Jackson Snelling

Just a good old Indiana Boy

Jackson Snelling, a 19 year old singer songwriter from Austin Indiana. A contestant on The 2021 American Idol and won "Video of the Year ", at the Josie Music Awards in Pigeon Forge TN,  He’s currently up for 5 Nominations this year at the JMA’s, and currently traveling across the country in support of Suicide Awareness prevention. Jackson wrote a song and made a video called "IF I ONLY KNEW " after a friend took his life at the age of 14. Jackson’s video has circulated around the world. When Jackson isn’t traveling you can find him performing in Louisville, KY and Southern Indiana. 

Our connection is interesting. We live in the same area, and both he and my daughter took lessons from the same beautiful teacher at a local music shop. It’s hard to believe that a kid who from little ol’ Austin Indiana, with all the events that occurred in his life, could still smile and sing. You know people sing because they’re happy, and Jackson Snelling has SO much joy. We discussed his life, his legacy and all the things he wants to do. Jackson is an amazing old soul who has made the journey from the small town of Austin, Indiana all the way to the big screen; his life is full of countless opportunities. To hear his story and how he made his debut on the hit show American Idol is enlightening and encouraging to hear. I had so much fun talking about his hobbies, his family and how American Idol found him.

Big Things Coming

Be on the lookout for all of Jackson’s new music, videos and you never know…he just might be on American Idol again. Listen to the episode all the way to the end, I think you’ll find a very lovely surprise. This episode is about Jackson’s journey from losing his very dear Father, to keeping his family legacy of making music going by following his dream of being an artist. 

Riley Winslow

Can you imagine being a kid right now? In my conversations with my own preteen/teenage children as well as other adolescents and college age kids, and they are seriously struggling. I wish that I could drop my kids off into my childhood era so that they can understand how amazing regular summers and childhood really is. I wish they knew what it felt like to wake up in the summertime, get dressed and play outside until it got dark and the street lights came on…Kids will never understand the days of getting excited over school dances, going to football games, hanging out at the mall (although my parents never let me do that, sigh) and going to the skating rink on Friday nights. 

Life as we know it has been changed. It used to be technology, and now, it’s the isolation that has really changed a lot of things. Covid, the pandemic, the lack of in-person anything-it’s been an adventure; a lonely one at that. Who knows when normalcy will return? Whatever normalcy was/is. All I know is that there are a couple, maybe even three or more generations who are probably suffering more than we can ever know. That’s why I wanted to talk to Riley Winslow, my first interview with a Covid college kid.

Honors Student, Fall Homecoming Queen, elite volleyball player, beautiful, God-loving 19 year old girl. Riley. She is literally one of the sweetest kids I’ve met. I can’t be surprised because her parents are amazing people as well. Our connection, although fairly brief,  is through family, volleyball and God (not necessarily in that order,) but I’m certain we will be connected for a long time. She’s my people. During our conversation, we discussed the past year and a half of life with Covid for a high school senior, who turned into a college freshman. The ups and downs of that transition is usually overwhelming as it is, but throw in a pandemic and sports, isolation, illness…it is an absolute WHAMMY! 

Riley explains how she made it through her freshman year as a Marshal University student athlete. Even with her intelligence and drive, she admits the difficulty this past year has been doing almost everything through technology. Episode 11 is just the tip of the iceberg as to what our youth are dealing with right now. We talked about the generation who has been raised on technology become literally sick and tired of that very same technology that they have so loved. We talked all things hair, being bi-racial, Riley’s relationship with God and how Covid has made her realize how she has to be intentional in her friendships. We discussed volleyball and how athletes sometimes become consumed with their identity and sport. I loved Riley’s transparency and willingness to share her experience while away at college, 3 hours from home during a pandemic. Her perspective was enlightening, uplifting and raw

Riley gave us a little slice of her real life, and for that I’m thankful.

It's Alli!

Winner

 It’s not everyday that you get to meet a NCAA Division 1 athlete. It’s not everyday that you get to meet a NCAA Division 1 athlete National Champion. It’s not everyday that you get to meet a NCAA Division 1 athlete who is not only a National Champion, but also has a heart for Christ, a beautiful spirit, smile, great personality, as well as loves the next generation of athletes to the nth degree! Well, let me introduce you to the very person who IS all of those things. She is an incredible individual who truly represents the very best things in the sport of volleyball today.

Faith, sports, family and life. All the things discussed during my time with Alli Stumler. 

