Chassity Nichole Crittenden is a Southern University graduate. Chassity is a 31-year-old fitness & sports enthusiast, current stress & anxiety fitness trainer, mentor, Life Coach & former NBA Houston Rockets Cheerleader. Chassity has approximately 15+ years of cheerleading experience. Having started cheer in her preteen years, she truly grew to love the sport. Chassity started her cheer journey as a "park league" cheerleader in Warner Robins, GA with the Robins Air Force Base Falcons, continued into Middle School as the captain both years for the Warner Robins Middle School Warriors. Chassity moved to Baker, Louisiana the summer before High School and started cheering at Baker High her sophomore year. Chassity went on to become a collegiate cheerleader at Southern University where she cheered 4 years and then went on to audition for the Professional NBA Houston Rockets cheerleaders, where she cheered for 5 years. Chassity has been featured in a published book called "Cheer" by Kate Torgovnick, was selected as a 2012 NBA All-Star cheerleader, as well as the 2016 Olympic Cheerleader. Chassity was named Cheer Coach of the year for the 2012 & 2013 Fort Bend Football League. Chassity now host cheer camps, clinics, and events for young ladies global to promote positive goal setting, work ethic, confidence & positive self-image! Nancy Lynch serves as a Theatre Director in Fort Bend ISD, and has instructed both Theatre and Dance for over 7 years. She has had the great responsibility of building three Performing Arts programs in Louisiana. She previously worked with the Women and Theatre Program as the nationwide Jane Chambers Playwriting Contest coordinator for graduate students. Ms. Lynch has been nominated for various acting awards including the Kennedy Center's Irene Ryan Award, danced as a Southern University Dancing Doll, and has taught multiple genres of dance ranging from contemporary ballet, stylized jazz, modern, and liturgical. Upon obtaining her Master's Degree in Dramaturgy (Theatre History) with a Cognate in Directing from Texas State University she began her Theatre and Dance teaching career Listen on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play. Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed):My Lotus Moments Connect on with us: Follow us on IG: HopeInHer Let's keep the conversation going by joining the Facebook group discussion! Join here Announcements:

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SHARE YOUR STORY AS A GUEST WRITER Have something to say and now want to share your story with us by becoming a guest writer on the blog? We'd be honored to share your story with readers from around the world! Click HERE to learn more! SHARE YOUR TRUTH ON THE MY LOTUS MOMENTS PODCAST We're always searching for the right guest to join the MLM podcast to share her story of tragedy and triumph surrounding trauma. When we speak our truth, we inspire others to do the same. Click HERE to learn more! Thank you for your support! SHARE THIS:

Download Episode Chassity Nichole Crittenden is a Southern University graduate who majored in Therapeutic Recreation & minored in Psychology. Chassity grew up a military kid, yet Baton Rouge Louisiana is the place she calls home. She is a 31-year-old anxiety & stress fitness trainer, Certified Recreational Therapist & Life Coach as well as a true advocate for mental health; especially in minority communities. Chassity has worked in behavioral health for 9 years as a Recreational Therapist and Crisis Prevention Instructor. Encouraging healthy leisure & recreational activities as a means of therapy as well as educating communities, families, medical institutions and police departments on the importance of de-escalation and crisis prevention tactics when dealing with mentally ill populations. Chassity has found healing and peace by living transparently and shares that very energy and concept with many around the world! She recently founded an outreach organization called B.R.E.A.T.H.3 which stands for "Begin Rebuilding Even After The Hurt" to provide resources to families, friends, and individuals dealing with the impact of mental health issues. Chassity has a true passion and purpose for people and she hopes her story and journey not only touches others but impacts, educates, and enlightens others of the seriousness of mental health in not only minority communities but all communities, households, and individuals around the globe! Her motto: "Inhale, Exhale, Heal" Listen on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play. Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed):My Lotus Moments Connect on with us: Click HERE to follow Chassity on IG To connect with Chassity on Facebook click HERE Follow us on IG: HopeInHer Let's keep the conversation going by joining the Facebook group discussion! Join here Announcements:

Like the shirts, Chassity and her brother are rocking?

The shirts sold out last month but they are BACK IN STOCK but only for a limited time! GRAB YOURS BEFORE ITS TOO LATE! We will not be restocking! /**/ SHARE YOUR TRUTH ON THE MY LOTUS MOMENTS PODCAST We're always searching for the right guest to join the MLM podcast to share her story of tragedy and triumph surrounding trauma. When we speak our truth, we inspire others to do the same. Click HERE to contact us for more information! SHARE YOUR STORY AS A GUEST WRITER Have something to say and now want to share your story with us by becoming a guest writer on the blog? We'd be honored to share your story with readers from around the world! Click HERE to us for more information! Thank you for your support!

