garden to clear out the snakes."