Alli

She’s so much more than her sport. She’s so much more than her number and the university she represents. As I spoke with Alli, I learned that Alli Stumler is an amazing young lady who has such deep roots in Christ and her family. To watch her on the court, you see the passion she plays with and the contagious smile she blasts throughout the match. I immediately fell in love with her heart as we discussed life, God, her family and her journey to the University of Kentucky. I found that Alli, like all the rest of us, has had to navigate Covid, college, family, and the responsibility all of those things require. Being on campus of one of the premier universities in the country, during a pandemic, had it’s challenges, but this phenom helped to lead her team to a NCAA National Championship! 

To meet Alli is truly life changing and it’s very apparent that she has an absolute rock solid foundation. I can’t wait to meet her parents to say, “Job WELL DONE!” To hear how important her family is and the 40 acres that they all live on is an old school story in a new school life. It’s awesome. The amount of respect she has for her parents and their work ethic and determination, speaks volumes for her parents The connection she has with her family is one that many would love to have, not to mention need, especially in times of social media, pandemic and social stress that seems to surround us now. 

It was refreshing to know that God has such an integral part of her life. I was also shocked to hear how God played such a huge part of her decision to UK. For a large, public University, I was blown away at one of the main reasons (God centered) that helped seal the deal for Alli in making the leap to become a Kentucky Wildcat. I’m so excited to know her and even more excited that my daughter gets to know her, watch her play volleyball and a Christ-led life. 

Alli Stumler is a Champion..of life.

Stumler

She is number 17. A 6’1”, Outside Hitter for the volleyball team at the University of Kentucky, who has this electric smile and personality, on and off the court. A newly engaged, free spirited, beauty. She is a daughter, sister, amazing athlete and a mentor and role model to many. She made such an impression on me, that I will not only make the drive to watch her play, but OMG…I’m actually going to cheer for KENTUCKY?!? If you know me, you know how crazy that sounds..Alli Stumler has made a believer out of me (Go Cats! Lol) 

I met Alli Stumler in the lobby of KIVA. She smiled as each little girl waited on she signed posters and posed for pictures with each one. She’s a Kiva girl, who just won a National Championship, during a pandemic, no less,  with her volleyball team at the University of Kentucky. How she does it all with such joy was a mystery to me…until we spoke. Our interview was an amazing insight on who she is, what her why is and how she got it all done to achieve, arguably, one of the most coveted wins a college athlete desires- a National Championship! If you look at her career, her passion for Christ and work ethic, you won’t be surprised by her success. 

Alli Stumler is the real deal. Check out her bio and stats from the University of Kentucky volleyball sports page. Impressive is an understatement. 

 https://ukathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/alli-stumler/8023 

Best Year Ever

The 2021-2022 season will be Alli’s senior year. When we spoke on Episode 10, we briefly discussed her newest joy…Alli is engaged! She’ll go into her senior year as a newly engaged woman! The excitement and anticipation of a stellar season, coming off of a National Championship and being deemed the best volleyball team in the country is probably a crazy high. I asked Alli about the Covid restrictions and if the upcoming season looked promising for fans at full capacity. Her response was exciting. I can’t wait to see Alli do her thing next season! Along with her family, friends, teammates and many more, I know we all are chomping at the bit to see what this upcoming year will bring.

Kelsie Anderson

The Before

You can read all the books you want, take all the classes and watch all the videos. You can have your friends tell you stories, babysit, have younger siblings and be the best Auntie there is, but nothing prepares you for the birth of your own baby. Nothing prepares you for the emotions, the feelings, the inadequacies or loss of total control you experience when you hold your literal flesh and blood for the first time. From the moment your child opens their eyes and looks into yours, it’s a moment you never forget and it’s also a moment that terrifies you like none other. Outside of those feelings, no book, therapist, relative or friend prepares you for the moment you want to cry, feel overwhelmed or just don’t know what to do. When that moment happens and you hear the words, “ Oh, you’ll be fine! This will pass,” you immediately feel helpless and personally feel like you’re the only person to have ever felt that way. 

If you only knew…

Meet Kelsie Anderson. A young wife and mother of two beautiful babies, who like myself, experienced these feelings. Being a mother was something she loved, the unexplained feelings that came along with her new role, not so much. We discussed both of our experiences with postpartum. The dreaded, misunderstood word that haunts so many women, yet none of them share with anyone; some keep the struggle for their entire lives. We broke down what we went through and how painful it was. The situation was so painful for Kelsie that she contemplated suicide. Yes, suicide. No one talks about these things, and sometimes when they do, it’s too late. We opened up to share the journey of dealing with postpartum, diagnosed and undiagnosed, and how it affected our relationships, our everyday functioning and how we viewed what should have been the happiest time of our lives. The bravery Kelsie showed during our conversation was amazing. The bravery she has shown to push through and live for herself and her family is absolutely outstanding. 

