When It’s God, You Will Know It
A Letter From The Editor
There Are No If, Ands, Or Buts About It!
A Letter from the Editor
Thank God for the praying mamas, grandmamas, aunties, daddies, granddaddies, uncles, and others, as without their covering, I don’t know how it would have made it. I can imagine that this can be a testament for many others, especially for us who share similar cultural backgrounds. Throughout my life’s journeys, my path has often been littered with peaks and valleys, and roads full of twists and turns. So often that it felt normal. However, I eventually learned that there was more to life than what had been presented to me, a whole lot more.
What if tomorrow didn’t arrive? All of your plans, hopes and dreams wouldn’t have a street to park on. What if everything that you decided to put off until tomorrow never happened? There would be no reason to save for a rainy day, and you could spare someone the trouble of making promises. What if your last opportunity seemingly expired today? What would you do?
On one occasion, while hanging out with some friends, I had an encounter with a total stranger that was eye-opening and changed the trajectory of my life. A stranger this person was; I had never seen or met them before, as was the case for them. They had one question for me: What am I doing here? The “here” they were speaking about was a nightclub where many people my age were partying. Though it was my first time at the club, it wasn’t my first rodeo, and I felt as if I had a sense of belonging there. I would go on to party, no excitement, nothing out of the ordinary, and make it home safely, but those few words from the stranger had done their job. My mind was opened, and the course of my life changed.
I’ve been told that I often seem like I do too much. Honestly, I feel like I am not doing enough and I’m a firm believer in knowing that God wouldn’t put anything on me that I couldn’t handle. I sometimes wonder how life would be if I chose to sit idle and accept what it presented to me. I have found that to be very boring. In my opinion, opportunity is a blessing that isn’t afforded to everyone. A challenge to me is an adventure. What is the worst that can happen? If I do nothing, I fail, and if I try I don’t, but instead learn something new about myself. Relinquish your pride and in return acquire life.
Fast forward many years, and I have come to realize that it was God speaking through that stranger to reach me. God had so much more planned for me, and for His purpose to be fulfilled in my life, my approach needed a realignment. I was obedient to what God spoke to me, and over the years, my eyes and heart have been opened to doing what God has called me to do.
General Inquiries
The best advice ever given to me happened when someone told me to make my tomorrow happen today. In doing so I have pressed my way through doors with a key that only hope provided. I have also learned the difference between what God blesses me with and what life can burden me with as well. I compare it to knowing when to be confident and when to be quiet, because someone may get it confused with being arrogant.
More than anything, God needed to get my attention, and I thank Him for his grace and mercy. Having my attention brought me back to a place where I asked God for direction and guidance in my life. As I was trekking off course, He sent an angel to remind me of my purpose.
When God spoke to me, I knew it was Him, mainly because I had established a personal relationship with Him. One of the benefits of having a personal relationship is being able to discern God’s voice amid all other noise. I encourage you to seek God and allow Him to speak in your life, because when it’s God’s voice, you will know it.
Make you tomorrow happen today, but most importantly make it count. Life is but a whisper and we must put ourselves in a position to hear what it is telling us.
Terry L. Watson Editor/Founder
Terry L. Watson
Tamara Smith
Terry L Watson Publisher
Dr. Marrissa Dick Writer
Terry L. Watson Writer
Monica Montgomery Writer
Ashleigh Crawley Photographer
Todd Youngblood Photographer
Snuggs Photography Photographer
The Cover
Learn more about the Rev. Troy K. Venning, leader of Quinn Chapel AME Church Chicago, IL Publack Library Publishing Antonia Royal-Whitmore
Chicago, IL
Funding For Small Business Cook County Board of Commissioners
She is Huami Magazine’s Cutest Baby. Introducing one beautiful baby. Her name is Siya Loryn Stevens
The Self Inside Latania Franklin
Providing Help for Veterans Michelle Mothershed
Health Matters Dr. Monretta Vega
She Loves Our Youth LaVonda Paul
Cook County Board Approves Funding for Initiatives that Support Small Business Financing and Regional Economic Growth
Information obtained from online press release at www.cityofchicago.gov
On Thursday, Nov. 20, the Cook County Board of Commissioners took a significant step to accelerate economic opportunity across the region, approving new funding to expand small business lending through several local community financial institutions. The Board also renewed its support for the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership, reinforcing Cook County’s leadership in a coordinated, regional approach to economic development.
With this action, Cook County deepens its commitment to helping entrepreneurs overcome long-standing barriers to capital, while fueling job creation and broad-based economic growth.
“Cook County is committed to closing long-standing gaps in the accessto-capital landscape for small businesses, while strengthening regional economic growth,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Now more than ever, local governments must step up to protect and expand opportunity for all. We will continue investing in strategies that drive our local economy forward and keep Cook County a vibrant, competitive place to do business.”
Community Financial Institutions
The Board approved $2.4 million to support a grant program to provide funds to community financial institutions (CFIs) and increase available financing for small businesses. The five selected CFIs are Allies for Community Business, SomerCor, Pursuit, Greenwood Archer Capital and Jewish Free Loan Chicago.
Each CFI will be awarded up to $500,000. Based on projections in applications from the five selected CFIs, it is estimated that the $2.4 million in funding from Cook County will ultimately support more than 1,000 businesses and leverage $27.3 million in investment.
