The Art That Heals Us: Recent Episodes
Nikita Vonee
In today's "Talk to me Thursday" episode, I spoke with LaShandra Shepard, a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist in the states of Kansas and Missouri. We spoke about navigating Motherhood when parenting adolescents and teens, validating our emotions and debunking the "strong black woman" myth. After completing her Masters in Family Therapy from Friends University in 2008, LaShandra spent several years working within area schools in order to help families deal with mental health struggles and connect them with social services in their communities. In 2015, she opened her private counseling practice, Journey of Faith Counseling, LLC. where she works extensively with adults and adolescents to help individuals manage the problems that confront them, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, self-esteem, adjustment to school and/or life transitions, and support for enhancing communication/interpersonal skills. Her ultimate goal as a therapist is to assist you in developing and strengthening any relationship in your life, whether it be with yourself, your partner, or your family.
LaShandra has additional training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders by the Postpartum Support International. Special focus on perinatal mental health, as a place for support for moms and/or dad, hopeful parents, potential parents and reluctant parents.
You may connect with Lashandra at:
Website: https://journeyoffaithcoun.wixsite.com/home
Instagram: instagram.com/journeyoffaithcounseling
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In today's bonus episode, guest therapist Nashay Lorick speaks about how close friendships affect our overall mental wellness. Being a woman that has cultivated a fulfilling tribe of friends, she shares about the importance of making sure that those whom you allow in your circle---are actually good to you and for you.
As a black woman, mom, therapist, author, and healer with over 17 years of experience in counseling, coaching, mentoring, teaching, public speaking, consulting, and creating various forms of content, Shay Lorick embodies what it truly means to be a Very Dangerous Woman. Her years of experience as a mental health provider and spiritual guide has endorsed her to walk boldly in perfecting her crafts. She has had the privilege of working both domestically and internationally in private and government sectors as well as providing private psychotherapy, coaching and consulting to entertainers, medical and non-medical practitioners, business, religious and government leaders, sports affiliates, and corporate entities. She has founded and co-founded various spiritual and community based organizations to date. As a clinician, she provides an eclectic and holistic approach to treating mental health and substance use disorders. She brings a mix of practical wisdom, vibrancy, and authority to enhance the lives of prominent individuals that desire to engage in self-development while healing from trauma. She joins with them in awakening radical self-love, authenticity, and god-consciousness. Despite her love for spreading love and light internationally and universally, Shay’s greatest accomplishment, privilege, and source of enlightenment has been the process of birthing, nurturing, and exploring the world of the 4 divine, intelligent and gorgeous souls that she is delighted to call her legacy.
Connect with Nashay on social media @averydangerouswoman on Instagram or visit her websites at linktr.ee/Shaylorick
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In today's "Talk to me Thursday" episode, I sat with Licensed professional counselor and college professor, April Dixon. As she gave a very candid sista-girl approach to owning your mental health and specifically what that looks like as a Black Christian navigating through mental health challenges in this day and age. April, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of MO and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in KS whom received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2002 and completed her Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology in 2008. She is an adjunct professor of psychology at the undergraduate and graduate level at several colleges and universities in the Greater Kansas City area.
April has worked in the field of mental health for 20 years and has extensive experience working with youth and adults experiencing behavioral and emotional difficulties including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. She has received specialized training in treating clinical trauma and working with issues related to grief and loss. April is an advocate for mental health being accessible to all communities. As a woman of color, she is aware of and focused on examining how the trauma of systemic racism impacts the individual and collective mental health of those in the African American community. Her passion has caused her to be a leading educator in the field with a focus on increasing mental health awareness and reducing the stigma connected to therapy and other mental health services.
You may find her here:
Facebook: A Place to Thrive Counseling and Consulting, LLC
Instagram: @aPlaceToThrive
website: https://april-dixon.clientsecure.me/
Psychology today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/april-dixon-raytown-mo/156011?sid=61ef3978ab177&name=april+dixon&ref=1
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In today's episode, I spoke with Maria Bush, known as the Self-Esteem Therapist on social media about walking your mental health into the New Year of 2022. Maria, a well experienced licensed therapist, has helped individuals reconnect and strengthen the relationship with themselves to develop and strengthen relationships with others for over 16 years. She is the former Assistant Director for the Office of Crisis Services and Suicide Prevention for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. She is also the founder and owner of her private therapy practice Kindness Connects Us Therapy Services, as well as the co-host of "Sweats, Heels and Mental Health Podcast."
