Meet Shanithia Kendrick: Pastor & Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shanithia Kendrick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shanithia, can you tell us about a book that has had a meaningful impact on you?
One of the most powerful books I have read is book titled ‘Scary Close’ by Donald Miller. This book absolutely changed the way I viewed intimacy in friendship. It taught me what intimacy looks outside of romantic relationships and how it can be experienced in not just physical touch but also in communication and being present, The impact this book had on me challenged the way I built friendships and upgraded my perspective on community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
By profession, I am a therapist. I graduated with my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2017 from Medaille College, I am currently a MST therapist, a job that allows me to serve low income minority families with youth who are considered high risk. The work I do not only saves families, it keeps communities safe, and saves money wasted on juvenile detainees. I am currently on a journey to increase my clinical skill set by obtaining my full clinical licensure from the State of Georgia. The work I do is not easy, but it is rewarding. Watching families transform from consistent conflict to healthy communication and stopping youth from spending felony time in jail ignites my passion for the work. This helps me overcome the difficulties of my job and stay focused on my other professional goals to make therapy more accessible and accepted in faith based communities. The biggest lesson I have learned is I can’t save every single family and that’s completely okay. Oftentimes the burden of watching families continue to decline and youth serving full sentences can be discouraging. But I realize that the parents are the most powerful agents of change in their home and if I can teach them just one new skill, I’m satisfied. I want the world to know that you can have faith and a therapist. You do not have to pick one over the other. My brand is all about merging faith and therapy to restore the sound mind of believers.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta has a little of everything! I would start by taking a trip to Ponce City Market to enjoy the art, shopping, and good food. While I personally enjoy taking in the views on my feet, the Belt Line offers bikes and scooters for rental as well. I would schedule a day trip to Dahlonega to visit Bourbon Street Grille and enjoy the beautiful views at Montaluce Winery and Restaurant for a nice wine tour and tasting. Lastly, if COVID-19 wasn’t a major concern, I would hit the town for a night of dancing and R&B at an event called The Groove Atl. Oh and course we would have to stop by Embassy City for a worship experience like no other, The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many places, people, and things that have impacted my journey it is so hard to choose one. I am so grateful for all those that have encouraged me even if it was as small as a nice compliment on a bad day. However, if I had to choose, I would say Embassy City. Embassy City is an apostolic church led by Apostle Bryan and Pastor Patrice Meadows, This place has birthed some of the greatest relationships I have. There is no way I would be who I am today without this group of innovators, creatives, and some of the dopest creators in my humble opinion.

Website: www.hyqualitychicks.com

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Image Credits
Jazmin Forbes .