Episode 82: Antonio Tolson - AJ and The Cool Kids

Episode 82: Antonio Tolson - AJ and The Cool Kids

When two great minds come together, the results will be even greater. This is the case for Antonio Tolson and Dr. Tonya Arnold. The pair has teamed up to raise awareness about autism and educate others about what the condition is all about, and how it affects families. Antonio is a native of Washington, DC. He moved to Charlotte, NC, in 2013, and would eventually marry the love of his life, Tonya. Together, they share one son, AJ, who was diagnosed with autism in 2019. "It all started with a lady from the AVA Clinic. She told us that our son has autism, good luck, and then walked out of our home," he says. Antonio shares that moment left him and his wife speechless, but he realized that he needed to do something about his son's diagnosis. In response to his son's diagnosis, they launched a nonprofit organization, AJ and The Cool Kids. Some of the services provided by their organization include Occupational and Speech Therapy to their clients. They also conduct an annual walk at the Caramont Health Center in Gastonia, NC, during the first week of April. They also conduct an annual gala during the first week of August. "We try to give other families as much support as possible and let them know that life isn't over just because their child has autism." Dr. Tonya Arnold is originally from Greensboro, NC. She attended North Carolina A&T State University and later transferred to Winston-Salem State University. There, she was commissioned into the US Army as a Second Lieutenant, serving for a total of 22 years. She retired in 2015 and moved to Charlotte, which allowed her to be closer to her mother's side of her family, and also experience what it's like to live in a big city. In Charlotte, she began working on her Masters in Public Administration. She says, "Since being in Charlotte, when compared to living in Greensboro, and being active in various community service-based organizations, including working with small businesses and being in the military, I've noticed that our nonprofit doesn't get the necessary amount of funding and equity that most other businesses receive. I believe a lot of it is due to what has been coined "the hustle". What I am trying to do with businesses and nonprofits, for-profits, and community-based organizations, is to make sure that they are legitimate, operationally sound, and are in compliance on the federal, local, and state levels." Additionally, in her capacity, she initially began working as a consultant from a pro-bono perspective. Dr. Arnold has worked with sororities and with the Ben L. Smith High School Alumni Association in Greensboro. She is also a member of the Cobra Sports Foundation. "In these roles, I have been able to understand processes," she says. She also has a media and publishing arm with her brand. With this, she gives opportunities to others to share their stories, which are relevant to them; their history and struggles told from their perspective. Amazingly, with all that she has done, Dr. Arnold created a consulting business, Arnold Consulting Group. She says that Antonio has greatly inspired her. "Antonio and Tonya have allowed me to work with AJ and The Cool Kids for nearly four years. He soon shared some visions he had with me. I listened and asked him if he ever thought about writing a book. He was open to the idea, and we met a few times to discuss the structure of what the book would be, until the idea became a reality," she says. The book, A Father's Voice, Raising A Son with Autism, is about Antonio's son, AJ, but it also reaches fathers who have children with different disabilities and disorders. A soft launch was held in March of this year. During that event, Antonio shared what the vision and intentions are for the book, and he also realized that a workbook should accompany it. Since publishing his book, Antonio's schedule has become very busy. He has been interviewed and made appearances on several television stations in Charlotte. He has been a guest on a podcast and is scheduled for a few others. During the month of July, he will attend an Autism Dad Weekend event in Atlanta, GA. On August 8th, they will host their annual gala and most significant fundraising event, themed Under The Cherry Moon. It will be held at Caramont Health Park in Gastonia, NC. In September, he's been asked to speak at The Autism Strong event, called Field Strong that will take place in Charlotte. "Things are moving. I am a person who puts high expectations on myself. I do not like to do things halfway. I can't thank Dr. Arnold enough for pushing me to write the book. I always wanted the book to mean something to me, and not just for the sake of being an author. I have learned since writing the book that there are a lot of men and fathers who feel like me, but just didn't know how to express themselves," Antonio says. To purchase a copy of A Father's Voice, Raising A Son with Autism, please contact Antonio directly. You may also find it on Amazon and Kindle. To purchase tickets to attend their gala and to learn more about AJ and The Cool Kids, please visit their website. www.ajandthecoolkids.org [https://www.ajandthecoolkids.org] www.huamimagazine.com

