Melony Lawrence was born in Kingston, Jamaica and migrated to the United States in her late teenage years. Her parents nurtured her to participate in the creative arts, sports and music from an early age. She performed in many festival competitions which included poetry presentations which she excelled and found a passion for this genre. Her favorite subject had always been Mathematics which later made Statistics manageable in graduate school. Upon migrating to the United States, it was a devastating culture shock. Adjusting was a major challenge as the racial inequality were like night and day, especially in school. To be a great student she was shunned because of her race. It was depressing at times but she had the fortitude to succeed as she concentrated on that which was instilled in her from her teachers in Jamaica. Their love traveled many miles and allowed her to accomplish her educational goals. She later joined the Armed Forces and was injured in AIT which severed her dream of being a member of the Judge Advocate General's Corps of the U.S. Army. She continues to serve by being a member of the American Legion locally. Her failure of that dream made her realize that she could teach and assist others who had trauma and share her method of healing which started with self-reflection. For almost a decade she has been sharing her passion through volunteering within the homeless Veteran population. Teaching oral and written communication skills to male homeless Veterans and Marquette University student volunteers. Writing poetry for homeless Veterans to inspire, empower and uplift through their treatment. Also, serving as the instructor on time management and life skill practices for Veterans in the alcohol and substance abuse treatment program. Taught positive thinking and self-expression techniques to homeless Veterans as a method of heightening or rebuilding self-esteem. Professionally she has taught Veterans, which was a dream as it entailed counseling as an Associate Lecturer with the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee (Veteran Upward Bound Program). Melony is a proud graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration. She acquired her Master of Science degree in Psychology from Walden University and is a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success of the Walden Chapter. Also, a certified hypnotist and a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists. Her belief: education is encouraged with anyone who desires to make a difference in their lives. However, without it there are other means as the Creator is the Author of our fate who bestows gifts and talents which are priceless.
