In this graduate spotlight, we share the remarkable journey of Shelondrea Johnson, an inspiring graduate whose story is one of courage, resilience, and transformation. Aside from just academic success, her path reflects faith and strength through profound personal loss, and a mission to turn hardship into meaningful impact. From professional achievements to launching a purpose-driven business, Shelondrea’s journey embodies compassion, clarity, and the power of leading with intention. In this interview, she reflected on her formative experiences, her transformative time at Ross, and the deeply personal work she continues today. Her story shows the difference one person can make when guided by purpose.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
It’s genuinely my pleasure to be here and to share my journey. My upbringing, I would describe as being quite unique and, in retrospect, absolutely foundational to the woman I’ve become today. My mom had me when she was 33 years old, and from my earliest memories, she always, without fail, called me her “miracle baby.” It wasn’t just a sweet term of endearment; it carried profound weight and significance. She faced a really hard and long battle with breast cancer at a very early age and had endured numerous health complications stemming from it. Doctors had given her the devastating news that it was highly unlikely she would ever be able to have more children. So, my arrival was truly seen as an unexpected blessing. For the first years of my life, it was primarily just my mom and me living together. My biological father, unfortunately, wasn’t a consistent presence in my life, which, as a child, left a void. However, I was incredibly fortunate and blessed to have my maternal grandparents step in with an immense amount of love and support. They truly became like solid pillars in my life, providing a stable, nurturing, and spiritually rich environment that I credit for so much of my early development and growth.
Another important aspect of my upbringing was my strong spiritual foundation. I was raised in the church from a very young age, and Christianity has consistently served as the central, guiding force throughout my entire life. To this very day, I believe with every fiber of my being that it is because of God’s boundless grace and divine intervention that I am not only still standing here but thriving against what seemed like odds. I often reflect, with a sense of profound gratitude, on how I managed to beat so many daunting statistics. Both my mom and my dad, tragically, struggled significantly with substance abuse and the severe misuse of medications. Given their personal battles, there was a very real, tangible risk that I could have been born with various disabilities or faced severe developmental shortcomings. But, by the grace of God, I was spared from those profound physical and mental struggles, and through faith and perseverance, I’ve been able to overcome countless other obstacles and challenges that have arisen throughout my life. This deep faith, which was instilled in me from a young age, has truly been my anchor, providing comfort, strength, and direction when everything else felt uncertain.
In terms of my broader family structure, I am the youngest, the “baby” of the family, on both my mom’s side and my dad’s side. My mom has one other daughter, my older sister Chandria, and yes, you’ll notice our names are quite similar! On my dad’s side, I have one brother and three more sisters. So, it’s a large extended family, but the immediate household dynamic that shaped me most directly was the one with my mom in my early years. I lived with her consistently up until the latter part of my fifth-grade year. At that pivotal point, my grandparents officially took me in, and I lived with them throughout the remainder of my childhood and well into my adult years. Their home wasn’t just a place to live; it truly became my sanctuary, my consistent safe haven, my stable and loving ground where I felt deeply cherished and protected.
You mentioned your upbringing; could you elaborate on where you primarily grew up during those years?
Yes, absolutely. I primarily grew up in the city of Muskegon, Michigan. It’s a place that still holds a very special spot in my heart, and I find myself going back there quite often. It’s fairly close to Grand Rapids, where I spend a lot of time, and of course, Grand Haven is a lovely nearby destination as well. I considered Muskegon my true home. I lived there up until the latter half of my tenth-grade year. At that point, a significant life change occurred: my sister, who was actively serving in the military, received orders that led her to move to New Jersey. And I moved in with her. It was a pretty big shift, a completely new environment and culture, particularly impactful during those crucial, formative high school years. I spent a couple of years living there, gaining a very different perspective on life and experiencing a different pace. However, after that period, we eventually made the difficult but necessary decision to move back to Michigan. This return was primarily driven by my grandmother’s health. She began to get quite sick, and it became evident that she needed more consistent and dedicated care. My grandpa, a wonderful man, was doing his best, but he needed assistance in caring for her, and we felt it was our duty and our heart’s desire to be there to support them through that challenging time. In a way, it felt like my life was coming full circle, returning to the very place and the very people who had shaped so much of my early existence.
