Featured Interview With Tonya M Logan
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m a native Washingtonian. After my divorce and parenting two children, my book was finalized published after taking 16 years to complete. I have nearly 30 years of professional clinical experience working with those managing conflict and trauma. A native Washingtonian, I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Virginia and my master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. I spent the bulk of my career, in D.C. and Maryland, working with biological parents and foster parents by securing permanency whether via reunification, adoption, or independent living. I was the clinical director of a program which provided in-home services to families at-risk of abuse and/or neglect in an attempt to strengthen and stabilize families so they would be diverted from the child welfare system. I was a contractor with an organization in which I facilitated 10-week grief groups for those impacted by homicide following my certification as a grief recovery specialist. I transitioned to being the supervisory social worker in a non-public school for students diagnosed with emotional disturbance and/or autism and then to a D.C., Title I, public school.
Currently, I am the Founder & CEO of Kayla’s Village, www.kaylasvillage.org, begun in July 2007, which strives to be the premier provider of innovative seminars and supportive resources for individuals, families, professionals, and communities. I am a full-time clinician providing counseling to individuals, couples, and families and on the Advisory Board of the Center for Infant and Child Loss. I am an active church member of Trinity AME Zion Church and the parent of two children, one by adoption and one by birth, and have hosted two exchange students. Obviously, I try to tailor my life to help others in need.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always been fascinated with books as I have always enjoyed reading for pleasure. I did not consider publishing a book until my daughter died. What began as a journal so that I would recall all details morphed into my self-published book, “Mommie’s Bright Sunshine.”
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I enjoy many Christian authors as well as those who share testimonies of overcoming their challenges. I feel the latter give me hope to encourage myself as well as others as I can then use examples with those who are hurting.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My first book is “Mommie’s Bright Sunshine.” I would like my readers to understand that death is an expected part of the completion of life. We know that everything born has a designated time to die and sometimes death arrives much earlier than we could have ever anticipated. Those who have a child diagnosed with an illness often have to watch their child suffer and then die if a cure is not found. For those of us who awake one morning with promises and plans for the future and then have our life suddenly to take another unanticipated, unknown course when our child is unexpectedly taken from us, is an unthinkable tragedy that only those who have experienced it can describe the lack of preparation. To lose a child – any child, by any means – is horrific. This book is a humble attempt to share my story and prayerfully to help heal others without judgment as we have endured enough. My sincere prayer is that all who touch this book will be moved to greater blessings and comfort as we overcome each day knowing that it is one day closer to being reunified with our child.
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