Episode 81: Dr. Regina Beard - Victory 4 Kidz

Without question, Dr. Regina Beard, RN, loves people. As life has dealt her a few daunting obstacles, she hasn't wallowed in them, but instead has made it her mission to be a clarion example of what resilience and determination can achieve. Born in the midwestern community of Gary, IN, Dr. Beard professes that she was a failing student in high school. Yet, she persevered and would become a first-generation college graduate, and the very first in her immediate family to own a business. At the age of 20, Dr. Beard was the mother of two children. Being a young mother came with a lot of responsibility, and she was intent on providing a secure life for her family. Dr. Beard recalls that while she was a freshman at Andrean High School, her teacher, Coach Bob Buscher, gave her an assignment to explore a future career. "I told my dad, and he told me to become the kind of nurse who puts patients to sleep. My dad told me to become a CNA, and then a LPN, and instructed me to follow that with becoming an RN. I was so intrigued that I did the research and called Methodist Northlake, a local hospital, to find out more, and learned the correct title for that kind of nurse is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). It also required a Masters Degree. I would eventually fail Biology and decide that nursing wasn't for me, and give up on that dream." Life would continue to happen for Dr. Beard. In the back of her mind, her dream of becoming a nurse continued to fester, and she would seek new ways to fulfill that dream. "In 2003, I became intentional about my walk with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It was a new journey and I was on fire for the Lord. All I wanted was to be in His presence and will. I was going through a fasting series with my church titled "Daring to Dream Again." That journey showed me that I had given up on my God-given dreams. I also realized that my dreams as a person were limited. I wanted more, but didn't know where to start. My new journey provided the tools to deepen my walk with Christ, and I began to utilize principles in the Bible to transform my life. I prayed to God about what He wanted me to do, and soon had a dream about going into the nursing program. I took all of my practical nursing courses at Ivy Tech, but still, I wasn't accepted into the nursing program, and I "My new journey provided the tools to deepen my walk with Christ, and I began to utilize principles in the Bible to transform my life." I began to doubt my dreams. I would eventually take the program three times and still wasn't accepted. I was in my last prerequisite when I overheard a couple of classmates discussing a new 16-month practical nursing program. I prayed to God to confirm if He wanted me to go in this direction. I also met with Purdue University and Brown Mackie to inquire more about their programs, and Brown Mackie said that I would only require 11 months with credit from my prerequisites at Ivy Tech. Purdue told me that as long as I passed NCLEx, I would be eligible to attend their program. That news was major, and I realized that I would be able to complete the PN program at Brown Mackie, pass the NCLEX, and eventually obtain my Associate's Degree from Purdue and become an RN. I enrolled and earned A's and B's, and completed the program in 2006," Dr. Beard says. She would return to school to get her other degrees, including a doctorate in Nursing. "Earning my Doctorate Degree wasn't a part of my dream, it was God's. God desires to use this degree for His glory." Fully armed academically, Dr. Beard set her sights on serving others. Today, in Hobart, IN, she manages several businesses, including a non-profit organization. One of her businesses is VicTory Training, which provides Healthcare Training for Nurse Aides, Qualified Medication Aides, Dental Assistants, Medical Assistants, Phlebotomists, Pharmacy Techs, and Electrocardiogram (EKG) Techs. Dr. Beard shares that VicTory Training came from one of the lowest seasons of her life. She was an unemployed Nurse and was taking care of her father, who was dealing with terminal cancer. "I realized that I had something living inside of me that every time I turned to it, it would prosper. I also realized that one of my greatest attributes is teaching, and I decided to use that gift to make money," she shares. Dr. Beard began teaching her Nurses Aide course in 2015. Another business that Dr. Beard owns is VicTory at Home-Indiana Home Care Agency. With this, she provides attendant care (bathing and grooming) and homemaker services (light housekeeping and cooking) for her clients. "We are dedicated to providing safe, caring and understanding companionship, personal care, skilled care and home support services to physically-challenged, convalescing and dependent individuals of all ages in the comfort of their own homes," she says. Her non-profit organization, VicTory 4 Kidz, encourages young people to fall in love with healthcare careers. Founded in 2022, VicTory 4 Kidz aims to inspire young children to pursue healthcare careers by exposing them to various healthcare careers. The program offers camp sessions, including a one week-long camp for children aged 10-13 years old. They also collaborate with various individuals and organizations to teach student campers valuable skills that will benefit them throughout their daily lives. "We teach, we inspire, and we transform," Dr. Beard says. With all of her academic and even personal accomplishments in life, Dr. Beard continues to find ways to serve others. Possibly, her actions and interests are a result of her life's journey. Regardless, Dr. Beard is living by purpose. "I am committed to having a lasting and profound impact on my community. My faith in God is what continues to drive and push me. I also find inspiration in my father, mother, aunt Monica Beard, and Maynard Beard Jr. I also draw inspiration from my grandmothers, my children, and spiritual leaders, including the late Apostle Jo Ann Long, Archbishop William Hudson III, and Prophet Andria Hudson," she shares. Most recently, she was honored as the NWI Non-Profit Influential Woman of the Year by the Northwest Indiana Influential Association for Women (NWI-IAW). As she looks to the future, she is focused on securing a legacy for her family, businesses, and organizations. "My desire is for them not to ever return to where we started. The goal is for us to ensure that our rental properties provide subsidized housing for a family or young mother to change the trajectory of their lives," she says. Her advice to others who may follow a similar path in life as hers is to pray and seek God's will for your life. "Be obedient about living a lifestyle that is pleasing and acceptable to Christ. You don't have to believe in the vision, but if you're obedient, you will see the vision come to pass." To learn more about Victory 4 Kidz, please visit their website. www.victory4kidz.net To be featured on This Is Who I Am, please visit our website: www.huamimagazine.com A Mykel Media Company LLC Publication

