A Community Conversation: Women's Paths from Prison to Community

Illinois Humanities' Grantee Partner Dr. Treasure Shields Redmond is a published poet, community arts organizer, and entrepreneur. She began in the music industry and was signed by M.C. Hammer’s record label before returning to school for advanced degrees in English Literature and Creative Writing.

In 2016, she founded How To Find Scholarships, with the aim of helping college-bound teens attend top-tier schools without incurring massive debt. Dr. Shields Redmond is the founder and proprietor of Feminine Pronoun Consultants, LLC, a home for all the services she provides. She founded The Community Archive in 2022.

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Natasha has a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville. While in graduate school, she interned at Touchette Regional Hospital facilitating adult and adolescent groups comprised of individuals with various mental health issues. 

Natasha's focus is on Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Substance Abuse. Her eclectic theoretical approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, stress, anger management, and more. She worked for several years as a Substance Abuse Counselor. Natasha also has over 15 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities. 

Natasha is passionate about working from a strength-based perspective and walking alongside each client in their therapeutic journey. She believes that emotional wellness is a commitment that women should make to themselves and see as a priority. 

Natasha is an active member of Xi Zeta of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Order of the Eastern Stars, and the American Business Women’s Association.

Dominique Shelton, who studied criminal justice at IIT Technology Institute, is a 31-year-old poet, artist, and author. Shelton lets her poetry and art speak volumes to Love, Life, and Lust. She has a passion for writing, acting, and modeling. 

Eight years ago, she, along with her business partner/best friend, created an open mic showcase called Melting of the Minds, as well as, an art group called Asa Sistas. Asa means cultural in the African language Yoruba. 

She and her partner intend on creating a youth art program and one day opening their own art school.

Dr. Regina Parnell has 30 years of social work experience in child welfare, community organizing, mental health services, and advocacy. She serves as the Program Manager for the Embrace Co-Responder Program with the East St. Louis Police Department, leading efforts in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and victim support. 

As a Wraparound trainer of trainers and facilitators, Dr. Parnell has equipped professionals with the tools to support families effectively. Additionally, as Board Chair of First Followers Reentry, she advocates for individuals transitioning back into their communities after incarceration. 

A devoted mother of two sons and grandmother to two cherished grandchildren, Dr. Parnell is passionately committed to strengthening communities, particularly for Black families.

More to come.