“Greenwood Archer Capital is honored to receive this vote of confidence, and grateful for the recognition of the work we are doing alongside our community partners,” said Terrence Johnson, executive director, Greenwood Archer Capital. “This grant strengthens our ability to deliver capital and support small businesses in the County’s most under-resourced markets. Small businesses are the backbone of every neighborhood’s economy, and with this investment, we will help more entrepreneurs grow sustainable enterprises and create good jobs that build strong, vital communities.”
All five CFIs are nonprofit lending organizations, and each has at least two years of lending experience. Grantees may use funds to enhance their lending capacity for small businesses and/or their operational capacity, including investments in staff, technology, marketing and more.
Access to capital is the most frequently sought-after service at the Cook County Small Business Source, which supports growth of small businesses across the County through no-cost business advising, resources and access to events.
Based on an analysis of the capital landscape, Cook County determined that Chicago area CFIs have a relatively small amount of capital dedicated to supporting small businesses, particularly in comparison to peer cities around the country. To address this gap, Cook County is strengthening local CFIs’ capacity to deliver loans and financial assistance to businesses located in historically excluded communities that often do not qualify for conventional financing, which often leads businesses to resort to highcost sources of capital.
“Strong local economies start with strong small businesses, but persistent gaps in access to safe, affordable and transparent financing make it too difficult for owners to sustain and grow their businesses,” said Horacio Mendez, president and CEO of Woodstock Institute, a research and advocacy group dedicated to fair lending, wealth creation and financial systems reform and served on the grant selection panel. “We applaud Cook County’s initiative to help local financial institutions fill those gaps. This program will multiply the selected lenders impact and build a stronger Cook County.”
Collectively the selected grant recipients offer a mix of innovative and traditional lending products: Allies for Community Business will use grant funds to establish a dedicated loan loss reserve pool designed to unlock additional capital for small business lending in Cook County. SomerCor will create a new down payment assistance program to help support business owners’ purchase real estate for their own occupancy. Pursuit will expand its footprint in Cook County with a new financial product tailored for startups and early-stage businesses. Greenwood Archer will expand both financial and operational capacity, increasing accessible and flexible capital for early-stage and higher-risk entrepreneurs. Jewish Free Loan Chicago will create and operate new small business zero-interest funds for loans up to $20,000. This award also includes grant funding for the Cameo Network, a nonprofit that will provide individualized consulting and training support for the five selected grant recipients and other advisory services.
The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development developed this program with Next Street, its program coordinator, to complement the Cook County Small Business Source program, which provides a bevy of resources to entrepreneurs at no cost.
Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership
The Board also approved continued funding for the Greater Chicagoland Economic Partnership (GCEP), a regional economic collaboration between Cook County, the city of Chicago, and DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. Launched in 2023 as a three-year pilot program, GCEP is managed by World Business Chicago (WBC), the city’s public-private economic development agency.
All parties agreed to continue funding for GCEP for an additional year while developing a long-term plan. Annual participation costs are shared proportionally among the seven counties and the City of Chicago, based on population and employment data. Cook County’s annual contribution of $290,462 remains the same as previous years
Continued participation in GCEP ensures that Cook County remains an active partner in advancing regional collaboration, attracting investment and promoting equitable economic development across northeastern Illinois. WBC estimates that GCEP-supported activities contributed to the creation of more than 18,000 jobs and $1.57 billion in regional earnings over the past three years. Cook County alone accounts for 7,600 of those jobs and $622 million in earnings.
To learn more about the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development, visit: cookcountyil.gov/agency/bureau-economicdevelopment h
Rev. Troy K. Venning, MDIV, MBA Quinn Chapel AME Church - Chicago
Information obtained from Online Source
At the close of the 139th Session of the Chicago Annual Conference, Bishop John Franklin White appointed the Rev. Troy K. Venning, MDiv, MBA (aka “Pastor Troy”), Sr. Pastor of Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. The first African American congregation established in the city of Chicago. Prior to serving in his present role, Pastor Troy came to Quinn in October 2019 to serve as the Executive Pastor.
Pastor Troy is well prepared having served in the 11th Episcopal District as Senior Pastor at Greater New Mount Zion AME Church (9/2018 | Homestead, FL), Macedonia AME Church (Boca Raton, FL | 2016), Bethel AME Church (Moore Haven, FL | 2014), and at Allen Chapel (Key Largo, FL | 2013) for a short time). Pastor Troy has earned degrees from GarrettEvangelical Theological Seminary, The University of PhoenixFort Lauderdale Campus, and Xavier University of Louisiana.
A native of Chicago, excited to settle back in and lead the church that he grew up in, Pastor Troy is wonderfully married to Lady Sheryll Brown-Venning and proud father of Alexis and Jayla.
The work of finding God is especially difficult in a world that appears God-less, where people of color routinely experience systemic oppression and struggle to find peace. Pastor Troy is committed to living out the work of Christ, calling out and fighting injustice whenever it rears its ugly head. As simple as it sounds, love remains what the world needs. h
Publack Library Publishing Antonia Royal-Whitmore
“As a child, I was reserved and quiet, distracted by my thoughts, observations, and questions of the world. Despite my reservation, I inherited my forwardness and bluntness from my Grandfather and spoke up for causes I believed in, or spoke against things I disagreed with.”
