In my third article on inspiring woman this month, I am excited  to introduce  my interview with Kelly Marie Hamon- a dynamic trainer. When I first started talking with Kelly and getting to know her, I was stuck by her passion and energy. I just had to get to Kelly to share  her journey . Kelly has an amazing story of courage, strength and inner wisdom.  I hope you are as inspired as I am.

A brief background

I taught many years within the community before becoming a professional teacher in 2004. When I was a young child I was diagnosed with a learning disability. I’ve just learnt differently than others. My challenges have made me a dynamic instructor/trainer. I have a unique perspective on learning and have been able to assist many people who were falling through the cracks.

When I was a young child I was diagnosed with a learning disability in English (reading/writing) and Math. I often joke; ‘English isn’t my first language’. I could not read until 8 th grade. No one believed I would be able to get through high school. I remember hearing my mother cry to her friend about my disability and her concern for my future.

When I was 14, I attended an early morning program in the L.D.S. Church.That year they were reading the New Testament. I wanted to be able to read like everyone else was, this is what I call positive peer pressure. So every night I tried, and prayed to be able to read…this went on for quite a while with marginal success until one day I found I was able to read the scriptures by myself. I went on to get an Associates Degree, a Bachelors Degree and  then a Masters Degree.

Your journey to become a trainer and the obstacles you overcame

My mother was always  supportive, she always told me I could do anything I set my mind to. In my first student teaching experience,  the teacher in charge was very critical. The experience was terrible. Thankfully a dear and sweet teacher gave me rave reviews and gave me tons of opportunities–-she trusted and believed in me and built me up.

I thought I would be seen as a fraud if anyone knew about my disabilities because I continued to see myself as stupid. Some days I still struggle, specially if I’m stressed. It wasn’t until 2014 that I began to openly talk about my disabilities, listening to my inner voice and my extremely supportive husband -I felt it was time. My students positive responses gave me the courage to tell my story/struggles to others–-it’s been freeing to finally be open about that part of me.

Lessons you would tell your younger self

My top 5 lessons are:

1. “You are not your disability”
2. “Believe in yourself”
3.  “Walk through the fires of fear because you have plenty of gifts to share and bless peoples lives with”
4. ”Realize your disability will help you understand others”
5.  ”Listen to the supportive voices of friends and family and stay away from people who would bring you down”.

Hopes/goals/exciting news for the future

I started my business this year–-I teach small business owners,  entrepreneurs and educators how to use social media effectively. Find out more here:https://twitter.com/KellyHamon

My ultimate goals is to be on stage, talking to 1,000 people and getting them to do things they never thought they would be able to do. I also want to become a philanthropist like my friend , who believed in me and my abilities to become a trainer.

I hoped you enjoyed!

http://vi-et-animo.com