You might see ME, in the street but Parents, you dont know me, respectfully!

Today you are going to learn all about me! Fun right? LOL No seriously I wanna introduce myself. To those who don't really know who I am, what I do and how my experiences has brought me to Parent Promise and the movement.

I am twenty-nine years young single mom of two daughters. I am the last birth child of my mothers five children (The baby) and the fifth child of all my mothers eight children. I'll explain, my mother fostered/adopted three bonus siblings which kicked me out of the way of being the baby! But now my Ken Barbie (insider) little brother holds that title.

I was raised by a single mother and her sister (Aunt Verdicue, Rest in peace my lady!) which happens to be my middle name! I only met my father a few years ago but that's a long story that will be told in the future here soon! * April 2021!

Now onto to my experiences professionally and personally that geared me toward supporting families and youth! Growing up my Aunt had a daycare in our home that we all knew to love, including the families/children that she had the pleasure of taking care of. My family really knew no strangers now that I consider it. Everyone was taken in as family and cared for in that way. I'll gladly credit my bubbly loving spirit, until its not! Watch out now!

So seeing children grow has always been in my environment since I can remember. So when it came time to choose a career that was not my first option! Surprised? I actually wanted to be a neurologist since I had epilepsy/seizures as a child that I grew out of if you can say that. However, Im grateful to be alive to tell you all this. Back to what I was saying I wanted to be a neurologist , until I found out how much schooling that would take.

Whew weeeee! I was not ready so I went back to the drawing board. When I graduated HS my major was still undecided. Although, I was more focused on softball since that is what secured my way into the higher learning classroom. Yes! Fours years of softball scholarships saved the day because, I aint know what I was going to do. LOL My first two years I moved to Mobile, AL and received my Associates Degree in 2011 (General Education) from Bishop State Community College (best two years of my life before my kids were born, of course).

I was still undecided since I was definitely having my fun, but I did stay on my studies!

I transferred to Kentucky State University, were decision making got really, real! In all areas it was time for me to grow up and decide where I wanted my life to go. So I chose the psychology field since I knew I liked people and want to help. As I was choosing my electives the course of Marriage and Families sparked my interest.

So that is how I chose my major. As my courses went on I fell in love with the content and the ability to see why people develop and grow into who they are. If you not a science person, leave now! Just kidding but forreal a lot of the research that was presented to me got me excited to learn more and more. This lead me to being a research assistant in the schools lab, really cool experience! I received my Bachelors of Arts in Psychology degree in 2013.

From there I worked directly in the field as a behavior support specialist, had my first child a year after and baby did the game change! I really got to understand all the research and studies that I was presented. But, what really evolved this idea into a reality for me was when I was a case manger for two years. This, Changed. My. Life.

Case management was me stepping in the lives of others at a very vulnerable stage and challenging human growth. This was a very difficult but rewarding time in my life. I helped people that I never could imagine from young to old age. It was truly amazing to be apart of a shift that I did not even know would spark a fire in me. The spark that would motivate me to become my own business /agency to see people, specifically parents and youth reach peak potential.

When I tell you I'm am overjoyed about what's to come? I am and I'm ready. I do hope this has revealed a little history about who I am and why I am doing Parent Promise. I want to encourage you to share your journey as well. Only if you fell comfortable doing so.

Until next time, always remember #PositiveParentingONLY