When you have the big question asked and you have your wedding and decide the obvious next chapter involves babies, no one ever shares that your documented “happiest day of your life” can so quickly turn into confusion and pain all at the same time.

These are the things no one shares or communicates regularly because it’s such a difficult journey to navigate. If I knew then what I know now about postpartum and the different affects it has on women, I would have been better equipped. I hope our conversation helps another young mother who is anxious and afraid to realize that she’s not alone and there’s help. 

The After

Postpartum Depression is simply defined as depression after the birth of a child. Postpartum means following childbirth. So many things follow childbirth, right?  It’s time we speak freely, speak honestly and we listen to those who do with open hearts and minds. You never know when a conversation expressed could be the very conversation that someone needs to have in order to live a productive life. Kelsie brought perspective and allowed me to also share my own struggle with postpartum in order to hopefully help another young mother be the best she can be without judgement. We’re all in this together and it’s time we realize that postpartum is a very real issue with many in their own real lives.  

Thank God there is an “after” for Kelsie. I thank God there was an “after” for me. Even though I didn’t speak of my struggle specifically, I had people who were placed in my life that helped me make it. For them, I am grateful. There have been others who have suffered in silence and didn’t make it. I struggled with it for at least two or three years. The goal of our conversation was to let people know that they don’t have to suffer alone, help is always available and to let them know each person can experience this in different ways. The most important part of this conversation is that there is an AFTER, and it’s so important to hang on until you get there.

Sharece Gash

The Lady

She’s a beautiful soul. A thirty something pre-k teacher. An actress, model, author, mother…and a preacher’s wife. Sharece Gash is a friend of mine. Our connection is two fold. We are both part of the G-Dubb aka Gardner-Webb athletic family as well as the Grit, Grind and Muscle family. She’s my accountability partner on those days I don’t feel like getting up early and we are the queens of a “just finished an insane workout, are you alive?” selfie. She helped me get through those initial days of pushing through meal plans, waking up early and finishing the entire workout. There are no words to express how thankful I am for Sharece in my real life. She’s introduced me to Bible studies and a whole new set of ladies who keep support me on my health journey as well as my spiritual journey. Sharece is a praying woman, steeped in peace. Her voice is as calming as ANY sound machine. I’m so thankful we connected. Her story of being a pastor’s wife is interesting, because it isn’t what you think. 

The Role

Sometimes, we are placed in roles and situations that we aren’t always ready for and definitely not equipped.  I’m glad to know I wouldn’t be alone in not wanting to dive head first into the deep end of a traditional, southern Black church “First Lady” role, either! I remember seeing the First Lady and all the things she did and what all the people tried to do to get in good graces or to help. Now in 2021, with Covid and the virtual church experience, things are different. Actually, things before Covid were a whole lot different from the 90s and how the church operates and all the moving parts within it. 

In this episode we discussed Sharece and her childhood, her youth, as well as meeting and marrying her husband. She talked about wanting “NO PARTS” of being a pastor’s wife…but as we all know, God has a way of working things out for the good. In this episode, we take a look into the life of a beautiful woman and how she now navigates leading a church with her husband, that actually has a family connection. We discuss the roles of husband and wife in the home and how those roles have a unique twist in her household. We laughed and had an absolute ball during this episode. Sharece Gash, the preacher’s wife.

Sharece, and her husband Chris, the pastor, are the leaders of New Ellis Chapel in Shelby North Carolina. They have two beautiful children. You can join the services they have each week, Wednesday and Sunday mornings on FaceBook.

New Ellis Chapel: https://www.facebook.com/newellis.chapel.9

Sharece is also the co-author of the book, “Not Where You Left Me” 

H.E.R., Arielle Jones

“‘LEARN WHO YOU ARE AND BE THAT,’ is a quote that strongly defines where I am in my life. As a believer in God, a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and entrepreneur, I have found my confidence in knowing who I am and standing firm in that place. It feels so freeing to be okay with being me, Arielle Jones. I have learned that no one can be a better me than me!” 
~Arielle Jones

Meet Her

“I stumbled upon the specific journey of finding myself during the COVID Pandemic in 2020. In order to put an end to the constant confusion and ongoing chaos in my mind about what I want to do, what I was created to do and just plainly put, WHO AM I? I prayed and promised to devote time to my Health, Empower myself and other ladies around me and to give myself time to Revitalize. Hence the birth of Motivate H.E.R. (24.7), a platform for women to consciously devote time to themselves. My husband Michael Jones also played a significant role in the conception of Motivate H.E.R. because he helped cultivate the platform of Motivate H.E.R. by encouraging and supporting me through my journey. I genuinely believe that empowered women empower women and if we change the way we think, we can change the world!”