Episode 79: Jacquin Long with Long Lasting Life LLC

Jacquin Long is the owner of Long Lasting Life LLC. Her company is a dual mobile service that provides Targeted Cryotherapy Services and CPR & First Aid Training courses. Her mobile one-stop wellness business combines lifesaving skills and recovery options that assist in improving survival rates, reducing healthcare and drug costs, and enhancing quality of life for her clients and her community. Jacquin shares that targeted cryotherapy is a form of natural cold therapy treatment to alleviate chronic pain, reduce inflammation, migraine symptoms, and promote recovery for athletes. "We have provided cryotherapy services for premier athletic events and elite athletes, including the John Wall Holiday Tournament, Nike Elite Basketball League (EYBL) Tournament, Peach Jam, Chris Paul's CP3 AAU Basketball Team, and the North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year. Jacquin's vision to start her company began while she was in her youth. She says, "Growing up, I saw multiple family members diagnosed with cardiac conditions, some of whom later passed away. That inspired me to start a CPR and First Aid company. With my last name being Long, coming up with the business name "Long Lasting Life" was a seamless process. Our motto is "Teaching Life Long Skills to Help Save Lives". When asked what she loves most about what she does, Jacquin says it's the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of others. Whether working full-time at the hospital, providing cryotherapy through her business to relieve knee or back pain, or teaching lifesaving classes, she appreciates being able to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. She adds that she draws inspiration from God and the success she has experienced. "I approach my work with purpose, integrity, and a commitment to excellence, allowing faith to guide my vision and leadership in accomplishing the mission. This foundation shapes every decision I make, strengthens my resilience in the face of challenges, and fuels a genuine passion for serving others with intention and care. Guided by faith and a mindset of continual growth, I strive each day to be a better person than I was the day before, leading with humility, compassion, and clarity so that my work reflects values greater than success alone." As a small business owner and one who focuses on providing a specific service, Jacquin has encountered a few challenges here and there. One in particular is Time Management. "Balancing a full-time career as an orthopedic professional while running a business, and ensuring every client receives exceptional care, has been challenging. Providing the best service to every client remains my top priority. Through organization, disciplined time management, and intentional planning, each client is given the dedicated attention they deserve. As I have remained deeply rooted in the purpose behind my work, it has allowed for continued focus and clarity. Planned self-care days have supported a healthy work–life balance, prevented burnout, and helped me to sustain the highest standard of care," Jacquin says. "I'm learning to delegate when I can and give myself grace. My favorite bible verse is Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God". I am learning daily to be still and surrender control in things that I can't control so that I can fully acknowledge God's power." The advice Jacquin offers to other aspiring entrepreneurs aligns with her faith in God and trusting His direction. "Habakkuk 2:2 says, "Write the vision, and make it plain, that he may run that readeth it". Write the vision, trust God, stay humble, treat people right, be teachable, and run your own race. A good leader was once a good follower, stay focused and don't panic. Finally, network and find a mentor." To learn more about Long Lasting Life LLC, please visit their website at www.longlastinglyfe.com To learn more about Huami Magazine, please visit our website at www.huamimagazine.com

