We were lucky to catch up with Casondra Burkley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Casondra , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Resilience is a quality we often take for granted until life throws us into the depths of adversity. It’s the capacity to endure, adapt, and ultimately thrive in the face of hardships. As I reflect on my own life’s journey, I realize that my resilience was forged through a series of life obstacles.
Growing up in a single-parent home, I was no stranger to the challenges of limited resources and emotional burdens. My mother worked tirelessly to provide for us, but we often struggled to make ends meet. Poverty was a constant companion, and we even faced periods of homelessness. It was during these tumultuous times that I first encountered the need for resilience.
Resilience, as defined, is the ability to withstand and adapt to adversity, challenges, or difficult circumstances. It’s not a trait we’re born with, but rather something we develop through life’s trials and tribulations. In my case, it was adversity that gradually molded me into a resilient individual.
One of the most horrific experiences of my life was the trauma I endured during high school, when I became a victim of sexual assault. It was a deeply painful and life-altering event that shook the very foundation of my being. But as I navigated the complex path of healing and recovery, I discovered the true essence of resilience. It was the inner strength that allowed me to pick up the shattered pieces of my life and start anew, determined to not be defined by this painful chapter.
The definition of resilience perfectly encapsulates the journey I have been on. Resilience is not just about bouncing back from adversity; it’s about evolving and growing stronger in the process. Overcoming the challenges of a single-parent home, poverty, and homelessness, as well as surviving the traumatic experience of sexual assault, has equipped me with a profound resilience that I now proudly carry as a badge of honor.
In conclusion, resilience is a remarkable quality that we develop through life’s most trying experiences. My journey from adversity to strength has taught me that resilience is not something you’re born with; it’s something you earn through hardship, determination, and an unwavering spirit. My story is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, a power that resides within all of us, waiting to be unleashed when life puts us to the test.
My story is why I formed Conquering the Obstacles of Painful Experiences 501 c 3 and PLLC. My story is why I live by the model, “Use life’s obstacles as stepping stones to greatness.”
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am Casondra Burkley, an ordained pastor, producer, therapist, and writer. I’m a native of Houston, Texas, and my educational journey took me to Baylor University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Speech Communications, along with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Additionally, I hold a Master of Divinity from George W. Truett Theological Seminary.
My life has been a testament to resilience, as I’ve overcome the challenges of growing up in poverty, surviving a high school trauma, and various other obstacles. With over 17 years of experience, I’ve dedicated myself to providing mental health services, workshops, and retreats for individuals and couples of all ages. I’ve had the privilege of conducting workshops and seminars across the country, using my own life experiences as stepping stones to inspire others.
I wear many hats as an entrepreneur, published author, playwright, pastor, poet, international speaker, and licensed clinical social worker. Currently, I work in the medical field of social work, offering vital medical and mental health services to children with special needs while also managing my own private practice. I hold certifications in prepare enrich, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Despite my busy schedule, I make time to give back to my community. I’m proud to be a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where I serve on the Regional and State Chaplain’s Council. I’m also involved with Crime Survivors of Safety and Justice, serve as a Sienna Board of Directors Village Representative, participate in clergy activities, and volunteer with numerous other organizations.
My passion for the arts has been a lifelong journey. I’ve been acting since 1996 and even wrote and directed my first stage play, “A Change is Gonna Come,” in 2006, an achievement that earned me the honor of “Casondra Brown Day” from the Mayor of the City of Waco on May 6, 2006. This love for the arts led me to establish my own production company, Don’t Wanna Miss Productions (DWMP). In 2016, I authored a book and released my second play, “Case Closed,” based on my personal story of triumph over childhood adversity. I even received IMDb credit in 2015 for the movie “Grounds” and acted in the movie “Keep On Loving” in 2018. Recently, I’ve ventured into film production with my first film, “Case Closed.”
I recently released mental health cards, called C.O.P.E. Cards. I truly believe pain in life is inevitable. Healing is a choice. The box of cards aid in dealing with day to day life struggles. The box includes:
-25 comfort statement cards, used to provide encouragement when dealing with difficult situations.
-30 counseling statement cards with conquer journaling prompts, used to offer counseling tips when dealing with difficult situations. The journal prompts encourage application and reflection for each topic.
-5 confirming affirmation cards, used to affirm positivity when dealing with difficult situations.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Commitment, determination and support.
Be committed to what you start.
Be determined to complete it.
Be intentional to build a support system.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am absolutely looking to collaborate and partner with individuals and organizations who share a passion for facilitating healing and personal growth. My focus is on helping others overcome past and present life experiences, and I’m particularly interested in teaming up with corporate entities that are dedicated to community empowerment and mental health support.
If you’re reading this and share a similar commitment to making a positive impact, I would love to connect and explore potential collaborations. You can reach out to me through my email at admin@morethancope.com or @morethancope on IG and Facebook. Together, we can bring the crucial topics of healing and empowerment out of the shadows and into the forefront of public awareness, showing that healing is not just a concept but an achievable reality. Let’s make a difference together!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.morethancope.com
- Instagram: @morethancope
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/casondra-burkley-linked22
