Kem grew up with two sisters and 3 brothers,Lorraine, Alberta, James, Sammy, and Kenny. Kem recalls how she enjoyed going on outings to upstate New York. Springfield Valley was a place where Kem's mother, Evelyn, and her father, Sam would take all the kids too. Kem remembers how peaceful the park was compared to where she lived, South bronx in New York. At the age of 12, Kem knew she was to start on a journey to success. Kem's mother, Evelyn, and her fifth grade teacher, Ms. Pisacane inspired her to pursue the field of art and education. During her teen years, Kem rose above the neighborhood challenges in the south Bronx of New York, and ventured into the world of art. Attending High School of Art and Design, she created art visuals that went viral in the streets of New York City. Kem was invited by a famous
magazine to feature the cultural African American garb. The layout consisted of Kem decked out in a turban, halter top, holding a basket of fruit. The island flavor depicted in her pose and body language was certainly a tantalizing experience. In the 1970s, Kem worked diligently to promote her “artistic” talents which paid off when hired as a “drape artist” for Bloomingdales, NewYork’s finest clothing store. She the decide to go into a “helping” profession. Kem attended New York City College and majored in Sociology. Although spending one year at the college, Kem was faced with a family crisis which brought her to South Carolina. This move, although sudden, did not slow down Kem’s determination to make a success out of her life. Kem attended Trident Technical College in the 1980s with an award in the “Who’s Who Among Outstanding Juniors”. She was so inspired by her accomplishment, Kem went on to a 4-year college, College of Charleston in SC. Her career choice was education. Kem completed the education program with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. The journey in the helping field began shortly after graduation. She went on to teach from 1991 -2011, a total of 18 years. Kem’s experience in teaching was the motivating factor in writing “Chandler the Handler...YouCan’t Bully Me”. It’s a title that Kem lends to the many years of experience in the teaching field. She noticed children of all ages handle their disagreements with a “fist” instead of “communication”. It is Kem’s goal to help children and teens adapt a “proactive” approach to bullying by
choosing to use peaceful dialogue to resolve differences. Middle 1990s was brought hurtful and challenging circumstances. Kem faced the death of her mother in 1995 due to negligence by a physician. When seeking remedy through legal means, Kem was devastated by the response she received from attorneys in South Carolina. The pain and grief inspired Kem to write “Life Gave Me A Twist”. This book features all the experiences Kem faced while growing up in the South Bronx but the climax, in this publication, is the sudden death of her dear mother, Evelyn whom she cherished. Kem has continued to push for justice in South Carolina in cases that fit the profile of her mother’s tragic experience. Although this event brought Kem grief, she continued to seek further education to fulfill her purpose in making her life a success. Kem decided,once again, to pursue a career in counseling. She attended Webster University with a major in clinical counseling. Kem graduated in 1999 and went on to open a private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor in South Carolina. Kem’s journey has a beginning, but no end. She continues to seek opportunities to improve herself and Kem considers herself a “Lifetime Learner”