Episode 78: Jill Carlton, MS, LCMHC, LPC-SC, NCC

Jill Carlton of Greensboro, NC, isn't bashful about expressing her love for people and the black culture. Originally from the foothills of North Carolina, Jill is the youngest of six siblings. She is an alumnus of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities, North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro and Livingstone College, which is located in Salisbury, NC. At Livingstone College, she earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology, and at NC A&T, she received her Master of Science (M.S.) in Human Resource Agency Counseling. Her additional leadership experience involves Church Leadership and international missionary work. Jill is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)- NC and Licensed Professional Counselor-SC and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She received a Reducing Racial Disparities in Healthcare Certificate from Harvard University Online. Utilizing her education and experiences, Jill founded Jill Carlton Counseling Services, a privately owned and operated counseling [practice that focuses on assisting her clients build their inner strengths, through spiritual counseling, motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy utilizing a holistic approach. She works on two counseling platforms: Headway and Sondermind. These platforms allow Jill to serve clients throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. More than anything else, Jill shares that God has impacted her career as a therapist. "While at Livingstone College, I started out as a Biology major, but Chemistry told me "no". I knew I wanted to obtain a bachelor's degree at the very least. The holy spirit directed me to speak with Dr. Robert MacKinnon in the Psychology department, who was my mentor and advisor. He told me I could start right into the Psychology major based on my academic accomplishments. He told me to work and go to school so that after I finish school, I would be in a good position to succeed," she says. After Livingstone, Jill would set her sights on obtaining her master's degree. She attended NC A&T and was even able to land a paid internship while in school. The advice she received from her mentor continued to pay dividends in her life. Life has come with a few ups and downs for Jill. To be honest, those challenges have helped to make her who she is. "I have been emotionally and physically abused, as well as sexually abused. I was part of a marriage that didn't work. What I had to realize was that I had to love myself first. Having a foundation in a church home at Love and Faith Christian Fellowship helped me in more ways than I ever could have imagined. I felt right at home there. I became involved in the church, which allowed me to be more than a member. I am in leadership and serve as a Deaconess. I am also one of the leaders for our greeters, and I sing in the Mass Choir. Additionally, I have worked in the prison ministry, the hug and hot soup ministry, and the Healing and Restoration ministry. Being a part of Love and Faith has blessed me. Pastor John Goins and Bishop Michael Thomas are doing a great job of leading God's people. Knowing that people accept me for who I am and still love me regardless," Jill shares. Looking ahead, Jill is working on obtaining additional licenses and certifications. She has also set her sights on working outside of North Carolina and South Carolina. More than anything, Jill is excited about continuing the work that God has called her to do. "I want to continue to work to break down the stigmas about therapy and mental health in the black and brown communities. I am called to be the salt and light of the world. Being a therapist and aligning my work from a spiritual perspective is why I am here," Jill says. Jill Carlton, MS, LCMHC, LPC-SC, NCC www.jillcarltonlcmhc.com [https://www.jillcarlton.com] To learn more about Huami Magazine, please visit our website: www.huamimagazine.com [https://www.huamimagazine.com] Facebook: Huami_Magazine Instagram: Huami_Magazine

Episode 77: Attorney Chimeaka L. White

"Proven" While many accomplished individuals have accredited their success to that of pulling up their own bootstraps, that is not the case for Chimeaka White. Looking from the outside, it may appear that her ascension to becoming a prominent attorney came about from her following the traditional path that most lawyers do. Yet, that is far from Chimeaka's reality. Her story expresses her faith in God, love and support from her family and friends, and an unwavering determination to win. More than anything, Chimeaka's story is that of someone who is "Proven". Chimeaka has proven not only to others but even to herself that regardless of what circumstances she may face, regardless of what life throws at her, nothing will stop her from reaching her goals. Attorney Chimeaka White of Greensboro, NC, is the mother of two amazing adults, Harmony and Sincere. Chimeaka is a graduate of James B. Dudley High School. She also graduated from North Carolina A&T State University with a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry. She also received a Law Degree from North Carolina Central University. Today, she owns The White Law Firm, PLLC, located in High Point, NC, the first black female-owned and operated personal injury law firm in the Triad area. Her motto is "Justice4Pain". Chimeaka comes from a long list of strong women. She says that her success can be attributed to several key factors, including her upbringing, which instilled strong values in her, and the mentorship I received throughout her career. "I am inspired by my maternal great-grandmother, Evelyn Watson, who taught me the power of love and patience. She lived slowly and simply. My maternal grandmother, Margaret Hardy (Momo) taught me the importance of cultivating a spiritual practice. She has a strong relationship with God and taught me how to pray deep, strong prayers. My paternal grandmother, Lois White (Mama White), taught me not to have anything that I don't plan on using. When you bring one thing into your house, remove three things from your house." It should come as no surprise that Chimeaka is an attorney. As a child, she wanted to become a prosecutor. While attending NC A&T, she thought about pursuing a career as a dentist. Prior to law school, she worked as a paralegal at a personal injury law firm. She worked alongside experienced paralegal Teresa Burney, who taught her how to manage car accident cases from the intake process to closing the file. This is where she gained her passion for the law. Chimeaka says she made the decision to become an attorney because she genuinely loves to help people. "After being bullied in middle school, I learned how to stand up for myself and others. I know how it feels to be voiceless, to endure pain due to being afraid of standing up for yourself. This is why I became an attorney to fight for the rights of others. I do not allow people to be taken advantage of. I am a voice for the people," she says." Attorney Chimeaka L. White The White Law Firm, PLLC 2207 Eastchester Drive, Ste 101 High Point, NC 27265 336-884-7246 www.justice4pain.com [https://www.justice4pain.com] www.huamimagazine.com [https://www.huamimagazine.com]