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Antonia Royal-Whitmore
Reading is soaring to new heights in the city of Chicago, IL.
Publack Library Publishing is home of complete representative literature; publications written by African American authors that feature African American characters, for African American Readers. At Publack Library Publishing, they write and publish inclusive media that showcase Black culture in an authentic and accurate manner. Their catalog consists of projects for children, young adults, and adults. They also help other African American writers publish their work.
Publack Library Publishing was conceived by Antonia Royal-Whitmore. Born and raised in Rockford, IL, and surrounded by a village of love and support, Antonia shares that her environment modeled to her the importance of family, faith, and loyalty. “As a child, I was reserved and quiet, distracted by my thoughts, observations, and questions of the world. Despite my reservation, I inherited my forwardness and bluntness from my Grandfather and spoke up for causes I believed in, or spoke against things I disagreed with. Early on, I was introduced to various forms of creativity. Ellis Arts Academy introduced me to theater, dance, art, and music. I studied tap dance, jazz, ballet, sang Broadway musical pieces, explored artists like Andy Warhol, and performed in dance concerts for an audience full of students, teachers, and families,” Antonia says.
Macedonia Baptist Church shaped her spirituality and provided leadership skills. She took on roles on the usher board, choir, praise dance team, and as the Sunday school treasurer. Antonia also excelled in school, graduating a year early from Auburn High School and going straight to Highland Community College on a bowling scholarship. At Highland, she studied Psychology, and would later attend Midland University in Fremont, NE. There, she continued to bowl and study psychology, graduating in 2017 with a Bachelors in Business and Psychology. Antonia says initially her goal was to earn her Master’s degree to become a therapist, however life had other plans. “Luckily, anytime people are involved, psychology is present. Psychology also presents in business rather it’s marketing (persuasion), understanding the body language of buyers, or classically conditioning your customers to salivate when they see a big yellow arch, convincing them to order a Happy Meal,” she said.
So how did Publack Library Publishing get started? Antonia provides a very vivid recollection. “I had a dream, no Martin Luther King, back in 2016, that I was an author. In this dream, there was a long line of people waiting for me to sign their books. This particular dream seemed out of place because being an author wasn’t on my Pinterest board; it never even crossed my mind. Partly because English was my least favorite subject and I struggled with spelling and grammar. However, this dream was so vivid and memorable, I started writing my first book, that morning. I didn’t know what I was doing but I knew I had to do it. I eventually wrote the first draft to an urban fiction novella, Nine Inches, which collected dust in my hard drive for three years.In those three years, I switched gears and explored children’s literature and published three projects (You Are: Tu Eres, Thanksgiving with the Bully, and Boys Wash Their Hands Too: ). By the end of 2019, I published five projects, including Nine Inches. Nine Inches was revised and republished December 2024 and has been the most sold book in our catalog, ranking top ten for Urban Erotica and Romantic Erotica on Amazon, for consecutive weeks.”
As of 2025, there are sixteen in house books in Publack Library Publishing’s catalog, written by Antonia Royal Whitmore. Publack Library Publishing has also helped dozens of African American authors through their publishing process.When asked what she loves most about what she does, Antonia’s response aligns with the change that she has sought to bring to publishing. She says, “The literary industry has had a particular look for a while, as only 5% of published authors are African American. In addition, there are seven times more children’s books that feature animals than Black children. I love that I’m able to disrupt the monotony of the current literary industry and add more inclusive and representative literature to readers. I love seeing the faces of my readers light up when they realize our books were made for them, by them. I also love watching the lightbulb turn on for individuals who may have had a book idea but needed confirmation or resources that I could provide. Learning myself through my business and seeing my continuous progress brings me great joy as well.”
Antonia draws inspiration from her spirit and her environment. One word, song, color, or sound can trigger an entire project for her. She also draws inspiration from different modalities, whether it be fashion, education, art, or music. Her family, she says has truly impacted Antonia’s life and been constant supporters. “My parents, Tiffiny and Christopher Whitmore kept me on track as a child and showed me how to navigate life as an adult. My grandparents, Morris and Gloria Royal, generously funded my first book and remained a constant investor in all of my endeavors. My Grandfather, Morris Royal, spoke life into me as a child. He reminded me over and over that I was important, that I was going to be abundant and prosperous in life, that with the right mindset, anything was possible,” she says.
Antonia says she honestly believes reading is a basic necessity, like food and water, and should be free to children, and funded by the government. She also realizes children’s literature isn’t a priority. “One would think distributing children’s literature would be easy but it has been quite the opposite. Reading and comprehension have been overlooked by busy parents and overworked teachers, and replaced because of book bans and technology. One way I have been able to fight back against this is by allowing individuals, organizations, and businesses to donate to help fund books for classrooms, schools, and even entire neighborhoods,” she says.
“One would think distributing children’s literature would be easy but it has been quite the opposite. Reading and comprehension have been overlooked by busy parents and overworked teachers, and replaced because of book bans and technology.”
Antonia recently co-authored a book with her younger siblings, Darby Whitmore and Royal Whitmore, Before You Go to Heaven, that pays tribute to their late Grandfather, Morris Royal, who passed away earlier this year. Before You Go to Heaven celebrates the bond between generations and reminds young readers to cherish their elders while they are still here.