Arielle has 10 + years of experience in retail property management. The most significant element of her 10 + year career has been building relationships with entrepreneurs. Those relationships also helped her tap into her curiosity of starting her own business as well as investing in others. Arielle Jones is a product of a HBCU, Clark Atlanta University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Arielle understands in life, you must find a way or make one (CAU MOTTO)! She is devoted to finding ways to empower women around the world and to encourage women to cherish who they are as well as the gifts and visions they will birth.

Life Changing

Knowing and speaking with Arielle Jones are two life changing events within themselves. She is an amazing woman and throughout my time of getting to know her better, I am thankful for the experience. In our one on one conversations, we discussed the faithfulness of God, health, wellness, camaraderie, transparency and purpose. We discussed the birth of Motivate H.E.R. and how it is growing and creating changes and ripple effects not only in my life, but lives of women all across the world. The reach of Motivate H.E.R. has made it all the way to Cairo! I personally know the changes this community made in my life and listening to our conversation will show you 1 out of a million reasons why you will want to get connected to Motivate H.E.R. and Arielle Jones. Episode 7, H.E.R Motivation was so powerful and impactful. It was an honor to connect.

The Business

Motivate H.E.R. currently offers a variety of classes and opportunities to engage with their community and change your life. Email Arielle, follow Motivate H.E.R. on instagram and find your place in line for positive interaction and change. You are in for an absolute treat as we literally dive deep into Her Real Life.

Arielle Jones, Motivate H.E.R
Email: motivateher24.7@gmail.com
IG- https://www.instagram.com/motivateh.e.r/

A Realistic State of Mind, Courtney Robison-Dixon

To say life has made some drastic turns is an absolute understatement. Even before Covid and all the changes that bought to our lives and especially our kids, there was the enormous elephant in the room that we all love to hate at times and that is the giant we so lovingly call, Social Media. We all use social media for one reason or another, and for the most part, it’s harmless. Then, there are other times when it’s the absolute worst thing ever created. It’s in these moments that we as adults look at our usage and say, “…maybe I should cut back,” and we step back and evaluate how it makes us feel and we stop for a while. 

For our children who are growing up in this social media driven world, it isn’t so simple. For the ever evolving minds of the little people we love and care so much about, social media and the sense of acceptance and belonging it falsely gives to them, it creates a type of stress that they really don’t know how to handle. Having pre-teen and teenage kids in this social media day and age is definitely a task, especially having a daughter. These times can be brutal. 

Meet Passion, Purpose and Power

As a parent I do my best to expose my children to the good things of life and sometimes the good parts of the not so good things in life. As with everything in my life, when I find a good thing, I try to share it with everybody I know. Sports have always been a huge part of my life and when my children decided to become involved in sports, it made my heart smile. When we found Kiva for my daughter, it literally changed her little athletic life, and ours. The relationships and skill she’s developed have been incredible! I’m so thankful for our Kiva family. One of the first people I encountered at Kiva was Courtney Robison-Dixon. I will be forever grateful for our meeting. She was gracious and honest and at that moment, I knew I’d found the right place for my daughter to grow her passion for volleyball. I had no idea that Courtney was in the process of writing a book for young girls that would be a blessing and life changing read. 

Purpose

Author Courtney Robison-Dixon is a former Division 1 volleyball player at the University of Louisville who, for the past ten years, has coached girls ages 10-18, as one of the directors of Kentucky Indiana Volleyball Academy (KIVA)- one of the most prominent and prestigious clubs in the country. 

Passion

Courtney’s life mission is to help young women build the inner strength, confidence, and competence they need to live their lives in real time. Her relatable, supportive, life-changing advice will empower girls to realize that they are women of passion, with a purpose in life and the power to influence the world in a positive way. 

Power

Courtney is a powerhouse and she not only communicates, exudes and shares her powerful influence, she leans on it help create the next generation of women for a better future. She’s my kind of people and in this episode we discuss the driving force behind this amazing book and the hopes of change that will come not only from every girl, but every adult who reads it. I can’t wait to share the book with my own volleyball team this summer! I’ve set up a Play Date for pre-teen girls to participate in a Virtual Summer Book Club to make sure as many girls in my area are able to read it.

