Who is Kiwanya Tende

Kiwanya Tende is a passionate advocate for emotional healing, spiritual growth, and personal transformation. As the founder of JerNe Ministries and JerNe Life Coaching and Biblical Counseling, LLC, she dedicates her life to empowering women to overcome life’s challenges and embrace their God-given purpose.

Kiwanya is the author of 30 Days of Healing After Incarceration, a devotional for the hopeless at heart, and Project HOPE, JerNe’s inaugural curriculum addressing trauma from past hurts associated with incarceration. She also developed Project RECOVERY: Recovery God’s Way, a program designed to help individuals heal from trauma caused by non-chemical addictions.

A gifted speaker, facilitator, and Mental Health/Life Coach, Kiwanya is also a Biblical Counselor and future Doctor of Christian Counseling. While her titles and achievements are noteworthy, Kiwanya believes they serve as a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and pursuing the dreams planted deep within, even when life presents obstacles.

Through her ministry and coaching practice, Kiwanya works with young women facing untimely pregnancies, women who have experienced incarceration, and individuals emotionally broken by trauma. She believes true transformation begins with discipleship, Biblical counseling, life coaching, and emotional healing.

Kiwanya’s story is a testament to the belief that one’s past does not define their future—it reveals their purpose. Her journey inspires others to embrace healing, break free from the chains of shame and guilt, and step into the life they were created to live.

Academic Degrees

•Doctor of Christian Counseling (D.CC), anticipated 2025

•Master of Ministry in Christian Counseling (MMCC)

•Bachelor of Arts in Christian Leadership & Ministry (BA)

•Associate of Arts in Psychology Christian Counseling (AA)

Certifications

•Board Certified Christian Life Coach (NACC)

•Board Certified Biblical Christian Counselor (NACC)

•Board Certified Mental Health Coach (BCMHC)

•Board Certified Reentry Peer Specialist (State of Texas)

•Board Certified Recovery Support Peer Specialist (State of Texas)

Licensure

•Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern (LCDC-I), State of Texas

Recovery Training & Specialization

•Life Recovery – 12-Step Program Facilitator

•Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS)

•Reentry Peer Specialist (RPS)