Today's guest is Courtney Jacobs

Courtney Jacobs has had 27 years of performance experience studying all over the United States. Receiving instruction from the likes of Debbie Allen, Renee Chatelain, Avery Wilson, Maud Arnold, Jonas Vanderbilt, and many more, she is fluent in nearly 10 different forms of dance.

As a former Southern University Dancing Doll and Gold 'N' Bluez member, background dancer and opening performer to chart topping artists such as Cupid, Keisha Cole, Young Jeezy, ‪Trey Songz‬, B5, Plies, Souljah Boy, and many more, she is no stranger to performing and loves to teach and execute her craft.

She is the recipient of the 2013 Best Female Featured Dancer New V Award for her work in "The Wiz" as the Emerald City Fashionista and later choreographed New Venture Theatre's "Women of Brewster Place" and "Shout".

She coached the XLR8 Jasper dance team to a Red Line national championship in 2015. She is currently coaching the Fleur De Lis dance team at West Feliciana High School in St. Francisville, La and teaching Technique and Jazz at Winter Dance Company in Baton Rouge, La. She is the owner and operator of Courtney Arnel. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play. Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): My Lotus Moments Mentioned in this episode Winter Dance Co. Connect on with us: Courtney on IG: cjthedansa Website: www.courtneyarnel.com Our IG: HopeInHer Announcements: Coming next week… Next week's podcast is all about the men! Join me as I chat with Tobias Robertson about millennial men and depression Thank you for your support!

Today's guest is T-Kea Blackman.

T-Kea Blackman is a mental health advocate, speaker and writer who lives by the Toni Payne quote, "I rather be living my truth happily than living a lie miserably." She is the creator and host of the Fireflies Unite Podcast, a weekly podcast dedicated to bringing light into darkness (just like the fireflies) by sharing the stories of individuals thriving with mental illness within communities of color despite the disadvantages and racism that negatively impact their mental health.

T-Kea's articles have been published on The Mighty, Urban Faith, Blavity, and 21 Ninety. Making a digital footprint, her articles have garnered over 50,000 views and encouraged individuals to seek treatment.

Described as an inspiration, her heartfelt and powerful story is a testament that you can thrive despite having a mental illness. T-Kea was diagnosed with major depression and generalized anxiety disorders and is a suicide survivor. She previously worked in the television industry as a publicist and production/talent coordinator. Within her career, she provided support to TV One's signature award-winning shows Unsung and Unsung Hollywood, BET's Black Girls Rock!, The Soul Train Awards and BET X Youth Experience. Her diagnosis led her to use her communications and media skills to raise awareness for mental illness within communities of color.

T-Kea is a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness, and currently serves as a In Our Own Voice speaker. She is also a member of ColorComm, a professional community for women of color in the communications industry and a brand ambassador for the Blessed & Bossed Up Podcast.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play. Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): My Lotus Moments Mentioned in this episode This is My Brave Connect on with us: T-Kea on IG: Firefliespod T-Kea on Facebook at Fireflies Unite: Healthy Minds Website: www.firefliesunite.com Our IG: HopeInHer Announcements: Coming next month... June's podcast is all about the rekindling of relationships between adult daughters and their dad's. We will also discuss trauma related to absent fathers during next month's online Circle of Hope discussion. Be sure you join the FB group, H.E.R. by Hope to be apart of that live discussion and to continue the discussions r/t all the podcasts! New Merchandise This Month! Limited Edition Tees for Mental Health Awareness Month! Click HERE to purchase the Black Mental Health Matters Tee This tee is for those who are managing their mental health and those who are advocating, providing services, and using their platforms even when it's unpopular, to combat the stigma of mental health and spread awareness. Click HERE to purchase the Mental Health Warrior Tee. Still Available... For the curly girls… Protect those edges, honey! Click HERE to purchase Pray.Trust.Work Tee's! Click HERE to purchase! Only a few remain! Thank you for your support!

