Clinton323web

Inspiration and
Future Endeavors
In the day-to-day of her work, Chandra says she draws
on inspiration from multiple sources. Her three-yearold
daughter, Joelle, is a constant source. “She is a light
that shines so bright in my life that nothing else can
ever compare to; she makes me want to be a better
version of myself daily so that she can continue to
grow to be the amazing individual that I know God
has destined her to be.” Chandra’s older sister, Renisha
Whitley, also serves as a recreational therapist. “We
overcame a lot of adversity in our childhood and had
each other to lean on through it all. The same is true
in our careers,” Chandra noted.
“For many years she worked with individuals
receiving help for various addictions. Seeing the impact
that her program had on the lives of hundreds, even
thousands of people, really inspired me to do more.
I’ve even implemented many techniques that she used in
the past with our Living Young group and have yielded
some amazing results in areas of self-actualization,
acceptance, self-esteem and so much more. She is my
biggest and best cheerleader,” Chandra continued.
Chandra also cites professional influences in two
professors at USM. “Dr. Rick Green and Dr. Brent
Wolfe, were two of my professors at Southern Miss
who embody everything that a recreational therapy
professional should be.” She continues, “Aside from
those two role models, there are countless individuals
within our program who proved that what you achieve
in life is boundless when you are determined, focused,
and have a support system that encourages you to do
all that you can without excuses.”
As Chandra continues to do what she loves, she
notes that she is grateful to do it in the city of Clinton.
“After living here for over 15 years, I can truly say that
Clinton feels more like home than Hattiesburg does,”
she says. “I love the small-town feel of it due to the
people being so welcoming and inviting. My daughter
thinks that I know everyone in town because there
doesn’t seem to be any place where I can go and not run
into someone that I know. There are so many treasures
to be found here for all ages and abilities. That’s what
makes Clinton special.”
TO LEARN MORE
ABOUT CHANDRA’S WORK,
VISIT CLINTONMS.ORG/
DEPARTMENTS
Hometown CLINTON • 45