Looking back now, with the benefit of age and a much broader perspective, I can reflect on those early years. There were certainly times when I harbored feelings of confusion, or even a sense of abandonment, questioning why my mom and dad didn’t “do more” or “do better” in their roles as parents. It’s a natural sentiment for a child in such circumstances. But as I’ve matured and gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of life, I’ve come to realize that they genuinely did the absolute best they could with the emotional, mental, and spiritual resources they possessed at that particular time. They were, in essence, navigating their own profound personal battles and challenges. And in that same vein of reflection, my immense gratitude for my grandparents only continues to deepen, growing stronger with each passing year. I thank God every single day that I ended up in their loving and stable care, rather than facing the uncertainty and potential difficulties of being placed into the foster care system. It serves as a constant, powerful reminder of the incredible blessings, protection, and divine guidance I’ve received throughout my entire life. It truly is incredibly difficult to fully comprehend and process such complex situations when you’re deeply immersed in them, living through them as a child. But with time, and looking back with the clarity that experience provides, as the old saying goes, hindsight truly is 20/20. You begin to discern the hand of God, the hidden blessings, and the precise path that was meticulously carved out for you, even through the most challenging and arduous terrains of life.
Looking at your academic journey, how did you ultimately end up at Ross?
My path to Ross was intertwined with sorrow and an overwhelming, almost desperate need for a new direction, a new sense of purpose in my life. It was 2016 when I made the definitive decision to enroll at Ross, and this pivotal choice came just a few short weeks after the devastating loss of my infant son, Princeton. It’s a wound that, even now, never fully heals; it remains a part of me. But even with that excruciating pain, it undeniably became a powerful catalyst for a profound change in my life’s trajectory.
My husband, my oldest daughter Justice, and I were living in North Carolina at the time when I was pregnant with Princeton. He was born with cerebral palsy due to severe, unforeseen complications during labor and delivery. He was the most precious, angelic little soul, and we cherished every single moment with him. We were blessed to have him before he passed away on January 29, 2016, tragically just a little over a week before he would have celebrated his six-month birthday. The grief that followed was overwhelming, an all-encompassing darkness that threatened to consume everything.
Immediately after his passing, we made the incredibly difficult but necessary decision to move back to Muskegon. We simply didn’t have any established family support system there in North Carolina, and we desperately needed to be close to our loved ones, our core support network, during such an emotionally raw time. Once we were back in Michigan, a profound realization began to dawn on me, deep within my soul. I knew, with an undeniable certainty, that I needed to do something for myself. While I still had to be a strong, present mom to my daughter, Justice, I also felt an immense, almost desperate need to keep myself busy, to channel the raw, aching energy of my grief into something constructive, something meaningful, something that was just for me.
Ever since I was a tiny little girl I had always, always dreamed of becoming a nurse. It wasn’t a passing childhood dream, it was an ingrained, persistent dream that resonated deep within my spirit. My grandmother, bless her heart, would often recount stories about how I would constantly, without prompting, declare, “I want to be a nurse!” It was a calling, a path that felt intrinsically mine. So, when I was navigating that intensely painful period of grief after losing Princeton, that dream resurfaced with a fierce urgency. I knew, with absolute clarity, that I had to pursue a path that I had a genuine passion for.
That burning desire led me to embark on extensive research into various healthcare programs. I had already spent many years working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, a CNA, and while I found immense fulfillment in the direct, hands-on care I provided to patients, I also knew, deep down, that I yearned for something more. I wanted a deeper level of responsibility, a broader scope of practice, and a more significant impact within the healthcare field. I also recognized, honestly, that going directly into a full, rigorous nursing program might be too overwhelming, too emotionally taxing, in my immediate state of profound grief. I needed something that would offer a more “short gratification,” a tangible goal that I could achieve relatively quickly. I needed something to get my feet wet again, to get my mental wheels turning, to just get me started on this daunting, yet hopeful, new chapter of my life. That’s precisely what led me to Ross and their medical assistant program. It felt like the perfect bridge, a solid, practical foundation upon which I could build my broader healthcare career aspirations. It was a way to re-immerse myself in the vital, dynamic world of healthcare that had always called to me, a decision born out of deep pain, yes, but also out of a strong determination to find purpose and meaning again, to transform my sorrow into service.