Today's guests are Daronda Parker-Lathan, LCSW. Daronda Parker-Lathan is the owner and Clinical Director of Generations Individual and Family Treatment Services, LLC (GIFTS, LLC). She is also employed with the Office of Juvenile Justice as an LCSW. She has over twenty years of clinical experience working with emotionally and mentally high risk boys and girls, and their families throughout the state of Louisiana. Daronda earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in pre-Professional Social Work in 1989 at Louisiana Tech University and her Master of Social Work degree from Louisiana State University in 1991. Throughout her career, she has been active in writing grants, monitoring contracts, assessing youth and developing clinical programs. Her agency's motto is "Building healthy families…bridging kinship gaps". And Shontell Buffington, LCSW Shontell is a native of Baton Rouge, LA. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Social Work from Southeastern Louisiana. She later attended LSU where she received a Master's in Social Work. Shontell is the oldest of nine and is a mother to two daughters. She was drawn to social work after overcoming many obstacles that life presented such as sexual abuse, physical abuse, and emotional abuse. Shontell was affected by substance abuse, overcame teen pregnancy, domestic violence and living in poverty. Shontell is dedicated to working with children and their families by empowering them to rise above their circumstances as well. Shontell is currently employed with Southeast Community Health Systems were she serves the rural community of St. Helena Parish as a school based social worker. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play. Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): My Lotus Moments Mentioned in this episode Therapy for Black Girls Podcast- Surviving Mama Psychology Today- Find a Therapist Connect on with me: website: www.hopecoleman.com Hope's IG: Justmorehope Announcements: Coming later this month... We discuss overcoming depression and suicide with T-Kea Blackman of Fireflies Unite, LLC New Merchandise This Month! Limited Edition Tees for Mental Health Awareness Month! Click HERE to purchase For the curly girls… Protect those edges, honey! Click HERE to purchase Still Available... Pray.Trust.Work Tee's! Click HERE to purchase! Only a few remain! Thank you for your support!

Download Episode In this episode, we bring to the forefront women such as Tamar, Deborah, Yael, & Abigail. These women and more fought back in revolutionary ways. Meet the guests Kina Reed is an educator and self-proclaimed social justice warrior. She currently works as an Instructor in Communication Studies. She lives her life in service to those in her community with a deep desire to see social reconciliation for all. Walks with her dog, vacations with family, and road trips with friends are her definition of "awesome sauce." Kina is the facilitator of R.I.B. If you are interested in joining the group. Email her at [email protected] Noelle Allison is a mother, children's minister, musician, and sewist living in Baton Rouge. Tanya is the unofficial mayor of BR! She is a charming sweet Southern Socialite. She is a product of Louisiana, she breathes, eats, and drinks it and will definitely recommend it. She enjoys serving others in any capacity she can. Her community matters! Aisha is a Scientist who dedicates her free time with the youth of Baton Rouge. Carmen didn't want to submit a bio. Lol. Learn more about her in the podcast! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play. Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): My Lotus Moments Mentioned in this episode The BIBLE! If you don't have one, get it here! R.I.B. Small Group meets every Wednesday at 6:30pm at Brew Ha Ha! Connect on with me: Hope's IG: Justmorehope Announcements: The launch of G.R.A.C.E., the girls' mentor program is happening SOON! If you haven't signed your child up for the March 31st event, do so BEFORE it's too late! Space is limited! Click here If you'd like to be apart of the program either by being a mentor or guest facilitator, please let us know emailing us at [email protected]! We need your help! You can still support the launch of GRACE by purchasing this t-shirt! They are BACK IN STOCK for the last time. They have been restocked! 100% of the proceeds will go towards the program! click this link! Use code: FREESHIP for free shipping! New Merchandise This Month! Limited Edition Tee for Women's History (We prefer Women's Appreciation and Recognition) Month! Click HERE to purchase For the curly girls… Protect those edges, honey! Click HERE to purchase Thank you for your support!

Download Episode Today's guest is Lisa Savage, LCSW. Lisa Savage, LCSW is a licensed therapist in the state of Delaware. She has been in private practice since 1998. She owns one of the largest practices serving children and families in the state. She has developed a model of practice in schools that has been very successful in increasing access to quality mental health services. Recently, she has expanded her services to consult with other mental health professionals who are looking for ways to expand their practices and increase revenue. Lisa is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. Her focus of study was on health and mental health. Most of her career has been focused on the provision of quality health care to underserved and poor communities. She began her career in Philadelphia working in the community to provide direct service and education to people affected by HIV. Lisa is a strong proponent of 'taking services' to people in their communities. To that end, she began working in schools and other community settings. She has expanded her services to schools and opened the Center for the Child Development, which focuses solely on the provision of mental health services to children and families in the school setting. She owns and manages The Center for Adult Wellness and Counseling where the focus is on helping adults in areas such as anger control, stress management, emotional eating and marriage counseling. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play. Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): My Lotus Moments

Mentioned in this episode

When Food Is Love: Exploring the Relationship Between Eating and Intimacy- Geneen Roth Breaking Free from Emotional Eating- Geneen Roth

End Emotional Eating: Using Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills to Cope with Difficult Emotions and Develop a Healthy Relationship to Food- Jennifer Taitz, PsyD.

