We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shauntelle Malcolm-Wisdom. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shauntelle below.
Shauntelle, 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?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story of resilience, deeply rooted in the examples set by my mother and grandmother.
My grandmother was the first generation to move to America from Jamaica, with very little support and resources. She lost her mother at a young age and was raised by her grandmother, who instilled in her a strong faith in God and unwavering values. Despite the hardships she faced, my grandmother demonstrated remarkable consistency in her efforts to reach her goals. She did so with grit, humility, and steadfast faith in God. Her journey showed me the power of resilience. Her belief in me and her example propelled me to reach my goals, reinforcing the empowering message of Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
My mother, on the other hand, is the strongest woman I know. She raised five children and many other adopted children from our community as a single mother. Despite her struggles, she never let them hinder her progress. She achieved her nursing degrees and became the owner of three multifamily properties. Her life embodies generosity and strength. From her, I learned that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and that God truly blesses a cheerful giver. Her unyielding spirit and boundless generosity have profoundly shaped my understanding of resilience.
Through the lives of these two incredible women, I learned that resilience is not just about enduring hardships, but about maintaining faith, humility, and generosity in the face of adversity. Their examples have been my guiding lights, teaching me that with faith in God and a steadfast heart, I can overcome any obstacle. My resilience and strength are deeply rooted in their legacies.
Thank you.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Ever since I was a young child, I was very quiet and observant, deeply curious about people and their struggles, how they achieved their goals, found happiness, and what true health and healing looked like. Completing my nursing degree allowed me to connect with patients and listen to their stories. However, I noticed a significant gap in care, particularly for patients of color and youth lacking access to mental health services. This realization guided me toward a career as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. I felt called to bridge this gap, offering mental health care with empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of the community.
After gaining experience in larger hospitals, I established my own practice, Talitha Koum Psychiatry and Mental Health. This venture allows me to provide the personalized care and support my patients need, creating individualized treatment plans that cater to their unique goals and challenges. My work is driven by the same compassion and curiosity I had as a child, giving patients hope, encouragement, and the tools to turn their dreams into reality.
In addition to running my practice, I recently partnered with a local church to enhance community support through awareness, education, and services. This collaboration is an exciting extension of my mission, addressing both mental and spiritual health needs. Balancing my practice and community work allows me to serve in a way that feels natural and fulfilling, making a profound impact on the lives I touch. I feel incredibly blessed and excited about the future, as we continue to expand our reach and deepen our impact within the community.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are determination, a strong support system, and unwavering faith. My determination and drive were essential in helping me balance raising a family, pursuing my educational goals, and starting my business. This resilience kept me going, even when faced with significant challenges.
Another key factor was leaning into the support system around me, particularly the encouragement from my grandmother and mother. My grandmother always reminded me of the strength God gives me and the importance of faith combined with hard work. My mother’s positivity and encouragement kept me motivated, even when the journey seemed daunting.
The third and most important factor was my relationship with God. My faith provided me with the strength to persevere through failures and financial struggles. Trusting in God and maintaining my commitment to my faith gave me the resilience to continue moving forward, even when the path was unclear.
For those early in their journey, I advise cultivating determination, seeking out a strong support system, and nurturing your faith or core beliefs. These elements provide a foundation to navigate challenges and stay motivated. Surround yourself with encouraging people, remain committed to your goals, and have faith in your journey. This combination will help you overcome obstacles and achieve your aspirations.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my mother has done for me was showing me how to overcome struggles. Witnessing her perseverance through our shared hardships inspired me to strive for a better life. It motivated me to stay focused in school and work hard, knowing that education was my path to a brighter future.
Without the challenges we faced, I wouldn’t have learned the invaluable lessons of resilience and determination. Many people wish for an easy life, but I believe that being open and honest about struggles, especially with your children, is crucial. By sharing her feelings and the ways she overcame obstacles, my mother taught me vital life skills that have served me well beyond my childhood.
My mother often felt saddened about raising us without a father, but I reminded her that our circumstances uniquely prepared us to become strong and resilient individuals. Instead of dwelling on what we couldn’t change, we focused on doing our best with faith in God, trusting that He would work everything out for good. This mindset has been a cornerstone in my life, shaping my approach to challenges and helping me succeed.
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