Today, we’d like to introduce you to Araine McWhinney . Araine was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Tyisha Jenkins.
Araine, can you walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always had an unction that I would be a creator, innovator, and educator. From a very young age, I knew I was different. I believe my drive and perseverance come from my mother and father. They moved to the United States from Jamaica in the early 80’s to get an education, build a life, and leave a legacy. I recognized early on that my background and upbringing is what makes me unique. Most importantly, I believe my teachers knew that as well.
When I was in high school, teachers often paired me with classmates who needed peer assistance or extra help to get through assignments and activities. In all honesty, I loved the level of responsibility my teachers entrusted me with and I enjoyed being referred to as the “safe friend”. At the time, I thought I was just being helpful and friendly. However, when I look back and reflect, I realize how vital those acts of service were to the development of my character and purpose. As I reflect on that period of time, my nice gestures and friendly demeanor was someone else’s moment of clarity and acceptance. It was during these years that a seed was planted, and I had no idea.
While in graduate school, I struggled with figuring out how I would still be able to be my spunky, spontaneous, innovative and creative self in the “working world”. I had a hunger for learning, and I jumped at every chance I could to acquire new skills. I took numerous continuing education courses geared towards the medical field, worked in skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, clinics, home health, and the school setting. Somehow, I knew I was on a path different from the rest, but I couldn’t pin point where I was headed.
In 2017, I was working in a rehabilitation clinic providing speech therapy services. I met so many amazing people and got the opportunity to treat some incredible adults and children. Everything was smooth sailing, and I was enjoying the opportunity to provide therapy to stroke survivors, head/neck cancer survivors, and young adults adjusting to life after experiencing a traumatic brain injury. The best part was that little ‘ol me was out here impacting someone else’s life for the better! Witnessing people transition from feeling hopeless to hopeful was fulfilling. In short, I was content. Then Hurricane Harvey hit and flooded the Houston area and metroplex. That’s when my purpose started to become clearer to me.
As I watched the news, I saw so many people fleeing rising waters and trying to escape flooded neighborhoods and assisted living communities. That’s then the lightbulb went off.
My first thought was, “Oh my gosh, my patients! How are they going to communicate that they need help?!”. From that moment on, I knew all the knowledge and work experience I gained was for a much bigger and greater purpose. And that’s how my first book “Restoring Your Faith: Workbook for Adults Living with a Communication Disorder” came to me.
After releasing my first book in 2018, I took some time to reflect and decided to switch gears and head back into the education field. This is where I noticed a gap. A gap in information, a gap in support, a gap in guidance. Which brings me to where I am today. I find myself being of service to all age groups, but from a unique perspective. The perspective of hope, understanding, positivity, knowledge and empowerment.
Please tell us more about your brand, True Voice
True Voice, LLC is a full-service speech pathology agency that provides speech therapy, guidance, and parent/family support. What sets me apart is that I’m proud to call myself a Speech-Language Pathologist who is here to serve and make a difference. I recognize that families with loved ones who have special needs, struggle with getting started on their journey for help. As a practicing speech pathologist, I’m passionate about guiding families, educating, and equipping them with the tools they need to positively shift their mindset and achieved success.
I’m most proud of the fact that my brand is based off of who I am as an individual. My brand encompasses character, knowledge, positively and life! Other businesses and corporations are starting to recognize this and it feels so good to live in my truth and do what I was called to do!
So, as we mentioned to our audience earlier, you were introduced to us by Tyisha Jenkins and Ty Jenkins Inspires and we really admire them and what they’ve built. For folks who might not be as familiar, can you tell them a bit about your experience with Ty Jenkins Inspires.
I first met Tyisha Jenkins about 17 years ago. Tyisha has always been a resource for guidance, advice and someone I could trust. Over the years, we’ve managed to kept in touch, which I’m so thankful for! Tyisha has always been someone I could call for advice about anything. Literally! To this day, we still communicate weekly.
I’ve always viewed Tyisha as my mentor, and overtime that blossomed into a friendship. Since I met Tyisha, she has always been an inspiration and positive. She carries herself with class, poise, and is such a loving person to be around. I admire her work because she is fully transparent and honest. Her testimony is so powerful and it’s amazing that others get to experience her gift(s) too!
Throughout the years, Tyisha’s personal testimony, guidance, and wisdom have helped me through some difficult times. Even her daily devotional Facebook posts were right on time when no one knew what I was feeling on the inside. Tyisha’s new book, “Dear Lord, Thank You” is a first-hand experience of the difference she’s made in my life. I’m so happy other readers get to see the kind of person I’ve been blessed to know for so long.
Tyisha has always been passionate about helping others. I’ve witnessed her counsel students, provide guidance, and mentorship; all while working through storms of her own. Tyisha’s willingness to be transparent and honest about her own journey to overcome pain and loss, will surely help others lean into their promise and purpose here on Earth.
Website: www.truevoiceslp.com
Instagram: @truevoiceslp
Linkedin: Araine McWhinney, M.S., CCC-SLP
Other: Purchase on Amazon or my website: Restoring Your Faith: Workbook for Adults Living with a Communication Disorder. —- Purchase on my website: The Parent’s Guide to Successful School Meetings: Everything You Wish You Knew!