Maria recently launched “Still a Queen with Self-Esteem” through her Self-Work Academy, an eCourse for women who have started or completed the process of divorce.
You may find maria on Facebook: @Kindness Connects Us LLC
IG: @MariaOBush
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In today's episode, we sat down with the theatrical songstress Shon Ruffin as she discussed how she discovered that being her true "extra" self ushered her into acting and performing. She is a Kansas City native that received her Bachelors degree from Kansas State University in Theater Performance with a minor in Spanish. Shon has performed on several KC stages including; The Unicorn, Starlight, The Coterie, Kansas City Repertory, New Theater Restaurant, The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Kelly's in Westport, Hamburger Mary's, Kemper Arena and many other venues. When she is not doing theater you can find her singing with the popular corporate, charity, and wedding entertainment bands, Lost Wax and 2Proud2Beg. Aside from performing she enjoys directing and assistant directing at several theaters in the area. She has been invited to be a guest Director at Kansas State University for several collegiate productions. There is nothing that Shon enjoys more than healing through the way of the stage.
You may find her on Instagram: @shon8diva
Youtube: Nahshon Ruffin
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In today's episode, I spoke with self-taught/god-given illustrator & visual artist from Kansas City, MO, Flo Marie. Establishing her artistry in 2015, she specializes in both digital art and art prints. She talked candidly about using the power of your imagination fearlessly, especially within your creativity. She also spoke candidly about how embracing your imagination is also a way of trusting and embracing yourself.
You may find Flo on Social Media:
@FMarie_Art
www.fmarieart.com
@LovePeaceAndFlo
www.lovepeaceandflo.com
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In today's episode, I spoke with writer Kristen Little from New Jersey. Having an older brother who’s an accomplished writer, she candidly shared how writing her way through her divorce helped her have self-(re)discovery. She is mother of 3 children, currently books concerts for the local government park system, and I co-owns a special events company with sister/best friend.
You may find Kristen's writings: @infj_writes on Instagram
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In today's episode, we chat with cosplay extraordinaire and seamstress Diana the Great about leaning into the things that you love--and owning your lane. Diana, is an award-winning cosplayer, crafter, makeup enthusiast and super cool nerd from the greater Kansas City area. An avid fan of all things anime, Disney, Marvel & DC, Diana has been actively cosplaying for six years, and crafting for much, much longer. She is self taught on props, sewing, working with thermoplastics, EVA foam, molding with clay and resin, as well as wig making, fabric dyeing and painting. Known for her deep love of Sailor Moon, Diana's efforts and cosplays are geared to empower others, educate, promote diversity, and show that cosplay is for everyone, regardless of age, gender or skill.
You may find her at: www.dianathegreat.com
Instagram (@diana.the.great)
Facebook (fb.com/dianathegreat1)
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In today's episode, we talk with licensed clinical social worker & therapist Johnessia Jackson about taking care of your mental health when you are a caretaker. She is a native of Kansas City, MO, born into a big family, raised by a school teacher and a pastor. Johnessia is a mother who works full time in the healthcare setting while managing a private practice part time. Earning her Master’s degree in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, she became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 2012, and has now worked as a medical social worker for 11 years. With the opening of her private practice in January 2021, she has had an overwhelming response of new clients. She has the pleasure to serve anyone in need of therapy, however her speciality includes people with chronic disease and their caregivers. She has organized a Caregiver support group that meets via Zoom every 3rd Thursday; you may reach out to johnessia@convergencecounselingkc.com if you are interested.