For other aspiring authors who may follow in a path similar to Antonia, she offers the following advice and encouragement. “There are no rules to this thing. Of course there are a few grammar rules you may have to follow as a writer, but other than that, it’s free game. I’ll spare you your first author heartbreak; not everyone is your target audience, and not everyone will like your work. Now that that’s out of the way, do what feels good, what feels right. Create and write for yourself and share it with the world how you see fit. Release the need to be perceived, release the fear of judgment, and give yourself permission to evolve.”
Antonia has set her sights on the future. She says the next few years involve her mastering her pen game as an autnor and eventually transitioning into screenwriting. “I believe my work will land better on the big screen through TV shows, commercials, and movies. I would love to work with legends like Tyler Perry, Issa Rae, and Quinta Brunson,” she says.
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The Self Inside Where Black Women Heal Hollistically
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Latania Franklin
Latania Franklin, of Chicago, IL, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology/ Criminology from Northern Illinois University and followed that feat with earning her Master of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. Latania was born and raised on the North Side, while her family is from the West Side . Latania is one of three kids and the youngest born into her family. Latania currently lives on the far South Side of Chicago with her husband and their three-year-old son.
Today, Latania utilizes her gifts and talents to lead The Self Inside, a space designed for Black women to heal from intergenerational trauma and racism. At The Self Inside, education is valued, as well as support, empowerment, and healing. They also believe in creating spaces where Black women feel seen, heard, and guided toward reclaiming their wholeness. Latania shares that these values shape every interaction and decision women make. She adds, “My brand is all about making people comfortable. As a therapist, I show up as my full, authentic self. You may not catch me in very business-professional clothes, as I dress more relaxed, often in jeans and hoodies. My brand and image are about creating a space where Black women feel like they’re talking to a friend or writing in their diary. I strive to foster an environment where women can be vulnerable, open, and trust the person they’re talking to.”
While everyone is welcome at The Self Inside, Latania emphasizes that the space was curated for Black women. Most of her clients are between the ages of 18 to 45, but she does accept clients who may be out of that range. Some common interventions she utilizes are Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Reiki, and other somatic approaches. Latania supports Black women by providing individual therapy, group therapy, and other holistic practices such as Reiki. She also sells spiritual tools like sage, incense, and selenite crystals, and offers The Self Inside therapy journal and merchandise featuring their logo on t-shirts.
“My brand and image are about creating a space where Black women feel like they’re talking to a friend or writing in their diary. I strive to foster an environment where women can be vulnerable, open, and trust the person they’re talking to.”
“A lot of the work I do through The Self Inside stems from my own childhood trauma and healing journey. This work is very purposeful for me, and I use my experiences to support the healing journeys of the Black women I support,” she says. “We are decolonizing therapy. We bring in conversations about our roots, our ancestors, and spirituality because doing so enhances Black women’s self-worth and personal power. It helps them tap into their purpose, gifts, and inner wisdom. We know that healing one Black woman helps heal generations both before and after her — our work is not just personal, it’s ancestral and collective.”
To accomplish the goals she’s set, Latania has hosted workshops on various topics, including how trauma can manifest as disease and disorder in Black women’s bodies. She has also discussed the benefits of earth medicine and how different herbs can aid in healing, and held discussions on love for Black women based on bell hooks’ book, All About Love. Her efforts also involve a monthly healing support group to create community among Black women on their healing journeys. “We understand that this journey can be isolating, so we aim to provide a supportive space where women can connect with like-minded individuals who are doing similar work,” she says.
“A lot of the work I do through The Self Inside stems from my own childhood trauma and healing journey. This work is very purposeful for me, and I use my experiences to support the healing journeys of the Black women I support.”
Latania says her love for social work began at the age of five. Even as a child, she felt a strong desire to help and be kind to others who needed support. Back then, she would pretend to be a social worker, asking her mother to come to her office to fill out paperwork. This playful role-playing stemmed from witnessing how social service workers interacted with Latania’s family, she recalls, often with rudeness and disrespect, when support was what they were truly seeking. “Growing up, I developed a passion for horror films and documentaries, and I was fascinated by understanding the minds of serial killers. At the time, I thought I wanted to work within prisons and jails. This interest led me to pursue a Bachelor’s in Criminology. While I was still passionate about criminology, it was during my last year of undergrad that I completed an internship at a courthouse working with probation officers. This experience introduced me to the field of social work, which I hadn’t fully understood before. My supervisors, all Black women who were Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), informed me of the work I could do as a social worker and how it would help me understand the minds of others. This is when I decided to pursue a career in social work,” she says.
After graduating from college in 2014 with her masters degree, Latania landed her first job as a school social worker on the West Side of Chicago. Working with students who had similar experiences encouraged Latania to start her own therapy in 2015. In 2018, she decided to leave school social work due to changes in the school system and leadership, and she was left with feelings of depression, suicidal ideation, and vicarious trauma. In 2019, Latania joined an all-white practice as the only Black therapist. There she faced many microaggressions and questioned her self worth “They criticized how I talked and made comments on my hair once I decided to go natural. After three months, I decided to leave that practice. I coined this as the year I became “black”. I became more proud of who I am and showed it proudly in how I dressed, wore my hair and advocated for us,” she says. Shortly after she left the white practice, Latania had the privilege of working alongside a remarkable Black woman with her private practice. It was there that she began to build her confidence as a therapist and deepen her passion for supporting Black women. The Self Inside would soon follow.
