Q: How long have you been an Ukeru trainer?

A: I’ve been an Ukeru Trainer for the past two years.

Q: What population do you work with? What inspired you to get into this field? 

A: I work with anyone who’s experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. I got introduced to mental health when I was a freshman in college in 2005. I started college a week before hurricane Katrina. I lost everything. For a month, I could not find my mother or father. I literally almost lost my mind but didn’t thanks to counseling and my kingdom journey. I now enjoy supporting others and helping them overcome their own traumatic experiences. 

Q: What part of Ukeru do you enjoy teaching the most and why?  

A: I love teaching the portion on trauma and how trauma could impact a person physically and mentally. Our facility is a trauma-focused facility and this training goes right along with what we represent on a day to day basis.

Q: What would you say to someone who is unsure about using Ukeru? 

A: I would say the power of Ukeru could save a person’s life. Just think about a person who’s having a severe mental health crisis. Those pads could be something in place for a person who is banging their head on the floor and wall.

Q: What advice or tip would you give to a new Ukeru trainer? 

A: I would say that it’s important to understand the dynamic of trauma and how it could play a pivotal role in anyone’s present life. Trauma comes in many forms. As a pillar of understanding, you must master the different ways to hold the pads – ensuring they are never used to demean someone, but rather to protect both that person and yourself from injury. 

Q: How has Ukeru impacted your life? 

A: Understanding the brain helps when dealing with a crisis. 

Q: What is your favorite quote or a motto that you like to live by? 

A: If you enjoy what you do, you never have to work a day in your life. I really love what I do. The ability to help as many people as possible is my goal. 

Q: What three words would you use to describe Ukeru?

A: Understanding, Compassionate, Considerate