Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Kerry-Ann Zamore.
Hi Dr. Kerry-Ann, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began writing as a teen, long before I fully understood that storytelling would become my life’s calling. What started as journal entries and short creative pieces slowly evolved into a deeper commitment to capture the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of the people around me. My early career in social work and mental health exposed me to profound human stories—stories of courage, trauma, hope, and transformation. These encounters shaped my voice and reinforced my belief that narrative is one of the most powerful tools for healing and connection.
As I continued writing, my work naturally expanded to the stage and screen. Playwriting and filmmaking allowed me to give voice to experiences often left unseen, weaving together themes of faith, identity, resilience, and spiritual restoration. Each project became an opportunity to honor lived experience and invite audiences into spaces of reflection and renewal.
Today, as a playwright, filmmaker, and author, my creative work is grounded in authenticity and driven by purpose. I create stories that uplift, challenge, and affirm the inherent dignity of individuals and communities. Whether developing a film, shaping a theatrical production, or writing a book, I remain committed to using storytelling as a transformative force—one that inspires healing, embodies truth, and strengthens the human spirit.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smooth. There were seasons when the weight of life felt almost unbearable, and I questioned whether I could continue. I experienced two failed marriages—one marked by domestic violence—and those chapters left deep emotional and financial scars. I lost everything twice and had to rebuild my life from the ground up, learning resilience one painful step at a time. There were days I wanted to walk away from my calling entirely. Yet, my faith became my anchor. I leaned on prayer, community, and the conviction that God still had purpose for my life. That faith, combined with determination and a refusal to quit, carried me forward. Each setback strengthened my resolve to rise again. Today, every story I tell is shaped by that journey—proof that perseverance, healing, and divine grace can turn even the hardest seasons into sources of strength.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In addition to my creative work, my professional life is grounded in academic leadership and human-service practice. I serve as a professor at Baylor University, where I have the privilege of teaching and mentoring future social workers and leaders. My academic path includes a PhD in Social Work from the University of Southern California, along with advanced degrees in Social Work, Education, and Psychology. These disciplines allow me to integrate clinical insight, research, and pedagogical excellence into the classroom. Beyond teaching, I engage in program development, community partnerships, and research focused on mental health, resilience, and faith-informed practice.
This background has grounded my skills as a writer and expanded my creative lenses, enabling me to approach storytelling with depth, cultural awareness, and emotional authenticity. I am most proud of achieving academic success despite the difficult seasons I endured. I believe my unique background sets me apart as a writer, director, and actress, allowing me to bring both scholarly rigor and lived experience to every project I create.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality that has been most essential to my success is resilience. My journey has included significant challenges—personal, academic, and professional—and resilience allowed me to rise after every setback. It kept me grounded when circumstances were overwhelming and pushed me to keep moving even when the path felt uncertain.
Alongside resilience, my faith has been a guiding force. It shaped my perspective, strengthened my determination, and reminded me that purpose can emerge from pain. Finally, I would add intentionality—being deliberate about how I show up as a professor, writer, director, and actress. These qualities together have enabled me to remain focused, grow through adversity, and continue pursuing excellence in every space I occupy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kzamore.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkzamore/
- Facebook: Dr.Kerry-Ann Zamore Facebook
- LinkedIn: Dr.Kerry ann Zamore
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com
- Other: https://www.zamorefoundation.org
Image Credits
Khanetic Images