It’s truly inspiring how you found the strength to channel such profound pain into pursuing your lifelong dream. When did you graduate from Ross?
I graduated from Ross in September of 2017. And let me tell you, that period was a journey, not just of academic pursuit but immense personal growth and healing. It was certainly not always a smooth road paved with “roses and flowers,” as the saying goes. There were moments of intense challenge, times when I had to dig incredibly deep within myself to find the sheer willpower and motivation to keep pushing forward, especially with the emotional weight I was still carrying. However, despite any difficulties I encountered, it was, without a shadow of a doubt, a truly good journey, and more importantly, it was desperately needed for me in so many different ways. It wasn’t about acquiring a set of medical assisting skills or earning a diploma; it was about the process of healing, finding a renewed sense of purpose, and meticulously rebuilding myself, piece by painful piece, during a very vulnerable time in my life.
One of the most enriching and enduring aspects of my time at Ross was the genuine connections I made with my classmates. They were truly incredible individuals, and we quickly formed a remarkably strong bond, a true cohort, supporting each other through the rigorous coursework. To this very day, I actively maintain those connections; when I see them, there’s always an immediate and a genuine desire to catch up on our lives. Those relationships were, and remain, absolutely invaluable. And then there was my instructor, Miss Holly. She was phenomenal. Her presence, her guidance, her wisdom, and her belief in each and every one of her students left an indelible mark on me. She was far more than just a teacher; she was a mentor, a guiding light, someone who genuinely invested her heart and soul into our success, both academically and personally. In fact, she has even graciously provided references for me years after I graduated, which speaks volumes about the lasting, positive impact she had on my professional and personal trajectory.
I truly believe that in our lowest moments, during deep vulnerability and struggle, we discover our most authentic passions and find who we’re meant to be. That was my experience at Ross. It wasn’t just about skills; it was about reigniting a flame of purpose and dedication. I always knew I had a profound passion for caring for people, and Ross solidified that, providing the skills to confidently continue. It felt like a natural continuation of my life’s work; I’ve honestly felt involved in healthcare my entire life, even caring for my mom from a young age. It’s simply embedded in my DNA, an intrinsic part of who I am and what I’m called to do.
That’s such a beautiful and powerful reflection. You also received the Michigan Works 2025 Impact Award. Can you tell us more about that significant recognition?
Being chosen for the Michigan Works 2025 Impact Award was an incredible honor. It came through a partnership between Michigan Works and Hackley Community Care’s employee retention program. I started at Hackley on August 8, 2021, my grandmother’s birthday, which felt like a divinely guided start despite other job offers.
However, soon after beginning, I faced an intense whirlwind of personal challenges, including difficult relationships, multiple surgeries, and financial strain. My HR department, with compassion, suggested their employee retention program. Though I dislike asking for help, I desperately needed support, so I reached out. My retention coach, Cara, listened empathetically and connected me to invaluable resources.
Months later, Cara shared the astonishing news of my anonymous selection for the award. It was surreal; you don’t expect such profound recognition when seeking help during struggles. The award recognized my deep commitment and passion for our community and patients, specifically my dedication to going above and beyond in holistic care.
Accepting the award meant publicly sharing my vulnerable story, which was challenging, but my sister’s conviction that I was deserving helped me say yes. This award now means an immeasurable amount, confirming that our compassionate, often unseen work truly matters. It’s a profound reflection of everyone who’s supported me, a collective recognition that reaffirms my purpose. It provides renewed energy to keep pushing forward, knowing my efforts bear fruit. My deepest motives stem from my faith, love for my children, and the privilege of serving others. Understanding struggle empowers me to be a source of light and hope, which is what relentlessly keeps me going every single day.
To clarify, did these challenges that led to the award happen after you graduated from Ross?
