Natea Kimbrough
I am a Christian wife and mother who is passionate about spreading the love of Jesus Christ by demonstrating the difference between relationship and religion. I operate in the gift of helping others and have a heart for serving people at every stage of need, reminding them that even in the darkest moments there is always a brighter side through God. I enjoy blogging, attending church events, spending time with family and friends, trying new places to eat, and traveling. I have served others professionally since 2017, with a strong foundation and expertise in social work.
My passion for social work is deeply personal. I know what it feels like to lack what is needed to live a fulfilled life. I understand the pain of being bullied for things beyond my control my appearance, my weight, my features, and even the way I spoke. I have experienced being judged for being Black while being told I “spoke white.” I know what it feels like to search for love in the wrong places because I didn’t know my worth, and to suffer from low self-esteem due to the absence of healthy examples of how a woman should be treated.
I am also a survivor of domestic violence. I know what it is like to be controlled, physically harmed, bleeding, and fearful for my life far away from support. I know the exhaustion of pouring into relationships with family, friends, and partners without appreciation or acknowledgment. I know what it feels like to be misunderstood, displaced, and moving from place to place while trying to figure life out alone. Through those experiences, I ultimately learned that relying fully on God would have changed everything and that lesson now fuels my purpose.
Educationally, I am a graduate of Michigan State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. After graduating in 2017, I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant while gaining hands-on experience through research and mentorship in social work. In 2018, I served as a Youth Residential Support Worker in a foster care teen group home, supporting adolescents with a range of mental health needs while encouraging independence.
In December 2019, I was offered my first official social work role as a Families First Worker, providing intensive, home-based crisis intervention services to families at risk of out-of-home placement and termination of parental rights. In August 2021, I intentionally stepped away to prioritize my mental health. I returned in February 2022 as a Family Support Worker through Community Mental Health, assisting families with emotional and practical support related to parenting and child wellbeing, including respite care services.
In July 2022, I was promoted to a full time Vocational Specialist, helping adults with developmental disabilities secure meaningful employment. In February 2024, I was promoted again to Client Service Specialist, where I assist individuals with mental disabilities by completing reports, navigating online and paper applications, and facilitating interviews to help them obtain SSI/SSDI benefits.
