A Second Helping of Gumbo for the Soul
More Liberating Stories and Memories to Inspire Females of Color
Mother, Psychologist, and Mentor Shares Her Story of Resilience and Faith
Dr. Jillian Whatley
Dr. Mike Robinson: What is the name of your chapter in the book A Second Helping of Gumbo for the Soul: More Liberating Stories and Memories to Inspire Females of Color?
Dr. Jillian Whatley: The Valley Moment Of Life: A Lesson in Resilience and Faith
Dr. Mike Robinson:Why did you decide to share your story in A Second Helping of Gumbo for the Soul: More Liberating Stories and Memories to Inspire Females of Color?
Dr. Jillian Whatley: As a mother, daughter, sister, psychologist and mentor to many I felt that it was important for me to share my story with other women in hopes to bring awareness to domestic violence and provide hope when relationships fail. I hope that someone can learn from my story and hopefully break the cycle of violence between men and women, while supporting healthy and loving relationships for generations to come.
Dr. Mike Robinson:What do you hope the readers of your chapter take away after reading your story?
Dr. Jillian Whatley: Sometimes society forgets that domestic violence does not have a socio-economic status, race, gender or profession that it specifically attacks. It can happen to anyone. For years before my incident with domestic violence, I advocated for the best interest of children and families. Yet, I never imagined that I would find myself involved in a domestic violence situation. Yes, I am human. Yes, I made mistakes. Yes, I cried and had to rebuild my life. But every step of the way God was there leading me and guiding me towards my best life.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Why is it so important for Females of Color to share their stories?
Dr. Jillian Whatley: Sometimes women of color carry the burden of being a survivor, yet we rarely tell the story of “how we got over”. Telling our stories frees us from the chains of our past and gives hope to others regarding overcoming their obstacles.
Dr. Jillian Whatley: The Valley Moment Of Life: A Lesson in Resilience and Faith
Dr. Mike Robinson:Why did you decide to share your story in A Second Helping of Gumbo for the Soul: More Liberating Stories and Memories to Inspire Females of Color?
Dr. Jillian Whatley: As a mother, daughter, sister, psychologist and mentor to many I felt that it was important for me to share my story with other women in hopes to bring awareness to domestic violence and provide hope when relationships fail. I hope that someone can learn from my story and hopefully break the cycle of violence between men and women, while supporting healthy and loving relationships for generations to come.
Dr. Mike Robinson:What do you hope the readers of your chapter take away after reading your story?
Dr. Jillian Whatley: Sometimes society forgets that domestic violence does not have a socio-economic status, race, gender or profession that it specifically attacks. It can happen to anyone. For years before my incident with domestic violence, I advocated for the best interest of children and families. Yet, I never imagined that I would find myself involved in a domestic violence situation. Yes, I am human. Yes, I made mistakes. Yes, I cried and had to rebuild my life. But every step of the way God was there leading me and guiding me towards my best life.
Dr. Mike Robinson: Why is it so important for Females of Color to share their stories?
Dr. Jillian Whatley: Sometimes women of color carry the burden of being a survivor, yet we rarely tell the story of “how we got over”. Telling our stories frees us from the chains of our past and gives hope to others regarding overcoming their obstacles.
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A Mosaic View of Who is Dr. Jillian Whatley
Dr. Jillian Whatley grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. After high school, Dr. Jillian Whatley attended Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama where she received her B.S in Education. She continued her education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where she received her M.S.in Education. She attended Gallaudet University in Washington, DC to obtain an M.A in Developmental Psychology and a Specialist degree in School Psychologist, both with an emphasis on deafness. Dr. Jillian Whatley also uses American Sign Language. Dr. Jillian Whatley successfully defended her dissertation and graduated with her doctorate in May 2018 from Mercer Univesity with a Ph.D. in Education Leadership. Jillian Whatley was a School Psychologist in Gwinnett County Public School in Gwinnett County, Georgia, and Prince George’s County Public Schools located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. As a school psychologist, she conducted psycho-educational and developmental assessments for special education purposes.
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A Second Helping of Gumbo for the Soul
More Liberating Stories and Memories to Inspire Females of Color 
A Second Helping of Gumbo for the Soul is a collection of essays, stories, and narratives designed to inspire and empower women of color through the use of storytelling and narratives. This second edition is a sequel to the first Gumbo for the Soul and includes more...
Edited by: Michelle Trotman Scott, University of West Georgia Nicole McZeal Walters, University of St. Thomas-Houston Dr. Jemimah L. Young, University of North Texas, Donna Y. Ford Ph.D., Ohio State University Click here to order your copy |