We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jonathan Kelly . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jonathan below.
Hi Jonathan , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
My current book Trauma Monsters: A Collection of Poetry is my most meaningful work to date. It’s taken me 7 years to write these pieces and in that time I’ve grown both personally and creatively.
Jonathan , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m originally from Miami, but currently live in the Treasure Coast. As a youth, I found an outlet for my trauma in theater and creative writing. For a quarter of a century, I have dedicated my life to changing lives where I serve as a program coordinator for Concept Health Systems (@CHSPR3VENT). Guiding these young peer educators, I hope to empower them to make a positive impact in their communities. A veteran of the US Armed Forces as well as a veteran of the poetry slam scene, I most recently took 4th place in the 2023 Blackberry Peach Festival National Poetry Slam in WestDes Moines and 1st place in the Juneteenth Slam in St. Petersburg. My latest project is “Trauma Monsters: A Collection of Poetry,” which is available on all major platforms.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
During my teen years I was houseless without stable or suitable living conditions. This situation can complicate the lives of many but a developing child could be forever scarred. It forced me to grow up fast and ignore some of the things that make growing up fun. Survival became more important than education but having a creative outlet was my saving grace. It was the only reason I went to school every day. And all these years later, it’s never let me down.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My newest passion is mentoring and coaching developing artists. Whether it’s writing, acting, or some other artistic expression, I’m elated to see the spark in their eyes ignite. I call my collective The Pen Hedz, which are a group of likeminded creatives from different backgrounds and disciplines.
Contact Info:
- Website: beeccentrich.org
- Instagram: @poetjonkel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jondavidk?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Poetjonkel?si=UeFCNopgnz52RHKL