When we spoke on Episode 6, (Real Time) of Her Real Life, Courtney really shared her heart for the young girls of society and the positive development of their overall being. Check out the episode and hear the hey behind this amazing woman. I’m truly thankful for our connection

The Connection
The book, Living in Real Time is available, right now, for purchase! 

Connect with Courtney here: 
Courtney Robison-Dixon
www.courtneyrd.com
Instagram- @robisondixon21
Facebook- @courtneyrobisondixon 
Twitter-@robisondixon21 

The Officer, Ty Hunt

“First of all, I represent myself. Second of all, I represent my family...and then third of all, you know, my community.  Then fourth of all, the police department.  That’s the last thing I represent, because that’s just my job; that’s what pays my bills, and that’s what allows me to do what I do for my family. But, I tell people all the time, I’m a black man first. I’ve been a police officer for almost 19 years, but I’ve been a black man for 43...”

~Ty Hunt

The Hunt

He’s my friend. We met as middle school kids who went to different middle schools, connected by athletics. Always, consistent in his personality and demeanor, he comes from a wonderful family and he’s made the transition of being a great son, to being a great husband and father, seamless. An East Carolina University graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications Media Production who began his policing career in 2003 in the little town of Conover, North Carolina, Ty Hunt is a Patrolman for the City of Atlanta, since 2007, who is currently assigned to the airport. He’s a husband, father, friend, avid hunter, black man and a police officer. Ty Hunt is a Police Officer. A Police Officer during a time when it seems that racial tensions are higher than they have been since the 60’s. I can’t imagine being in his dichotomous position, but our conversation shares not only his viewpoints of the current situations in our country, but also his triumph in his career and longevity as a black man who just happens to be a Police Officer. 

Hunting For Self

We discussed his passion for his family, his heritage and his heart for doing what’s right. I learned of his trek to Africa to find his roots and by finding out more of who he is, helps him to be not only a better family man and person as a whole, but it most definitely helps him be a better Police Officer. What I learned from Ty during our conversation, was that it seemed being steeped in self-awareness, foundational knowledge, great communication skills and a genuinely good conscious, Ty has been able to increase his ability to positively manage his career as an Officer. He’s just a good person and like those of us who question some of the choices of his fellow brothers in blue, he doesn’t understand either. 

Baggage Claim

I asked difficult questions and Ty was able to share his heart coming from a man who is a Police Officer that happens to be a 6’5” 270+ pound Black man...he gets looks, questions and misunderstanding from his culture as well as questions and stares from those who don’t look like him. We unpacked a lot of heavy baggage during our brief time together, but I believe that what you hear will be enlightening and encouraging. It’s good to know we have Officers like Ty out there in the world. I can only hope we see more of them stand up and come out more often. 

What I have learned through this interview was that life as a police officer isn’t always what we think or hear all the time. These men and women go through all types of turmoil, stress and angst because of the profession they have chosen; yes, it was a choice. I have to remind myself of that. Just as all of us go to work, or complete the daily tasks we have been assigned and paid to do, we are all faced with ethical decisions that we have to make, that could possibly change someone’s life. There are coworkers we have had that may or may not have made the best decisions and sometimes we spoke up, and other times, we let it go. What does that mean? After my conversation with my friend, a person I’ve known for a long time and felt as if I could trust, I realized that being a black man, who is a Police Officer in America in 2021 looks differently for so many in so many ways. A lot of my opinions were changed through this conversation. The Officer was an eye opener for me.

Cassandra Farley Martin, The Young Black Educator

From The Beginning- Episode 3 (Part 1)

There are so many things that can be said about my guest. A doctoral student at Western Carolina University pursuing a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Equity and Social Justice. She is fashionable, intelligent and proactive. She has a heart for children and how they should be equally educated. Not only is my guest all those things, she’s also my baby cousin, Cassandra Farley Martin. 

This episode is rich with the story of humble beginnings, many childhood memories, and all the foundational things of our real life. From discussing the way our parents raised us, to our ancestors who braved the Middle Passage, (LITERALLY an inside joke. You have to listen to the episode to understand.) to believing that we could do anything. We cover all the things; lack of diversity and cultural awareness in teachers and students that we personally experienced and the lack of awareness of those same areas in our education system today. As a solution to these current problems and disparities, Cassandra, aka (“Punkin”) created Cardinal Ed., LLC to provide training and curriculum that can help school districts become better equipped for the menagerie of students they may encounter.