Contact information: Www.convergencecounselingkc.com
Facebook.com/convergence counseling
Instagram.com/convergence.counseling
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In today's episode Angela Roux speaks about using writing, music and performing to find her niche in creativity, losing her motivation and taking her time to come back to it all. She also speaks about the conditioning that Black women suffer to stifle their accomplishments to "fit in". Born and raised in South Kansas City, MO, Poet, Author, Actress, Radio Host and Podcaster Mz Angela Roux has always been curious and creative. She was named “Best Spoken Word Act” in Pitch Magazine’s “Best of KC 2013” edition. She is the creator and producer of Estrogen Rush!, an all-female poetry show, which debuted in November 2012 and had it's 2nd show, Estrogen Rush! A Tribute to Maya Angelou ran in July 2014. She has featured at the 2010 and 2013 KC Fringe Festival and performed as some of KC's premiere poetry venues. In November 2015, she released her debuted her first poetry book "The Sinbads Sessions: Poems by Mz Angela Roux" published by Spartan Press. Her most recent ventures include hosting Roux On The Radio on KUAW 98.5 FM and co-hosting “The Roux” podcast.
Check out her IG social media @_geriatricmillenial
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In today's episode, the self-taught professional make-up artist Shayla Nash talks about how her spirit lead her to leave corporate America to pursue her passion with makeup artistry. She has since thrived in entrepreneurship with providing services to major print-work clients, bridal parties, celebrities, local designers, musicians, and a long list of private clients who want to ensure that they look and feel their very best for their most important moments.
As a 2003 graduate of Herndon Career Institute in Kansas City, she began her training in the artistry of hairstyling as a high-school senior. Years later, makeup and the "human canvas" became her passion and propelled her to self-educate in makeup artistry. She has since taken courses and gained knowledge and techniques from some of the best makeup artists and brands in the industry.
Shayla strived to establish a brand of quality makeup (and occasionally hairstyling) for the entire spectrum of skin types and complexions, continuously improving her technique and increasing the value of her skills. In addition to her aesthetic, an infectious personality and the willingness to go above and beyond to get the job done is a large portion of the "why" behind the mentions of Shayla amongst the "Best in Kansas City". Shayla was a nominee for the Midwest Fashion Awards 2019 Artist of the Year and a nominee for the Kansas City People's Choice Awards 2020 & 2021 Best Makeup Artist.
Some of Shayla's current and former clients include, Nikita Vonee, Strange Music Records, PBS, and Hall's Department Store. Her work has been published, seen on commercials and television networks as well as seen gracing the runways for the fashion scene.
You may find her @:
www.shaylanash.com
@shaylanash_MUA on IG
@ Shayla Nash Beauty on FB
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Vivian Bluett is a visual artist, born in Texas and raised in Kansas City. She is a wife, mother of 3 boys and 3 dogs as well. A self-taught visual artist, she has been painting consecutively for 5 years; is the owner of Expressions of Blue LLC. An active member of the collective art group, Black Space Black Art, Vivian has participated in several local vendor events and has had many art displays in local businesses and galleries throughout the city. Vivian was one of 6 designers/lead artists for the Black Lives Matter Street Mural Project that took place on 63rd and Brookside in the summer of 2020. She is also the art facilitator for The Village KC--a local non-profit youth program serving middle and high school students throughout the metropolitan Kansas City area and is excited for her future and being apart of Kansas City Black Art.
FB: expressionsofblue
IG: Expressionsofblue
Email address: Expressionsofblue@gmail.com
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This episode features Shawn Lee, an award-winning published photographer and print model. She speaks about owning her confidence behind the camera as well as in front of the lens. Her t-shirt line and brand EmpowHER launched in the Spring of 2021 and encourages building self-esteem to women all over the Kansas City metro area. She has achieved this by offering mini photography sessions and professional head shots to both business owners and women looking to boost their self-confidence. Carrying a camera since she was an adolescent, Shawn discovered that photography was HER purpose and created Hervision by Shawn Lee LLC in 2018. The Hervision brand represents making (HER) stronger and more confident by Encouraging Healthy Relationships with self and others; it is more than just photography, it also facilitates networking, women-empowerment and relationship building.
You can reach Shawn at www.mshervision.com and on IG & FB-
@hervisionbyshawnlee
@mshervision
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On this episode of "Talk to me Thursdays", Crystal Jackson MA LPC speaks about navigating through life situations, working from home during the pandemic and taking care of YOU first so that you can then be great for other people. She is a licensed professional counselor that graduated from Dallas Baptist University with her Master’s in Professional Counseling and is in private practice at Makini Counseling, PLLC. She has counseled diverse backgrounds and all age groups ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics suffering from depression, anxiety, grief, anger management, and psychosis. Her background in inpatient behavioral hospitals has given her the experience to treat clients who have experienced a psychotic break as well as those who are in active crisis. She is also trauma-informed; therefore can utilize interventions such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) to help her clients heal from past trauma while teaching them healthy coping skills to manage negative emotions or triggers.
