Featured Interview With Trina Kennedy
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hello! My name is Trina Kennedy, and I am 52 years young, living in Blackfalds, Alberta, Canada. I am a social worker, author, trainer, speaker and women centered coach with over 30 years of experience. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 28 incredible years, and we are the proud parents of two amazing children, Tayler, 26, and Keaton, 24, who both live just a short 1.5-hour drive away in Calgary.
I have spent the last 30 years as a social worker, where I’ve had the profound privilege of walking alongside many individuals on their healing journeys. There is no greater honor than creating a safe space where people feel seen, heard, and understood. I truly believe that once someone feels safe to share their story, healing begins.
Beyond my career, I am passionate about fitness and the outdoors. One of my favorite pastimes is hiking in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, which are just a few hours away. I also enjoy playing pickleball, working in my yard, and spending quality time with my incredible tribe of friends and family.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Growing up, I wasn’t a big reader, but I did love writing short stories in English class. My fascination with books truly developed when I got into college, where I discovered a passion for non-fiction, self-help, and psychology books. I absolutely love learning and feel that if I’m not learning something new, I’m not using my time effectively. Even when watching TV, I gravitate toward documentaries because they feed my curiosity.
As for writing, aside from assignments in college and university, my first experience writing for others was a parenting column I contributed to our local paper for a year. That opportunity allowed me to share insights and connect with readers, sparking my deeper interest in writing for an audience.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I primarily read nonfiction, as I am constantly seeking to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. I am fascinated by trauma—not just my own, but the broader understanding of how it works and how we can help ourselves and others heal. One of the most influential authors for me has been Brené Brown. I own all of her books, but “The Gifts of Imperfection” was particularly life-changing. It helped me confront my trauma response of perfectionism, and I can now proudly say that I am a perfectionist in recovery, thanks to her insights and my own hard work.
In addition to Brené Brown, I am greatly influenced by the works of Dr. Gabor Maté, Dr. Stuart Shanker, and Daniel Siegel. Their books have been invaluable to me, both personally and professionally, offering profound insights into the human mind and the healing process.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between, is a deeply personal and empowering journey that explores the impact of unresolved trauma and the transformative power of healing. It weaves together my own experiences with insights I’ve gained from over 30 years of working in human services, helping others navigate their pain and discover their resilience.
The book is divided into three parts: my struggles with trauma, how unresolved pain shaped my life, and the healing journey that allowed me to step into my greatness. It’s not just my story—it’s a guide for anyone who feels held back by their past and wants to move forward into a life of purpose and fulfillment.
I wrote this book to inspire others to face their own challenges, recognize their inner strength, and embrace the greatness within. It’s available on Amazon in eBook and paperback formats, with plans for an audiobook in the future. A portion of the proceeds also supports mental health organizations, as giving back is a key part of my mission.
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