In Part 1, you’ll hear statistics that will blow your mind. You’ll hear information and data that shows how the system, educational and otherwise, really isn’t set up to create lots of winners. The amount of knowledge Cassandra gives to us will make your head spin. Her attention to detail and passion for children and their growth is astounding. Her desire to create a classroom environment that will produce a successful generation, while also educating the current teaching generation cultural and social awareness, educational equity, and inclusion. The goal is to have educational leaders consciously recognize that their classroom is not as monochromatic as history has tailored the curriculum to be. 

The Sound of A Bird

In Part 2 the discussion about disparity in education continues with Cassandra Farley Martin. We learn more about her passion for cultural competence and assisting her fellow colleagues to not only open their eyes to the issues, but actually realize that their eyes are closed. We get into her love for being a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and the history of that beautiful organization. Cassandra expresses her heart’s mission to make all children and educators knowledgeable of other races, genders, cultures and socioeconomic statuses. We discuss unity and how we’ve been trained to not be united. As you listen to the conversation, you’ll gather insight on biases in our society, but also question your own personal biases. 

Cardinals bring peace and comfort. It’s the state bird for North Carolina and it happens to be one of  Cassandra’s favorite birds as well. The name of her business is no coincidence as Cardinal Ed., LLC has been constructed to bring peace and inclusion to all. Cardinal Ed., LLC: Culturally Aware Racially Diverse Intentionally Nurturing All Learners is an independent education consultant firm where, Cassandra is the owner, creator and founder. The services of Cardinal Ed., LLC, offers cultural competence training that school districts and leaders need to be equitable in their practices and behaviors in the classroom. Amongst the services offered, Cassandra is able to assist in developing curriculum that is culturally inclusive as well as helping with personal biases. Mrs. Martin is ready to identify the need, look at data and put things in place strategically and intentionally for the best result. Cassandra wants leaders in the educational arena to not be afraid to deconstruct and reconstruct the broken system they’ve worked with for so long, so it works for all students.

Being culturally responsive and sensitive are more than recognizing one abbreviated month of Black history; it’s also recognizing, for example, that there are various dialects in the Latinx language, or recognizing that, like our country has people who can speak English but can’t read it, there are the very same situations with children from other countries, other ethnicities and cultures. The need for translators and documents written in native languages should be just as accessible as having sign language/or interpreters for the hearing impaired. The list goes on and on for the needs of cultural awareness. Cassandra Martin is a beast in her field, she’s my family and I love her and her passion dearly. 

Meet Punkin

Cassandra R. Farley Martin has always loved learning and at an early age decided she would be a teacher and marry Micheal Jackson. She is a North Carolina native and proud Appalachian State University Mountaineer, who has passionately invested in education for over a decade as a classroom teacher, teacher leader, grant project director, and administrator. By her personal experiences as an underserved gifted learner, a sister to a brother on the Autism Spectrum, and in serving a diverse population of scholars throughout her career, Cassandra's desire to ensure every child is served equitably and feels as if they belong, is a calling and obligation. In the fall of 2020, Mrs. Martin's commitment to equity led her to a mid-sized North Carolina school system and her role as their first Director of Equity and Inclusion. Creating brave spaces of empowerment and safety for all learners is her mission. That mission is why she started CARDINAL Ed., LLC as an extension of her already established career; expanding her capacity to serve outside of her district. Her role is a Director of Equity, her obligation is to humanity.

As a lifelong learner and scholar-practitioner, Mrs. Martin is always seeking opportunities to continue her learning and development as an agent of change. She is a doctoral student at Western Carolina University pursuing a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Equity and Social Justice. Cassandra holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Appalachian State University, a Master of Arts in Education in Teacher Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Post-masters School Administration license in Executive Leadership Studies both from Gardner-Webb University. Recently, Cassandra earned her certification in Diversity and Inclusion Organizational Leadership from Cornell University.

As a dedicated servant leader, Cassandra believes every child is gifted and it is the job of educators to first, see them and then nurture them intentionally every single day. When Cassandra isn't joyfully serving in education, she can be found spending time with her husband of 17 years and fellow Mountaineer Du'Shon, and their four children. Cassandra is happiest when she is at home with her family doing absolutely nothing.

The conversation will bring laughter, nostalgia, wide-eyed head turns and a sense of hope, all at the same time. I’m thankful for our time and hope you feel the same.

Connection

If you or anyone that your school district is in need of services that will enrich your students and leaders, contact Mrs. Martin and her team.