Yes, that’s an excellent point. These challenges, which ultimately connected me with the retention program and the Michigan Works Impact Award, occurred after my Ross graduation in September 2017. I started my current job at Hackley Community Care on August 8, 2021, so there was a period between graduating and facing these difficulties – the negative relationships, health issues, and financial strain. This whirlwind of personal challenges began after I’d already settled into my career post-graduation. It was a new chapter, bringing its own unique trials that I navigated with faith and support.
Moving to your current professional life, what are you doing now at Hackley Community Care?
Currently, I am incredibly dedicated and deeply immersed in my work at Hackley Community Care, specifically within their Integrated Health Care Clinic. My official role there is as a phone specialist, though within the team, we’re often affectionately called “phone nurses,” a title I quite appreciate as it speaks to the depth of care we provide. In essence, I serve as the primary and often the first point of contact for many of our patients, effectively acting as the crucial liaison, the bridge, between them and our network of healthcare providers. My days are incredibly dynamic, multifaceted, and often unpredictable, as I diligently triage a vast array of incoming calls, each one representing a unique patient need or concern. This encompasses everything from meticulously scheduling appointments for both routine check-ups and urgent, time-sensitive needs, to carefully processing refills for patient medications, handling complex and often challenging prior authorizations that require navigating intricate insurance complexities and provider requirements, and efficiently managing our internal referrals to specialized departments or external specialists. You could say my hands are truly involved in many different aspects of patient care and administrative coordination, and it requires a comprehensive understanding of our services, our protocols, and, most importantly, our diverse patient population’s individual needs.
A very significant aspect of my work, and one that resonates profoundly and intimately with me, is that we serve a large and vulnerable population of patients who are navigating serious mental health issues, formidable challenges with substance abuse, and also individuals living with intellectual disabilities. This particular area of healthcare hits incredibly close to home for me, deep within my heart. As I shared earlier, my beloved son Princeton had cerebral palsy, which means I understand the profound challenges and unique needs that come with caring for individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, my dear mother has struggled with her own mental health issues throughout her life, giving me a firsthand understanding of the complexities and sensitivities involved in supporting individuals through those battles. Because of these deeply personal experiences, working with our patients in this capacity isn’t just a job on a paycheck; it’s a genuine calling, a deeply felt mission that is intensely, profoundly rewarding. It’s more than just a task; it’s an opportunity to connect and make a difference.
What I find most rewarding are the genuine human connections I build with patients. Sometimes, they just need to hear my voice, not medical advice. One remarkable patient, struggling with addiction, told me with tears in her eyes, “Shelondrea, it’s because of you that I did not use drugs again. I literally hear your voice in my head telling me, ‘Don’t do it. You are strong. You are capable. I have faith in you.'” She calls me every week to check in. While I support her, my ultimate aim is to equip her with the self-reliance needed for her recovery. This profound, transformative impact on someone’s life is deeply meaningful. It proves that genuine care, empathy, and belief in another person can truly change their entire life’s trajectory, transcending typical responsibilities to touch souls and inspire hope.
That’s an incredible testament to the deep, meaningful impact you’re having. Within your current work, you also mentioned starting your own business, The Bigger Picture Collective. Could you tell us more about that exciting venture?
My deep desire to truly connect with people and get to the heart of their needs propelled me to launch The Bigger Picture Collective. It’s more than a business; it’s a personal philosophy, a burgeoning movement where “healing begins and vision expands.”
This collective is a powerful, empowering movement for dreamers, healers, and overcomers. It’s a vibrant, nurturing community where faith, profound personal healing, and limitless vision seamlessly intertwine. Our core purpose is to help individuals see beyond current struggles and embrace the magnificent, purposeful future God designed for them, especially when they can’t envision it themselves. We aim to offer consistent encouragement, profound clarity, and a renewed sense of hope for the journey ahead.
You’d be surprised how many people lack a fundamental support system, feeling isolated and needing someone to truly listen without judgment. They often just need to verbalize their anxieties, hopes, and confusion. God has truly bestowed upon me the incredible gift of discernment. For a long time, I dismissed it as coincidence when someone crossed my mind, or I felt an urge to pray, only to discover later they were going through immense trials at that exact moment. But I’ve learned these connections and insights cannot be mere coincidences; life has a mysterious, beautiful way of unfolding with perfect, divine timing.