It is her desire that her clients leave each session feeling validated, heard, and armed with hope and a plan to empower them outside of their sessions. "Feel and then heal", is the phrase that has always been the theme surrounding true break-throughs; she believes that it is through allowing yourself to fully experience the emotion that you can you truly move on from it in a positive, healthy manner. "Everyone wants to get out of the mud, but no one wants to go through it" is a quote that she compassionately says. This includes asking thought-provoking questions to guide them to draw their own conclusions; giving them the empowerment needed to make life changes. She became a Licensed Professional Counselor to help her clients achieve that enlightenment. Her calming disposition creates a vibe that enables a safe space for her clients to be open with her, and open and honest with themselves.
Tips from the therapist: If you are experiencing an anxiety attack you can try breathing techniques to help to calm your nervous system.
Box breathing:
- imagine a square, breathe in up the square for 4 seconds.
- hold it as you’re going across the square for 4 seconds.
- breathe out as you’re going down the square for 4 seconds.
- hold your breath as you’re going back down the square for 4 seconds.
Counting/mindfulness exercise:
Use your 5 senses to scan your environment.
- Find 5 things that you see around you.
- Find 4 things that you can hear.
- Find 3 things that you can feel.
- Find 2 things that you can smell.
- Find 1 thing that you can taste as a distraction.
Use creativity: Using art to increase positive emotion and to lessen symptoms of depression/anxiety and stress. These things require focus and concentration and it is hard to multitask and think of things that are causing you distress.
Crystal's available services may be found here: @makinicounseling on Instagram & www.makinicounseling.com
this episode should not be used as a means of therapy, please seek a licensed mental health professional if you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
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Asa Barnes is a native of Kansas City, MO. As a Music Education graduate of Missouri Western State University (St. Joseph, MO), Asa has always been musically inclined since his early years in life. His first influence in music came from his mother who sang in the church choir. This early musical and spiritual training prepared him for future musical and entertainment opportunities.
In high school, Asa participated in both choral and instrumental ensembles. He studied popular and classical music, developing a diverse appreciation for all musical styles. In college, Asa played in the marching band, choir, and other small musical ensembles preparing himself for a career in music education and entertainment.
Today, Asa is a real estate professional, model, voiceover actor, vocal coach, and music educator who continues to pursue his goals of music stardom. Some of his accomplishments have taken him to New York’s Apollo Theater and allowed him to receive local radio play in Kansas City. He also made appearances in season 4 and 8 of the hit television show “American Idol” where he was a Hollywood finalist. Asa hopes to convey that success can be achieved through hard work, preparation, and faith in God.
Social Media:
IG: @asa_the_property_prince
@asa_barnes_music
Facebook: @Asa Barnes
@Property Prince Home Solutions
Web: https://propertyprince.kw.com
Music streaming on all digital platforms.
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Nikita Vonee is a mother, classically trained singer, business owner, visual artist, writer, and creator of "The Art That Heals Us Podcast". Her seven years of experience with blogging shines through her newest collection of life stories compiled in a memoir. She has had a love for creative writing since the age of 12, and has also expressed herself creatively through both vocal performance and visual artistry throughout the years. Her ability to pull people into her inner world has been perfected by sharing her words, art and songs on social platforms; is now excited to be a first-time published author. Her memoir, “Oceans + Heavens” speaks to empowering Black women to reclaim their time, peace and self-love after failed relationships. Intentionally written to share her personal stories in relation to romantic relationships, she also writes about the plight of being a Black woman experiencing hardship in friendships and motherhood as well. Nikita's long term goal is to invoke conversation about unspoken emotions and healing that will reach people (women specifically) who believe that they are alone in each of those circumstances. She also published a collection of poetry entitled "bury.water.flourish.bloom" which captures the spectrum of emotions felt during a relationship, or a span of several. You may purchase both of her books on Amazon and at nikitavonee.com. Her art business booking information can be found at calmingcanvas.com.