Latania says what she loves most about what she does is seeing Black women take their lives back. “Over the five years of The Self Inside and my ten years as a therapist, I’ve seen Black women reclaim who they are. I’ve also seen Black women start businesses, take control of negative thoughts, and boldly show their full, authentic selves, demonstrating just how dope and powerful we really are. Seeing this mission come to life in the women I talk to, over the years and still today, brings so much joy to my heart. It truly feels like I am doing God’s work and fulfilling what He wants me to do.”
Latania’s personal healing journey and understanding where she comes from have impacted her life. “My healing journey has helped me understand that all the pain and hurt from my childhood, and how I have and continue to heal from it, can be used as a testimony. My healing has actually given me my purpose, and now, with a deeper understanding of my roots and family, I recognize the strength and resilience of the women in my family. Despite limited resources or the absence of husbands, they carried the entire family forward. Even when faced with adversity or being told they weren’t good enough by society, they moved forward. Knowing that these are the women I come from, I realize that I can embody that same worth,” she says.
Building her brand has come with a few challenges. One she says, has been getting past her thoughts that tell her she’s not good enough. She counters this by setting aside time to remind herself who she is. “I sit at my altar, I pray, and I maintain a vibrant spiritual life that helps me stay grounded. Again, the work I’m doing around my healing and understanding my roots helps me remember who I am.” Another challenge is being a business owner. “Naturally, I know how to be a therapist, but I’ve had to learn, and am still learning, how to be a business owner and a leader. I’ve hired and worked with different coaches, and I currently have a wonderful business coach. I also talk to other women who own practices and other businesses that I look up to, asking them questions and seeking guidance,” she says.
As Latania continues to grow, she also has aspirations to expand he Self Inside. She’s recenlty hired a new clinician, who is currently accepting new clients. “I’m excited about filling her caseload and how her presence is allowing us to serve even more black women in Chicago,” Latania says. With all of her services virtual, she is looking to do in-person events. “We plan to collaborate and partner with other Black-owned businesses to rent their spaces and host in-person workshops and events. We are ready to build community outside of the therapy space. We have our first in-person event taking place January 17th, 2026.”
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Dr.
Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services
By Terry L. Watson
Photos Provided by Dr. Monretta Vega
Dr. Monretta Vega is a woman of action.
Born and raised in Fort Worth, TX, Monretta and her family relocated several times due to her parents’ military requirements. During her transitions, she was able to transfer to different schools and eventually landed in Huntsville, AL, while in elementary school. She has remained there even today. Monretta is an auntie and enjoys spending a lot of time with her parents, who have been married for 45 years. She also likes to cook, write, and read, and has published two books of her own. One of her mottos that she recalls often is “to remember that life is about quality versus quantity”.
Monretta would later receive an Academic Scholarship to attend Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. There, she also obtained her Masters Degree and continued, acquiring her Doctoral Degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has a certification as a Life Coach and a Hypnotherapist, a tool she utilizes as the owner of Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services located on South Memorial in Huntsville.
Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services began in 2016. Monretta says, “I started as co-owner and took over full ownership of Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services in 2023. My vision for private practice has always been a part of me since a very young age. I knew as a child that my ultimate goal was to become a Psychologist and work in the Mental Health field. Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services is an elite group of mental health professionals who provide services within the community and throughout the State of Alabama, as well as across the United States. We provide an array of mental health services to the community. At Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services, we understand your concerns and are here to provide you with compassionate and professional services. Counseling is effective because it offers you the opportunity to talk directly with a skilled professional who can be objective and supportive. You will begin with an initial assessment to determine the specific challenges you may be facing. Working together with your therapist, you’ll establish goals and a general timeline for your progress. You will have access to a variety of individualized treatment options tailored to your unique needs. You’ll find a diverse menu of care options to assist with your needs. These services are designed to assist individuals, couples, and families in pursuit of their personal goals.”
Some of the services offered by Monretta and her team are: Relationship Counseling, Individual Counseling, Group Therapy, and Support Groups. With Individual Counseling, they offer one-on-one sessions and focused attention to their clients’ situations. Their therapists bring years of experience and education to each session, guiding clients to discover their true selves and to live their best lives.
Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services
7540 Memorial Parkway SW, Suite W, Huntsville, AL 35802 256-824-9171
www.hsvpcs.com
Monretta says what she loves most about what she does is having the opportunity to help others enhance, advance, and evolve in their day-to-day life. “I am inspired by seeing growth and insight in my clients. Having the opportunity to plant seeds for a client to process and provide strategies/techniques they can implement, and to see them evolve into a better person, is what inspires me daily. That is truly my inspiration,” she says.
One can imagine that running a business can be quite challenging. Managing the day-today operations, staff, addressing the needs of customers, and so on. For Monretta, she shares some of the biggest challenges she has faced is the fluctuation in the economy, along with the stigma associated with Mental Health in different communities. Fortunately, Mental Health has become less taboo and more acceptable in the communities she serves, which has assisted in advancing her business. She has managed her challenges by remaining consistent and staying the course. “My vision is to support others in their growth, and that has been a consistent factor throughout,” she says.
