Today we’d like to introduce you to LaMonika Hill.
Hi LaMonika, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started with my own struggles with mental health challenges. My experiences inspired the mission of The Helping Heal to educate, equip, and empower individuals to manage their mental health, as well as provide accessible resources to those seeking help. My strength and perseverance in overcoming my own mental health challenges ignited my passion for mental health advocacy.
My personal experiences have also allowed me to develop an innate understanding of the challenges that those living with mental illness face. I have a candid and authentic approach to sharing my experiences and struggles and it has helped many individuals who have been touched by mental illness. Other ways I advocate for mental health are through speaking engagements and events, talks and discussions, and some written works, including the book “Liv & Gabby: Brighter Days Ahead.” The book tells the story of two cousins who experience the effects of depression in their family and the valuable lessons they learn as they navigate through their challenging times. It provides a relatable and accessible approach to addressing mental health issues to children and emphasizes the impact of mental illness on the entire family. My prayer is for my mission to continue to inspire hope and love, reminding us that with compassion and empathy, we can help those who are struggling in their time of need.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been an easy or smooth road or process. While I am passionate about The Helping Heal and mental health awareness, the journey has been challenging. There’s regular challenges that come with entrepreneurship, including finances, time management, marketing, and promotions. These challenges were exacerbated by the demands of my full-time job. Furthermore, I had to cope and manage my own mental health while empowering others. Writing “Liv & Gabby: Brighter Days Ahead” added another level of vulnerability, as I had to revisit personal experiences with depression and put them into words. This experience was triggering at times. However, I had supportive family, friends, medical professionals, and publishing team members who believed in me and my visions for The Helping Heal and “Liv & Gabby: Brighter Days Ahead.” Despite the challenges, I know that it has been worth it to make a difference in someone’s mental health journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As an accomplished educator, author, business owner, and mental health advocate, I bring a wealth of experience and qualifications to my work. With 17 years in the education field, I have served in various roles including K-5 elementary teacher, ESOL teacher, instructional coach, and currently serving as a high school assistant principal.
I am the Founder and CEO of The Helping Hill, LLC, a company dedicated to empowering scholars and parents to advocate for educational success. Through personalized learning sessions for students and advocacy workshops for parents, I strive to provide the tools and guidance necessary for individuals to achieve their academic goals. I am proud to have been recognized as the 2021 Grady Young Foundation Black Business of the Gainesville/Hall County Community.
I am also the Founder and CEO of The Helping Heal, LLC, where I focus on mental health advocacy and awareness. While I am not a mental health clinician or medical professional, I utilize my extensive knowledge and personal experiences to offer support, encouragement, and assistance to individuals and their loved ones facing mental health challenges. I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to help others during their most vulnerable times and to make a positive impact on their mental health journeys. This is the work that I’m most passionate about and fuels my purpose in life.
What sets me apart from others is the unique combination of my expertise in education and my passion and dedication to mental health advocacy. Having navigated my own mental health challenges, I am truly humbled to have the privilege of helping others during their most vulnerable times. I firmly believe in the transformative power of education and mental health support, and I am committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those I serve. By transforming personal pain into a purpose, I have been granted invaluable opportunities to support, assist, and uplift individuals on their mental health journeys.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I am grateful to so many individuals who have played significant roles in my personal and professional success. While it is difficult to name everyone, there are a few special people and groups I would like to highlight.
Thank you, God, for placing this calling on my life and for equipping me with the necessary skills and abilities to help others. I am incredibly thankful for the gifts, purpose, and passion that you have bestowed upon me. Your divine guidance and trust in me have been my salvation through the ups and downs of this journey. Your divine wisdom and grace have been the guiding light that leads me toward fulfilling my purpose.
I owe a tremendous amount of credit to my mother, Brenda Ray. Her unwavering support and belief in me have fueled my drive to succeed in both my business endeavors and life as a whole. She has always had faith in my abilities, even when I doubted myself, and her unwavering encouragement and support has been invaluable.
I must also acknowledge my medical team, whose expertise and dedication have been essential in ensuring my physical and mental well-being. Without their continuous support, I would not have been able to perform at my best and continue pursuing my goals. Their commitment to keeping me in peak condition is deeply appreciated.
A special mention goes out to my publishing team, consisting of Stephanie, Monica, and Calvin. Without their unwavering dedication and hard work, the Liv & Gabby project wouldn’t have come to fruition. They embraced my vision and poured their heart and soul into making it a reality. I am truly grateful for their efforts, even during times when I couldn’t be fully involved.
I am blessed to have an incredible team working alongside me at The Helping Heal. The dedication and hard work of Ashley, Lauren, and Min’Lea have been instrumental in bringing the mission and vision of The Helping Heal to life. Through their efforts, they have helped me turn ideas into realities, and I am endlessly thankful for their commitment and understanding.
To my love, Marco, I extend my deepest appreciation for accepting, encouraging, and supporting me on this journey. Your unwavering belief in me have propelled me forward. Your presence is a constant source of motivation, and I cherish your support immensely.
Wednesday Rae Hill (and Shannon), you’re the best support dog around. Thank you for bringing joy, comfort, and support into my life.
Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to my entire family. You may not fully realize it, but everything I do is for us. The creation of The Helping Heal was inspired by the desire to prioritize mental health within our family and break the cycle of keeping it a secret. To my grandparents, Carrie and MJ, and to Velma Jean, Bo, and Kirk, thank you for instilling in me the values and drive to make you proud. Your support has been invaluable.
To all the other family members, friends, and team members who have contributed to my success, I am deeply grateful for your presence and support. Each and every one of you has played a part in shaping who I am today, and I will continue to strive for greatness, knowing that I have such amazing individuals walking alongside me.
Pricing:
- Liv & Gabby: Brighter Days Ahead-$12.99 plus tax
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thehelpingheal.com
- Other: https://bit.ly/LivandGabby
Image Credits
Professional Headshot: Sunny Lee Photography
