Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Joy.
Hi Dr. Joy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My father gave me the nickname “Joy” when I was a young girl. I would have not ever imagined that this name would guide my work and impact my view of life.
Originally from Brooklyn, NY, I am the next to the youngest of seven children. I am proud of the family I was born into and the one that I created with my husband Eric.
After leaving high school, I earned a teaching degree at Norfolk State University, a Historically Black College where I experienced so many unique and beautiful opportunities and identity-affirming experiences. This journey inspired me to continue my education and earn a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and a Doctorate in K-12 Educational Administration and Supervision.
Throughout my career, I have served as a classroom teacher, professional learning facilitator, instructional coach, school administrator, college instructor, and educational consultant. In every role, I learned the importance of holding on to my joy.
I am passionate about the presence of joy in schools and empowering educators to tap into their own joy. I talk about joy to educators on my podcast Joy Works: Conversations about Joy. I am also the author of two books, Back to Zero, and Joy Works: 8 Lessons for Educators.
I find my own joy in traveling, writing, spending time with my family and most importantly, being my own authentic self!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Although I excelled in school, I found it difficult to maintain my joy. I always fought for it though, in my own little way and the best way I knew how. Throughout my professional career as an educator, I like many, struggled to maintain my joy while balancing work and family. There came a point where I realized I could not continue to navigate my life always waiting for someone to bring me joy. I began to truly take ownership of my joy by working on my healing and developing the self-awareness I needed to better navigate challenges. I have learned that in life my joy is always within reach even when it seems far away.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently a course instructor in a teacher’s college as well as own my own educational consulting company called Joy Work EDU.
Contact Info:
- Website: joyworkedu.com
- Instagram: @joyworkedu
- Twitter: @joyworkedu
- Spotify: Joy Works: Conversations about Joy
Image Credits
Headshots- Lakaye Mbah Photography Lakayembah.com