Website: Cardinal Ed., LLC
Email: cm.at.cardinaled@gmail.com
Twitter: @CardinalEdD

Meet Ricky Lee

Live-In Legend

There are some people in your life that you meet, interact with and never forget. As the years have passed, Ricky Duncan is one of those people. I met Ricky in 2002, literally almost 20 years ago. Ricky and I both worked for the Department of Social Services in Cleveland County, Shelby North Carolina. I was fresh out of college, confused yet believing I could save the world. Ricky became my roommate and we shared a home for a while during some of the most immature years of my life! Not only was he a great roommate, but an even better Social Worker, and a walking fashion icon. He was respectful, wise beyond his years. He was like a unicorn. A soft spoken, powerful, game spittin’ gentle fashion giant; like a mythical beast.

Fast forward to 2021 and of course we don’t live or work together anymore, but we keep in contact via social media. As we spoke, it was as if we never lost time. We’ve followed each others’ lives and it was amazing to reflect all of the growth. Ricky is still cool as ever, stylish, calm and collected. He has developed yet another talent by way of photography, which isn’t a surprise. His eye for colors, patterns and outfits prove he sees things artistically that others may not see. Ricky is an intelligent, huge hearted friend that I was able to reconnect with to discuss the super important issue of mental health. Now that I’ve shared with you the social side of my friend Ricky, I am even more excited to share with you the professional side of Ricky. When you hear how huge his heart is, and the way he’s giving back to his community professionally and personally. Ricky is the epitome of a renaissance man. He can do it all, very well, and I’m proud to call him my friend.

How May I Help You?

Ricky Duncan, a man of many talents. Helping others are on the top of that list. Ricky has 18 years of total experience as a social worker and 7 years as a clinical therapist. Ricky studied social work at NC State University where he was a a student athlete as part of the track and field team, received his BSW and completed his graduate studies in social work at University North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ricky’s dedication to helping others has always been the fuel that has ignited his passion in having positive impact on those in his community.

Ricky provides therapeutic services to adults and teenagers with a range of diagnosis and life experiences. Ricky currently works as a clinical therapist at Centra Health in Danville, Virginia where he does one on one therapy. Ricky splits his part time clinical work with both Grow Encourage Empower and Holly Hill Hospital. Another amazing effort that Ricky participates in annually is being a leading fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. He hosts many fundraising events in honor of his Mother, whom he lost at a young age to breast cancer.

There are so many layers to Ricky Duncan. Our conversation on Her Real Life was interesting, moving, powerful and informative. We discussed the importance of mental health and how the traditional way of providing services has drastically changed since the onset of Covid. We also discussed the cultural stigma that surrounds therapy in the black community. Check out the episode and conversation titled The Clinician and The Man: Being Mentally Black in 2021.

Ricky Duncan is still in the great state of North Carolina but commutes to Virginia to help those in need of mental health services. Two ways to connect with Ricky for services, if you’re in the Raleigh Durham or Virginia area, are: Grow Encourage Empower, and Psychologytoday.com. On each site you can simply put Ricky Duncan the search bar and begin the process for receiving counseling services. To learn more about Ricky’s fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society, check out the ACS website and stay tuned for more information throughout the year.

Just Be..Aware

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I’m thankful that we’re able to have this open conversation about the importance of our mental health and the need for therapy and self care, especially during the social, medical, and economic times we’re in right now. I use all types of ways to stay sane, sleep better and function to the best of my ability. One app that my family uses and loves is Calm. This month the Calm Calendar is a way that the good people at Calm encourage you to check in with your mind and take good care of yourself. Hop over for a free May Calm Calendar download. Along with these this great resource, please don’t forget to pray, seek the face of God. Remember it’s okay to ask for help, take a mental break and step back from all the events of the times. Reach out to others who you trust and who can help you during these stressful times.

Until next time,

I hope you enjoyed meeting and getting to know, Ricky Duncan, on The Vine Connection where we meet, travel and grow.If you would like to be featured or know of another great person we all need to know, email me at linettecolwell@gmail.com to get more information. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Mike Jones, The Trainer

Get It Together

I’ve tried so many things to make sure I looked the part, but I never really took the time to actually be 100% committed to the part. I heard about this program and this person who worked with a few of my friends and fellow G-Dubb Alum. At the beginning of this journey, I wasn’t ready to take on the responsibility of dealing with myself and changing that which I had complained about for so long. Then one day I took a leap of faith and I said yes to being better, doing better and in turn, genuinely feeling better. I said yes to Mike Jones and his programs and I found a whole new meaning to who I am today. This Vine Connection made all the difference in the world for me as an individual, but also to my family. I appreciate Mike Jones, the Trainer.

