Kristin Secor was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy which affects her mobility, strength, balance, endurance, and breathing (she uses a ventilator full-time). She has worked as a licensed mental health counselor for 11 years and is now the owner and author of a wheelchair-accessible travel blog. Despite her physical challenges, she lives life to the fullest and actively pursues her love of travel which she shares on her blog. Her mission is to inspire people to travel and provide accessible travel information and resources to make wheelchair travel easier.

Kristen has traveled to 4 continents and 20 different countries. By the end of 2026, her goal is to visit all 7 continents.

In this episode, Kristen shares:

• How to research, plan, and organize your accessible trip in advance

Resources Mentioned:

• Untarnished Book: Free Chapter

Connect with Kristen Secor:

• IG: @worldonwheelsblog

Connect with Me: 

• Instagram @iamdonnasherrie

Maureen is the President of LIFESWITCH, INC. where she helps women over 40 lose weight and age gracefully to experience more energy and purpose without dieting, calorie counting, or excessive exercise. She is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach with a MA in Psychology. 

Throughout Maureen’s life, she encountered unexpected hardships from seeing her brother become paralyzed, having a mother living with Alzheimer's, dealing with a loss of an infant child, and being hit by a bus in a car accident.

After Maureen’s bad car accident, she was told she would not run, bike, or swim again. However, her passion for health and wellness helped her to heal. Within five years of the accident, she ran the Boston Marathon, competed in a half ironman, and summited Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, East Africa. 

And by the way, Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano with three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. It's the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world.

How cool is that?! A living example of grit, tenacity, laser focus, and resiliency!

In this episode, Maureen addresses: 

• How to deal with mental blocks that interfere with living a healthier lifestyle

Resources Mentioned:

• Untarnished Book: Free Chapter

Connect with Maureen Kemeny:

• Facebook

Connect with Me: 

• Instagram @iamdonnasherrie

Has there ever been in a time in your life when you questioned why you were suffering? Suffering physically, emotionally, and/or spiritually. We don’t tend to know why God allows some experiences or ailments to happen to us but we can still hold fast to His promises during those difficult times. 

This week I interviewed Karis Meier, the Author of Suffering Redeemed: Finding strength to endure, purpose in pain, and hope for tomorrow.

It’s been seventeen years since Karis can remember feeling well in her body. She has learned to live feeling sick and in pain, but it certainly doesn’t get easier with time. In 2006 she contracted a few species of rare intestinal parasites while traveling overseas. But, the diagnosis went undetected for several months. Karis started feeling sick amid the process of getting married and moving to Alaska, where her husband was stationed in the army. A few months later he was deployed to Iraq. The doctors kept telling Karis it was nerves but she knew it was more. After losing 25 pounds, and persistent to get more tests done, the parasites were found and then treated.

In the weeks that followed, she waited expectantly to start feeling better. But was left disappointed. Every time Karis ate, she felt sick. She was depleted of energy and couldn’t gain the weight back. Stomach pains woke her up in the night and stole her sleep. She felt despair starting to find its way into the core of her being.

Time elapsed and by God’s grace, he brought blessings in the midst of her trial. After being told she would never be able to have children, Karis became pregnant with a son. As the army moved her family from place to place, she met many wonderful people who encouraged them on the way. Although life was not what she would have wanted, God faithfully walked with her family each step of the way.

Only by her hope in Christ and eternity to come was she able to keep on going every day. She burned to use the illness as an opportunity to share her testimony of hope in God. At the same time, she felt burdened by the fact that she may remain ill and weak for the rest of her life and all she could think about was wanting it to be over. Those were the thoughts that would constantly bring her back to her knees, longing to get the Father’s perspective again.

Karis didn’t think things could get worse, but they did. Her heart and flesh were failing her and despair loomed around every corner. The list of bodily ailments continued to grow: intestinal disease, malabsorption, pancreas atrophy, heart arrhythmia, Lyme disease, and peripheral neuropathy. It seemed like her body wanted to give up and so was she. The battle against depression and despair was always waging.

