Meet Shannon Stewart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Stewart.  

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From a young age, I can recall having a conversation with my parents about acceptance and kindness. We moved to a new neighborhood which meant I would be going to a new elementary school. I had so many negative feelings and thoughts about starting something new and interacting with people I didn’t know. The diversity of the new neighborhood was very different. In my old neighborhood, there was racial, age, socioeconomic diversity, but in this neighborhood, everyone appeared the same racially. We were the only Black family in the neighborhood at the time. So, I immediately felt like an outcast in this new territory my parents wanted to call home. I did notice some kids playing outside, so I took that as a sign it just might not be terrible here. My parents tried to do everything to make me feel comfortable, like making my room look like a bright, magical land with a big comfy bed, lots of stuffed animals, and a pink canopy hanging above it. Despite the new room, my ambivalence about this life change and what’s to come remained. Leading up to my first day of school, my parents sat me down to prepare me. I recall a conversation that went something like, “I know you’re scared about meeting new friends and teachers. Just remember that we have friends who look like us and who don’t. Who like the same things as us and who don’t, and some even speak different languages than us. So, whether you meet people who are like you or not like you, you can always be a friend, and you can always be kind.” I had no idea I would carry this message with me the rest of my life. I went to school with all my uncomfortable feelings, and when I came home, they were significantly reduced. My first day wasn’t perfect, I didn’t make any friends, but I remember feeling welcomed in the classroom and the school in general. Even if I had a poor interaction with a student, I remembered, “You can always be kind.” When I chose kindness, I realized 9 times out of 10, I would get a positive outcome, and I wished I could share this lesson with others so the world could be a happier place. I remember taking this lesson very seriously. For example, I had witnessed someone looking for food in a trash can. This was upsetting and confusing for me, and I wanted to help. From that day on, whenever I would find change, I would throw it in the trash can in case someone looking for food in there also needed money. To some, those actions may be shameful, but I interpreted it as someone needing some help. From there, my passion for education, acceptance, helping, and kindness blossomed. 

I began volunteering, traveling, trying new foods and activities, listening to many genres of music, playing an instrument and sports, attending various churches of different faiths, and working with special populations such as medically and mentally disabled, refugees, Veterans, teens living in group homes, etc. These life experiences through community or human interactions have been so valuable to my personal and professional growth. Leading with kindness and acceptance has opened my mind to so many diverse perspectives and lead to be where I am today. 

Fast forward to present day, I’m a licensed mental health therapist and co-founder and director of development of a nonprofit called OpenedEyes. I truly think I get the best of both worlds in each respective role. As a therapist, I help people manage and process life experiences using psychological methods. Little me would be proud to know we’re a professional helper now. As a co-founder and director of development, I’m able to research, I’m able to research, develop programs and educate myself and others on mindfulness, identity, culture, and acceptance. Both roles include human interaction and knowledge sharing while providing endless opportunities for kindness to shine through. I think my success in these roles is attributed to entering encounters with a kindness, self-awareness, and cultural competence. I also remind myself and others, as my parents told me, no matter how someone looks, if they are like you or not, you always be a friend, and you can always be kind. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not always been smooth, but honestly, it hasn’t been very bumpy either. I’ve had access to resources and a support system my entire life, which is so valuable! I work with people who are missing that in their life, and they really struggle because of it, so I am grateful for the roads I’ve traveled and my support system along the way. I typically have a positive disposition though, so I try to reframe perceived struggles as opportunities for growth and show strength. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a licensed mental health counselor, and in general, I use psychological methods to help people process their responses to life experiences and develop skills to manage those responses. I specialize in suicide prevention where I help Veterans and their loved ones manage a suicidal and/or mental health crisis and connect with resources that may provide additional assistance. Working with this population sets me apart from others in the field as they may work with those in a crisis every now and then where, as I do it every day. This has strengthened my problem-solving skills and confidence to handle mild to server situations effectively. 

 I’m also a Director of Development for OpenedEyes, where I do research and create presentations related to culture, mindfulness, and understanding. I’m known for my informal and humorous education style, which has created some beautiful moments for human interaction about sensitive topics. I’m proud of where this OpenedEyes started and where we are now as we built it from the ground up with no money or investments, just passion. 

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
My favorite podcasts are The Read, The Breakfast Club, and Therapy for Black Girls. They’re entertaining, funny, and educational. As for books, I’m currently reading Atomic Habits, and I highly recommend.