This Yo’ Life!

A lot of times I get started on journeys and realize, wait…I didn’t come prepared for all of this. I need to turn around. Despite support, encouragement, drive and ambition, I always quit if I feel like I can’t get to the finish line successful. It’s a character flaw and I know it. I’m working on it daily. I would say to anyone who feels the urge to be better, take that urge, run like you’re being chased by three snakes, an alligator AND a spider. Get on out of there with yo’ life, friend! You deserve it. In all seriousness, take the time to be the best you can possibly be for yourself. When you find the thing that you want more than anything and succeeding at that would give you a sense of accomplishment, go after it. I’ll be forever grateful for Mike Jones, his wife Airelle and the programs they have developed to help others become healthier.

Who is Mike Jones the trainer? I’m so glad you asked!! For me, Mike has been a life saver in more ways than one. From the very beginning of my fitness journey, I knew that I would need someone who was knowledgeable, played no games, expected results and checked in on me for follow through. Mike Jones was all of those things. Our interview took place at the beginning of this year, but our virtual fitness relationship has done nothing but flourish. Some call Mike Jones just a trainer, I call him a life coach.

Mike was the first guest on Her Real Life, my podcast. Our conversation was filled with insight, laughter, encouragement and all things fitness. Mike Jones is the truth, y’all. He not only trains his clients by his methods, but he also lives by them. I hope you enjoy our conversation. To check out my first podcast episode, Virtually Well with Mike Jones (click the link) , to listen to all the fun we had. It was a good time. But enough of me talking, I’ll let his bio speak for him.
Meet Mike Jones, my virtual personal trainer.

Who is…

Mike Jones

 Michael (Mike) Jones lives by the great quote of the late Kobe Bryant, “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do”.

 Mike Jones is a graduate of Gardner-Webb University with a B.S. in Health and Wellness. He is a former European Basketball Player with a passion for athletics, fitness, and healthy living. Mike served as the Fitness and Nutrition Correspondent for Vitamin C Magazine from 2016-2019. Mike is the creator of the Mike Jones “Get Moving, Get Fit” Kickball League, CEO of Grit, Grind and Muscle, IFBB Pro Bodybuilder and Certified Personal Trainer. 

Mike has helped dozens of people lose weight, gain muscle but most importantly, live healthier lifestyles. He believes that fitness is about maximizing our potential as human beings. It's more than just exercising; it's finding the strength and will to keep pushing yourself to become greater!

“YOU CANNOT OUTWORK A BAD DIET” - Mike Jones 

Mike Jones
Email: GritgrindMuscle@yahoo.com
IG: @MikeJonesTheTrainer
Facebook:  @MikeJonesTheTrainer
Website: www.gritgrind-muscle.com

Until next time,

I hope you enjoyed meeting and getting to know, Mike Jones here on The Vine, where we meet, travel and grow. If you’d like to be featured or know of another great person we all need to know, email me at linettecolwell@gmail.com to get more information. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Roots + Wilds Photography

The Vibe

Meet Maggie Vetsch, the creator behind Roots + Wilds Photography. Currently, based in Potosi Wisconsin, I met Maggie a few years back, as we collaborated on a project, and we have kept in contact every since. She is a beautiful maker, creator and artist. Her work speaks for itself. Not only is she a beautiful soul, she has an amazing heart. I am forever grateful to have made this connection. Regardless of our distance, we just vibe. She’s an entire mood all by herself. She’s good people.

In her words…

“Roots + Wilds is more than pretty photos. It’s about capturing moments; real moments. My passion is to capture you authentically and make sure we have the best time doing it. Let’s adventure, let’s laugh, let’s begin awe of the magic that can be created when we let go and embrace what we’re really about. “

-Maggie

Her Muses

The Work

The Connection

If you happen to travel to Pitosi, or you just want to follow the amazing story that Maggie is creating at Roots + Wilds, here are the ways to connect.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rootsandwildsphoto/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rootsandwildsphoto/

Website: www.maephotpgraphy.com (new site in progress)

Email: rootsandwildsphoto@gmail.com

Until next time,

I hope you enjoyed meeting and getting to know, Roots + Wild on The Vine, where we meet, travel and grow.

If you would like to be featured or know of another great person we all need to know, email me at linettecolwell@gmail.com to get more information. I can’t wait to hear from you!