Karis and her husband now have four children and reside in Northern Virginia. She holds a BA in Christian Education and a MA in Counseling. She is a Wife, Mother, Author, Counselor, and Speaker. Karis has struggled with chronic illness for many years and is passionate about sharing how God leads her through this journey. Her heart is to walk alongside others in their suffering and seek God’s comfort and hope in the process. When Karis is not writing, you can find her enjoying the sun, taking walks, playing with her kids, watching soccer, and reading.

In this episode, Karis shares:

• How to find joy in the midst of suffering

Resources Mentioned:

• Untarnished Book: Free Chapter

Key Verses: 

• Psalm 42:11

Connect with Author Karis Meier:

• Facebook

Connect with Me: 

• Instagram:s @iamdonnasherrie

Dr. Michelle McCormick is a lover of Jesus. At a young age, she struggled with depression and suicide due to trauma from molestation and domestic violence. She became a teen mom having her first child at 14 years old. After 26 years of struggling with low self-esteem, anger, hurt, pain, being a victim, and identity crisis - meeting Jesus was the best thing that happened to her. Through learning to love God who in turn taught her to love herself while going through deliverance and healing she went from a victim to a victor mindset. Dr. McCormick has achieved many great things in her life and the first being the proud mother of her 5 children.

In addition, Dr. McCormick has a doctrinal degree in Christian Theology and is currently in school for a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Health with a major in Trauma Counseling. She is a Christian Life Coach and the Founder and Owner of Victim to Victory, LLC She also certifies Christian Life Coaches in her S.H.I.F.T. Transformational Academy, and is a two-time Author on Amazon's best-seller list. She has also been called to the office of Apostle and has pastored for 9 years.

Above all that, she enjoys being the wife to her husband, Robert, whom she has been married to for 16 years, and a grandmother to their 21 grandchildren.

Her story is going from pain to purpose and promise; from broken to wholeness. She has a story of triumph that signifies God is able! She declares God is able no matter the situation, circumstance, pain, or trauma!

In this episode, Dr. McCormick shares:

• How she dealt with trauma during her childhood, attempted suicide, and depression

Resources Mentioned:

• Untarnished Book: Free Chapter

Key Verses: 

• Jeremiah 29:11

Connect with Dr. Michelle McCormick:

• Facebook: S.H.I.F.T. Transformational Community

Connect with Me: 

• Instagram @iamdonnasherrie

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease and Prevent Control), "More than 37 million Americans have diabetes (about 1 in 10), and approximately 90-95% of them have type 2 diabetes." Type 2 Diabetes is a lifestyle disease that can be reversible or put in remission if you make a change. 

In this week’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Shanae Artis, an Author, Healthy Lifestyle Influencer, and Speaker committed to influencing change in everyone she encounters. 

After 20 years of struggling with Type 2 Diabetes, being overweight, and overall disliking herself, Shanae decided to change. In 2019, Shanae embarked on a weight loss journey that led her to a clean keto lifestyle. Now, three years later, 40 pounds lighter and diabetes free, she is teaching encouraging and supporting others on their health, wellness, and weight loss journey.

In this episode, Shanae Artis shares:

• How she found a holistic doctor who introduced her to the keto lifestyle

Resources Mentioned:

• Untarnished Book: Free Chapter

References: 

CDC Information about Type 2 Diabetes

Connect with Shanae Artis:

• Facebook: The Keto Konnection 

Connect with Me: 

• Instagram @iamdonnasherrie

Renee' is a committed Wife, Mother, and Founder of Meditational Moment Inc. alongside her husband Terrence A. Odrick. MM is a virtual, mobile, marketplace ministry and school entrusted to them by God where they seek to educate, train, and inspire all humankind to incorporate meditation in their lives as a catalyst for God's alignment. The foundational scripture is Joshua 1:8 which tells us that the book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make their way prosperous and then thou shalt have good success.