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma- Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. Connect on with us: Lisa Savage Delaware Center for Counseling and Wellness Email Lisa at [email protected] Lisa on Facebook at CCDNewark Hope's IG: Justmorehope Announcements: Today is the last day to sign up for the 14 Day Stop Eating Your Heart Out Emotional Eating Journal Challenge. Click here to learn more and sign up!We have partnered up with NEDA to promote and encourage awareness about eating disorders in the black and brown community! We are excited to work with them and have them offer you all so many awesome resources especially during the journal challenge! Are you a naturalista or have a daughter with natural hair and you sometimes don't know how to manage it? Then maybe, we can help! Join us on Facebook in the 21 Days of Curls Hair Challenge Group. The next challenge is about Curls and Girls featuring Erin Myers from Favored Freauxs. March's challenge begin on March 11 and the deadline to join is coming fast. Take a look at the goodies the winner would receive this month! Click here to join. We still have a few spots available for the launch of G.R.A.C.E. on March 31st! If you know a girl ages 9-17 who could benefit from this mentor program, then click here to sign up to attend the event! If you'd like to be apart of the program either by being a mentor or guest facilitator, please let us know emailing us at [email protected]! We need your help! You can still support the launch of GRACE by purchasing this t-shirt! They have been restocked! 100% of the proceeds will go towards the program! click this link!

New Merchandise This Month!

Limited Edition Tee for Women's History (We prefer Women's Appreciation and Recognition) Month! Click HERE to purchase For the curly girls... Protect those edges, honey! Click HERE to purchase Thank you for your support!

Today's guest is Dr. Natalie Jones, LPCC, PsyD. Dr. Jones is a California based LPCC and PSYD with a private practice, Lifetime Counseling and Consulting. She is an expert at what she does with experience and training as a therapist with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Department of Probation and Pretrial, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, where she conducted her own research. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in criminal justice from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She later attended East Carolina University, where she complete double majors in biology and chemistry. After that, she went on to obtained her masters in Clinical Counseling Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She then completed her doctorate of Psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant University in San Francisco, California. Dr. Jones' areas of expertise included Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), forensic mental health, and relationship issues, particularly those with narcissists. Dr. Jones is also the host of A Date with Darkness podcast. A podcast dedicated to those who have been hurt by love and abuse through their relationships with narcissistic people. Today, Dr. Jones will help us better understand narcissistic people, what commonalities we all have, and what to look for in relationships. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Google Play.

Mentioned in this episode:

A Date With Darkness Podcast

Click here to subscribe via RSS feed (non-iTunes feed): My Lotus Moments Announcements: We are launching our Girls Youth Program, GRACE (Girls Rising Above Circumstances & Exceling). It will consist of support groups, mentorship, and community engagement activities. If you know a girl who should be apart of the program, stay tuned for the chance to sign them up. We are only taking 20 girls. Also, if you'd like to be apart of the program either by being a mentor or guest facilitator, please let us know emailing us at [email protected]! We need your help! Support GRACE by purchasing a t-shirt! 100% of the proceeds will go towards the program! click this link!

Thank you for your support!

Connect on Instagram: Dr. Jones dr.nataliejones Hope Justmorehope

Download Episode These are the lessons I've learned over the past 2 years and according to the Thought Catalog, I am right on track. Check out the article and let me know if your zodiac is as accurate as mine. Also, I share with you 3 things I'm changing in the new year!

Download Episode For some, the holidays bring about the joyous opportunity to spend w loved ones but, for so many of us, the holidays can bring moments of sadness, grief, and isolation. This podcast is about how we manage the holidays when there are broken family ties. "Sexual traumatic events are so common in women's lives, that they can hardly be described as outside the range of ordinary experiences. Only the fortunate find it unusual" - Judith Lewis Herman, M.D. Key Take aways:

• It is morally impossible for a bystander to remain neutral in sexual trauma
• In order to reconcile relationships between survivors and bystanders, bystanders have to respect the boundaries set forth by survivors of sexual trauma
• It's ok to protect your peace and mental health. For those violated by a family member, you are not obligated to share your space with that person or any other people who make you feel uncomfortable or who deny your truth just because they are family

Timeline of the show:

• :56 Introduction of Erin and Favored Freauxs, LLC
• 2:00 Erin explains her motivation to write about her story for the first time
• 6:50 Hope shares her story
• 11:00 When parents choose perpetrators over their children
• 17:20 Bystanders, Perpetrators, and Victims
• 21:00 Generational patterns of sexual abuse
• 22:30 Disclosing to other family members/ sacrificing healthy family relationships
• 26:05 Neutral family members
• 31:09 You have the right to protect yourself from further distress
• 35:05 Reconciliation

Connect with Erin

website: www.favoredfreauxs.com email: [email protected] Instagram:www.instagram.com/favoredfreauxs Resources mentioned this episode:

Trauma and Recovery Judith Lewis Herman

Music: Someday at Christmas, Stevie Wonder & Andra Day Have questions, stories, or want to make a comment? Email us at [email protected]