While there have been challenges, Monretta continues to enjoy her journey. She also has some advice for others who may have a similar interest in addressing Mental Health. She says, “Stay passionate about what you’re doing and find your internal and external motivation. Know your “why”. Knowing your “why” and your purpose as you continue through entrepreneurship and creating a business will help keep you grounded in different environments and in different situations. This insight is essential because you will know what motivates you each day to wake up and continue to endure the different facets of having a business.”
The future looks pretty bright for Monretta and Huntsville Psychotherapy and Counseling Services. Monretta says she has a lot of different plans moving forward that are geared toward addressing the different aspects associated with mental health. She says her ultimate goal is to assist others and remove the stigma associated with Mental Health in the African-American and Hispanic communities.
Mothershed Compassionately Connected for Veterans Inc.
By Terry L Watson
Michelle Mothershed of Little Rock, AR, describes herself as a compassionate leader, devoted mother, and proud grandmother whose life reflects service, faith, and community impact. Rooted in strong family values, Michelle balances her roles of being a dedicated family woman and a purpose-driven professional. Michelle is a graduate of Little Rock Central High School, the same school where her aunt, the late Dr. Thelma Mothershed Wair, was one of the Little Rock Nine of 1957. Michelle says her aunt inspired her to always strive for justice and equity within her community. Michelle’s academic achievements include Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, earned at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. For the past 28 years, Michelle’s focus has been to empower others through education, mentorship, and outreach.
Presently, Michelle leads the way at Compassionately Connected for Veterans Inc., fondly called CC4V Inc. CC4V Inc., a nonprofit organization, is committed to empowering veterans, low-income communities, and their families through a multi-faceted approach. Their core services include: The Compassion Pantry: operating a pantry providing healthy food options, hygiene and household items, especially servicing veterans, low-income individuals and families. They also provide Wellness and Mental Health Support, which offers mental health awareness events and programs like suicide prevention, and mindfulness and community support groups. Their Compassion Hub -Community Resource Center allows them to network with local partners and serve as a community access point for resources, empowerment, and outreach. Finally, their Youth and Family programs offer running youth-focused programs for teens (8th-12th grade) that emphasize self-love, community service, and peer mediation.
Compassionately Connected for Veterans Inc. (CC4V Inc.) was founded on March 29, 2021, by Michelle and a serviceconnected veteran with a deep passion for serving those who have served their country. What began as a heartfelt vision to bridge gaps in care and support for veterans quickly grew into a thriving community-driven nonprofit. “CC4V Inc. was born into a concept of serving unsheltered veterans from my car. My friends, my children, and I would go to places where unsheltered veterans mainly found refuge. We would use 2-gallon Ziploc bags and fill them with items such as Vienna Sausages, Tuna, Sardines, breakfast bars, crackers, water bottles, body wipes, and hygiene items. The packages also included a word of encouragement. We continued bringing goods to central locations and noticed a need for consistent food security. In 2022, we moved into a 400 sq ft space, and our work continued. In February 2025, through faith, dedication, and strong community partnerships, we expanded our mission and impact and began operating from a 1,100 sq ft facility and offered wellness programs, empowerment initiatives, and holistic support designed to build a better tomorrow for the communities we serve.”
Michelle says what she loves most about what she does is seeing lives change through compassion, connection, and community. “Every week, I get to witness hope restored, whether it’s a veteran finding stability, a family receiving the help they need, or someone discovering their own strength and purpose. Being part of that transformation and knowing that love, faith, and service can make a real difference is what fuels my passion and keeps me moving forward,” Michelle says.
Photos Provided by Michelle Mothershed
Michelle’s inspiration for CC4V Inc. is tied to the resilience and strength of the veterans, families, and communities the organization serves. “Their courage in the face of challenges reminds me every day of the power of hope, determination, and perseverance. I am also deeply guided by my faith, which gives me purpose and direction, and by the love and support of my family, whose encouragement fuels my commitment to making a meaningful impact. Together, these sources of inspiration keep me motivated to serve, uplift, and empower others,” Michelle says.
While running CC4V Inc. has been incredibly rewarding, Michelle admits it has not come without challenges. One of the biggest obstacles has been addressing food insecurity in a community with limited resources, ensuring that every veteran and family who walks through their doors receives nutritious options. “Due to the government shutdown, we have almost doubled the number of community members that we normally serve,” Michelle says. “However, the funding to keep us afloat is also being affected by the same shutdown and by the lack of grant funds available. Securing sustainable funding and ongoing support has also been a constant focus, as well as managing the logistics of a growing operation while maintaining a personal, compassionate approach,” she says. Something else she has faced has been raising awareness about the needs of those they serve and connecting with the broader community to form strong partnerships. Yet, she has remained persistent, creative, and faithful.
Despite these challenges, each hurdle has strengthened the mission of CC4V Inc. and reinforced why their work is so vital. They have managed those challenges by combining strategic planning, community collaboration, and unwavering faith. To address food insecurity, they have built continuous partnerships with Arkansas Food Bank and Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. They have also established community connections with local pantries, churches, businesses, and volunteers, and created a network of support to ensure consistent resources for those in need. Funding and sustainability have been met with a focus on grants, corporate sponsorships, and community fundraising initiatives, while continuously exploring new revenue streams.