In this episode she comedically speaks about overcoming social anxiety--AKA "stage fright" while singing as a kid, missing out on being a student at a performing arts high school, facing the fear of becoming a newly found visual artist, and sharing both her words and tears on canvases and books.
Nikita's social media handles: Instagram: @nikita.vonee @nikkivpaints @calmingcanvas Facebook: @Nikitav.vonee @calmingcanvasart Twitter: @nikita_vonee
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Avrion Jackson is a passionate, luxury creative and entrepreneur with an aesthetic sense. She has always had a creative eye, which began with an array of classes at Center Senior High School ranging from art drafting to pottery, photography, and painting; has extended to the local streets and businesses of Kansas City. After completing high school, she was accepted into the International Art Institute graphic design program. Life had other plans for her journey however; after the completion of two semesters, the loss of her oldest brother and her scholarship, Avrion left college. Several months later, she found the inspiration to begin painting again and carry out the dream she once had of sharing her art with the world. She recalled the words of her late brother, "you're going to make it as an artist" and used them for the fuel she needed to continue. Deciding to share her art publicly with a Facebook post, DesignsbyAvrion was born in 2017. In the wake of the political protests in the summer of 2020, in collaboration with a local artist collective, Avrion functioned as an artist lead for one of the 6 street art murals located in Kansas City. The documentary entitled "Six Streets" aired on PBS and has caught the attention of the MidAmerica Emmys; it is currently nominated for an award. The mural that she designed is located at 10th & Baltimore in the downtown area.
Avrion creates luxury home decor to satisfy the taste of each individual's palate. Her most recent product line includes a variety of limited edition, hand-painted fedora hats for women that are versatile in nature. No matter which hat she chooses to wear on the creative spectrum, she always remembers that “Her Life Is Her Art".
Connect with Avrion at: @designsbyavrion on Instagram/Facebook Art inquiries: designsbyavrion@gmail.com
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Executive Chef Shanita Mcafee-Bryan is a woman on a mission. Shanita, also known as ‘Chef Shanita,’ has been passionate about cooking since she was a young girl. With her father’s creativity and her mother’s sense of tradition, watching her family in the kitchen was her first taste of a passion that would become her purpose. From checking out cookbooks and training manuals at the library, to thinking up innovative recipes in her room, 13-year-old Shanita was on her way to becoming more than just a dreamer. Her interest in cooking went from her family’s kitchen to high school cooking classes, where she was able to experience formal culinary education for the first time. While she was in high school, she found out that she was going to become a young mother, which only fueled her drive to make it and realize her childhood culinary dreams. Shanita graduated from the culinary program at Johnson County Community College in 2004, when she officially earned the title of “Chef Shanita.” Chef Shanita brought her knives to Cutthroat Kitchen, where she proved her talent by winning the popular Food Network show, and the rest is history. She opened her first restaurant, Magnolia’s, launched a successful food truck, and eventually came back to her passion of helping and inspiring others through food. Magnolia's Southern Cuisine Restaurant was named one of KC Magazine's 12 Best Restaurants in 2012. The restaurant was also nominated by KC Chamber of Commerce as Best Small Business in Kansas City, and has been recognized throughout the city for their delicious food and hospitality from KC Magazine to KCTV5 News to FOX4 News. Chef Shanita is also the founder and executive director at The Prospect Urban Eatery. She is skilled and experienced in event planning, catering, menu creation, budget management, fundraising, community outreach, and restaurant development. Shanita and her organization are partnering with catalyst kitchens to aid in decreasing the statistics of minority unemployment, unsuccessful business developments and social inequality. As @theprospectkc adopts aspiring entrepreneurs into their program, while educating, and employing them, they hope that the skills and business solutions obtained will prepare them for solo entrepreneurship. With more than 20 years of experience in the kitchen, Chef Shanita is passionate about helping others achieve their culinary dreams, and believes that with authenticity, passion, and drive, you’re capable of anything. In this episode she explains her journey as a culinary creative and how she processed the loss of her Father in the kitchen. Visit shanitamcafeebryant.com and @theprospectkc for more information about what the Chef is cooking up in her world of artistry.
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