This movement is designed to awaken the spirit of man by bringing full enlightenment and success through meditation. She is passionate about ensuring that all individuals build a growing relationship with God and see the promises of God alive and active in their life. As a sought-after speaker/facilitator Renee’ has been noted as a voice of influence and encouragement for those needing to push past complacency into a place of purpose and destiny that has been ordained by God.

As a graduate of both Liberty University and the University of Phoenix Renee’ holds an MBA in Business Administration and Leadership and certifications in Pastoral Counseling, Theology, and Biblical Studies. She has also obtained her certification as a Christian Life Coach through the Breakpoint Coaching Collective and is a Board Certified Life Coach.

Renee’ is a “Faithwalker,” overcomer, and survivor of sickness and disease, and looks to God to empower others through her story of survival and strength. Renee' is passionate about being a world changer by sharing what God has given her to help both non-believers and believers of every denomination and culture experience the MORE of God!

In this episode, Renee:

• Defines meditation from a  biblical perspective 

Resources Mentioned:

• Download a Free Chapter of My Book

Connect with Renee Odrick:

• Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/YouTube @meditationalmoment

Connect with Me: 

• Instagram @iamdonnasherrie

In this week’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. DeAnna C. Murphy who is a Professional Counselor, a Clinical Addictions Specialist, a National Board Certified Counselor, a Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, and an EMDR-certified Trauma Therapist. 

Dr. Murphy is described by her industry peers as bold, optimistic, and self-driven. A native of Red Springs, North Carolina, Murphy has dedicated nearly two decades of her life to researching and serving dually-diagnosed populations: mental health and substance abuse. Working alongside disadvantaged minorities, she gained insight into how to apply critical theories to current problems.

With her vast background through education and professional experience, Murphy has now transitioned into her own private counseling practice. Synergy Care and Counseling has been tailored to provide a safe place for women who have experienced trauma and are ready for healing. The practice provides counseling to individuals, families, and couples.

In spring, 2018 Dr. Murphy released her first children’s book, Rayne and the Yellow Dress, part of an Ebony Drive series. The series was created as a pathway for parents and educators to discuss topics of diversity such as colorism, hair texture, and body image with children in the black community.

In this episode, Dr. Murphy explains:

• How to cope with a mental health diagnosis

Resources Mentioned:

• 988 - Mental Health Resources 

Connect with Dr. DeAnna C. Murphy:

• www.synergycareandcounseling.com

Connect with Me: 

• Instagram @iamdonnasherrie

Today I’m talking and praying about being steadfast. Every year millions of people set resolutions and by the start of February, they’ve fallen off for a variety of reasons. Let’s become unconventional by setting goals before January 1st based on a calendar date or because everyone else is doing it. Set your goals when you’re ready and then be steadfast. 

In this episode I discuss:

• Reasons people fail their New Year’s resolutions

Be sure to listen to the entire episode as I close out with a prayer for this year. 

Resources Mentioned:

• Untarnished Book: Free Chapter

References: 

• Key Verses: Habakkuk 2:2, 1 Corinthians 15:58

Connect with Me: 

• Instagram @iamdonnasherrie

Today I’m talking about my personal journey of triumph and freedom. Life is such a precious gift, but sometimes we can take it for granted. There was a time in my life when I felt unworthy, trapped in a street lifestyle, and questioned my true meaning for living. It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom that I finally buffed up enough courage to become someone different, to be transformed. 

In this episode I discuss:

• Life before and after incarceration

Resources Mentioned:

• Untarnished Book: Free Chapter

Connect with Me: 

• Instagram @iamdonnasherrie

This week, I had the pleasure of sitting with Edwin Beeks aka Mr. Inspyre. He is a Servant Leader who loves to engage and interact with people through conversation and inspiration. Mr. Inspyre enjoys seeing others create, new opportunities for themselves and achieve higher goals. He aims to help people ignite the drive within, which empowers them to seek and acquire their dreams.

In this episode we discuss:

• How to develop self-trust and self-confidence

Connect with Mr. Inspyre:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrInspyre

Connect with Me: 

• Instagram: @iamdonnasherrie