The journey has been worthwhile for Michelle and her team. Michelle says if she could change anything about the way things have happened, it would be to have access to more resources and support earlier on. This includes both financial and community-based, which she says would have helped to accelerate the impact of CC4V Inc. and reach more veterans and families sooner. “While every challenge has been a learning opportunity, having stronger networks and guidance from the beginning could have made some milestones easier to achieve. Even so, the obstacles I’ve faced have shaped me, strengthened my resolve, and made the successes even more meaningful,” she says.
What is next for Michelle and CC4V Inc.? Michelle states she is prayerful that their future holds exciting growth and expanded impact for both herself and CC4V Inc. “We urgently need monetary donations, in-kind support, and a seed donor to sustain and grow our programs, continue serving veterans and families, and ensure that no one in our community goes without the support they need, especially being in a food desert,” she says.
By the end of 2026, their aim is to begin delivery services for up to 75 veterans and seniors who are unable to get to our Compassion Pantry due to a chronic illness or mobility issue; this initiative is called Compassionate Delivery Services. Additionally, they will strive to strengthen community partnerships, secure sustainable funding up to $250,000 to expand our reach so that more veterans, families, and underserved individuals can benefit from our services. Personally, Michelle is committed to continuing her journey of learning, leadership, and service, ensuring that CC4V Inc. remains a trusted, compassionate resource and a catalyst for positive change in their community.
“Every week, I get to witness hope restored, whether it’s a veteran finding stability, a family receiving the help they need, or someone discovering their own strength and purpose.” h
Siya Loryn Stevens
The daughter of Sydney Hildreth & David Stevens
Charlton Hildreth & Laurinda Hildreth (Grandparents)
David Deener & Teresa Stevens (Grandparents)
By Dr. Marrissa Dick
Photos Provided by Todd Youngblood
Photography
When parents consider child care, they are often faced with a range of emotions. Parents are often faced with extraordinary expenses or find themselves grappling with which child care facility to trust with their child, because choosing the perfect child care facility is an important decision. Parents need to feel comfortable with their choice and be confident that their child is in a safe and nurturing environment. When looking for a child care facility, parents should visit each facility in person to ensure the program is the right fit for their child. Visiting the facility allows you to see firsthand how the program operates, what your child will experience during a typical day, and how the teachers interact and work with children. Visiting also allows you to see what the classrooms and play spaces look like, ask questions, meet the providers in person, and get a sense of who they are. It can also be a good idea to seek some advice from family and friends who already utilize such accommodations.
One child care facility that comes highly recommended is LaVonda Paul’s Small Impressions Child Development Center, which she owns and operates, and she is also the Chief Executive Officer of Cultivating Minds, her nonprofit organization that provides afterschool care and summer camps. So, who is LaVonda Paul, and why do her programs come so highly recommended? She shares, “I’m a wife, mom, and entrepreneur. I’ve had my share of challenges in the child care industry. I’ve had the pleasure of owning Small Impressions Child Development Center for 19 years. At Small Impressions , we cater to children one years of age to thirteen years of age. I’m also the CEO and founder of Cultivating Minds, a nonprofit program that serves school-aged children through after-school and summer camp. I’ve known all my life that I wanted to work with children, so after graduating from high school, I went to Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC, and majored in Elementary Education. I passed half of the licensing exam, but the other half kept eluding me—I missed it by two points each time I took it. That’s when I decided to change my major to psychology. You know, God has a funny way of teaching us that delayed does not mean denied, because I’m still able to do what I want to do, and that is to work with children. So, my path was a little different, but I ended up with the same result.”
LaVonda’s personal experiences and challenges in the industry have shaped her philosophy and approach to child care, making her a trusted figure in the field. We should all recognize that ‘delayed doesn’t mean denied’ and trust the process.
Remember when I shared earlier that parents should be intentional about placing their child in a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment? Well, Small Impressions fits that criteria because LaVonda is the second Black owned child care center to earn an “A” ABC Quality Rating in Greenville County. An ABC Quality is a “voluntary rating and improvement program that helps South Carolina parents identify high-quality child care and daycare providers.”
Small Impressions earned their rating as a result of how they cater to toddlers, provide preschool preparation and offer an afterschool enhanced program. Unlike their competitors, Small Impressions serves not only as a child care provider, but as a social service connector for the parents and families of the children enrolled. This facility serves the entire family, fostering a sense of community and support. They utilize relationships in the social services arena to ensure there are no obstacles in the lives of children and their parents that prevent them from maximizing their academic potential and living situations. The other program she has is Cultivating Minds , her nonprofit that serves school age children from kindergarten through eighth grade..