Many people, from colleagues to strangers, ask me, “How did you know?” I even recall my boss, navigating a difficult personal situation, telling me, “Shelondrea, you knew. You truly knew before I even knew myself. You felt it,” after I told her I’d been praying for her before she received a challenging diagnosis. This profound ability to connect, this intuitive understanding, this deep empathy is precisely where the essence of The Bigger Picture Collective stems from. I’m continually learning when to speak, when to remain silent, and when to offer guidance. But I know with certainty that I possess a voice of healing, a voice that passionately champions vision, and a voice brimming with encouragement. My deepest desire is to be a steadfast, empathetic soundboard, a safe space where people can unpack burdens, gain clarity, and begin to envision a more hopeful, expansive, and divinely purposed future.
Do you have a website or social media presence for The Bigger Picture Collective that our readers can check out?
I’m thrilled about The Bigger Picture Collective! We’re building our online presence, starting with Instagram. It’s currently my main platform for connecting with our community, sharing insights, and building momentum. You can find us at @thebiggerpicturecollective. Please follow us there to foster encouragement, cultivate healing, and collectively envision a brighter future!
Finally, looking ahead, what are your future plans and goals, both professionally and personally, including with your business?
Professionally, I’ll continue my deeply meaningful work at Hackley Community Care. I love the connections I make and the positive impact I have on patients, so I’m not leaving anytime soon. Long-term, my passionate goal is to open a respite center for children with disabilities, directly inspired by my son Princeton’s experience and the immense needs of tirelessly caring families. I also envision opening an adult foster care home, addressing a significant unmet need for compassionate, high-quality care for adults with intellectual disabilities or mental health challenges.
Beyond these facilities, my overarching aim is to continue growing, embodying the leader I’m meant to be. This means leveraging my experiences to guide and inspire others, consistently pouring into people through mentorship, advocacy, and creating new systems of support within the community.
A tremendous amount of my focus will also be on expanding The Bigger Picture Collective. I have an expansive vision for its transformative impact, dreaming of empowering individuals, consulting with businesses on supportive work environments and mental wellness, and bringing our message of hope and resilience directly into schools. When people hear raw, authentic stories of overcoming adversity, it resonates deeply. I’ve walked through many challenges and believe those who transform their traumas into something good for humanity have the most impactful influence. Lived experience offers so much knowledge.
Ultimately, my deepest aspiration is to simply be a light to others. That is the true end goal, the relentless driving force behind everything I do. Because I hold the firm belief that there is profound, divine purpose in my pain, I know that as long as I can illuminate the path for others, offer hope in their darkest moments, and bring light into their shadows, I am fulfilling my purpose here on Earth. “Purpose in your pain” is a powerful, guiding mantra.
This purpose extends beautifully to my children, my anchors and constant source of joy. After losing Princeton, I was blessed with another son, Kingston, born in 2018. Kingston, our wonderful baby, carries Princeton’s vibrant spirit; he has an incredibly magnetic charm that draws everyone to him, just as Princeton did. It feels like a beautiful continuation, a comforting echo of love and light across time, reminding us that love never truly dies.
Shelondrea, your story is truly remarkable and deeply moving. You’ve faced unimaginable hardships with incredible strength and grace, transforming your experiences into a powerful force for good. Your dedication to your community, patients, and The Bigger Picture Collective is inspiring. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary journey and invaluable insights.
Thank you so very much for giving me this platform and this incredibly meaningful opportunity to share my story. It genuinely means the world to me.
Shelondrea’s journey reminds us that even after profound loss, we can heal and find purpose again while making an impact. Her foundational education at Ross was a crucial step in her healthcare career, but it’s her compassion, guiding faith, and entrepreneurial spirit that truly shapes her community. Shelondrea’s story is a true inspiration, and Ross is incredibly proud to count her among our graduates. We’re eager to see the ongoing growth and impact of The Bigger Picture Collective.