My frustration, anger, and resentment were apparent sixth through eighth grades. I ran away from home once. There were school fights and enough zeroes on school assignments to spell ooooooooooh wee-look! Not only was I on academic probation my entire eighth grade school year, but my principal suggested an alternative school due to misbehavior. Praise God, I made it to ninth grade. That’s when I met my English/French teacher, Mr. Joseph G. McCarter.

It was Mr. McCarter who admired and spoke highly of my school work. He was interested in my success, saw my potential, made learning fun and motivated me to excel. He was a positive role model and a compassionate educator. By the end of my ninth grade year, I had made honor roll. I went on to graduate with from high school and college with honors.

Upon graduating from college, I served as an officer in the U.S. Army, with my last assignment as a multinational peacekeeper in Mount Sinai, Egypt. Upon leaving the military and enduring other struggles, I came to know the Lord. In my knower, I knew I was called to teach, counsel, and minister the Word of God. I went back to college and obtained a Master’s Degree and a Doctoral Degree in Counseling as well as a middle grades education certification. As an educator, my students have nominated me three times to Who’s Who Among America’s Best Teachers and one Disney Teacher of the Year Nomination.

God has also blessed me with several ministry credentials and a ministry----Saved, Whole, & Free Ministries, Inc.---that our Lord has birthed to set the captives free. Through it all, the setbacks and hardships were so that I could come to know God and fulfill my divine destiny. Through it all, I wouldn’t take anything for this journey now. Through it all, all things are working together for our good and we serve an AWESOME God!