Habakkuk 2:2 says, “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that He may run that readeth it.” The vision of owning her own child care facility was planted in her heart as a child, so she ran with it, already knowing it was achievable because she had a blueprint to follow. According to LaVonda, “I have always been submerged in education. My uncle was the first black Superintendent here in Greenville County. I have other uncles and aunts who were principals at area schools and other relatives who did other jobs in the district. My greatgrandmother, grandmother, and mother owned and operated residential home care for older people, so I’m a fourth-generation business owner. Because I’m a legacy, I already had a blueprint to follow. It wasn’t easy, though. I have over 30 years of experience working with children in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina. Before I opened any of my businesses, I worked as an Afterschool Coordinator and Teen Companion Case Manager. I saw how effective I was at helping students, so I began to think that I could do this for myself. So, one day, I spoke with my supervisor about opening a center in Greenville, but he didn’t think my dream would take root there. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to him; instead, I held onto my dream, especially after seeing how effective I was working with the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. I was instrumental in getting children back on the right track, and I saw how much that organization benefited from my ideas. I was like, you know what, if I could do this for somebody else, I can do this for myself. I was also instrumental in getting many first-generation black students into college, and the city of Greer presented me with a proclamation recognizing me as having the highest number of black children from the area ever to attend college, and I was truly honored. So again, if I can do that for someone else, why not put in the effort, time, and energy to build something for myself? My God said all He needed from us was the faith of a mustard seed, and you can do anything. Most people don’t know the trials and tribulations that I have experienced. From going through a divorce to being a single mom, to almost losing everything, to getting remarried, and now look at me. I went from almost losing the building I was leasing for my child care center to now owning it, and that’s a testament in itself. Don’t let what man tells you be the final say. God has the final say, and you can believe in that. If I had listened to those who didn’t believe in me or do right by me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Keeping hope alive is essential when reaching for your dreams. This is the mindset that LaVonda’s child care programs bring to the children she serves. Her facilities bring the core components of caring for children. First, she meets their Physical needs by providing proper nutrition and shelter and ensuring physical safety and health. Second, she meets their Emotional and social needs by offering love, affection, and a stable environment. Third, her facilities meet the child’s Cognitive and developmental needs by stimulating the child’s mind through interaction, play, and education. Fourth, she fosters independence by creating opportunities for children to develop autonomy through choices and routines, while simultaneously offering support and guidance. Fifth, she provides Guidance and discipline by teaching children to set appropriate boundaries and to distinguish right from wrong in a way that helps them learn and grow. Finally, her facilities offer Safety measures to protect children from harm, as she abides by safety guidelines. Not only does she look out for the children’s well-being, but she also inspires their parents. LaVonda shares, “I don’t just look out for the children, but I provide guidance for the parents too. Sometimes parents don’t know what they don’t know, so I’m that beacon of hope, especially when it comes to education. I instill in them the importance of being lifelong learners throughout their child’s educational journey. If it’s parenting workshops they need, I offer them. I give out free clothing that is donated to us. If they need food, I give my parents food boxes. I try to be that social service connector for so many of my parents because if they don’t know where to get the resources they need, I try to help them find them. And most importantly, I help them be the best versions of themselves, and that has really been a game-changer for me because I’m here for the whole family. Sometimes it feels like I have the entire world on my shoulders, but I think if God brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it, and I’m thankful for that mindset because I can’t afford to give up, knowing that a lot of people are depending on me.” LaVonda describes herself as a difference maker and proudly boasts that she has more triumphs and successes than failures and disappointments. “Loving what I do is what helps set my child care centers apart from the rest. Others often ask me what makes my centers successful or what makes me so different. I can honestly tell them it’s what I offer, like the parental support, our women’s empowerment group, our clothes program, and the parenting workshops we also provide. The whole family should have buy-in to their child’s educational future, and we offer that type of support here,” she says.
LaVonda has adopted the same mindset when it comes to Cultivating Minds. She shares, “These children are submerged in positivity. Something transformative happens when you take children from an “I think I can” to “I know I can” mentality. Some of the children’s grades may not have been the best when they first entered this program, but I can say with confidence that many of my children’s attitudes toward school have changed. When they come to us every day, they have to pull out their folders so we can see their homework assignments and see the tests that may be coming, so we can prepare the children for them. We look at the progress report, and if the parent needs it, we go with them to parent-teacher conferences so the parent can understand what’s happening with their child. So, the child can see that the staff here at Cultivated Minds and Small Impressions really care about them. I’m not saying we’ve changed everybody, but I can say with confidence that at least 85% of the children we serve have improved their grades to C’s or better, and now they have dreams of attending college.”
For decades, LaVonda and her teams have taught children how they could be entrepreneurs if they want to be. She describes an experience when they had a student who had started his own little podcast called Talking Tyler. Experiences like that, she says, are why LaVonda makes it her business to have a seat at the table and be a voice and advocate for her clients. “I need to understand policy and procedures so I can go out and talk to lawmakers about the decisions they’re making regarding child care and just be able to express what I see and encounter on a day-to-day basis. If nothing else, our ABC Quality rating gives people who look like me hope that if LaVonda Paul can do it, they can too. I’m not saying it’s easy— nothing in life really is —but you can’t afford to give up on your dreams.”
Booker T. Washington, educator and founder of Tuskegee Institute, once stated, “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome. LaVonda Paul has overcome more than a few obstacles in her life, and she has committed herself to using those obstacles as stepping stones to enhance the many lives she serves daily. She is also grateful for her staff at Small Impressions Development Center and Cultivating Minds. She applauds their commitment to the children that they serve daily. She is also thankful for her supportive husband, Curtis Paul; her daughter, Michaela; her son, Trey; her daughter, Lachenia; her two grandchildren, Christian and Angel Kay; and Ace, their grand pup Ace. h
