AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT SERIES: got rest?
By Alisha Reese, CMT
JA Health Writer
Cassandra “Coach Cassie J” James-Weathersby is a Recovery Life Coach, an advocate, and a champion for Mental Wellness and Women’s Emotional Healing. As a ‘survivor turned thriver’ of her battles with trauma and mental illness, James-Weathersby encourages other Black and Brown women to stand in their truth, breaking the silence barrier around trauma that has kept many trapped. Since founding the nonprofit organization Black Women DO Heal in 2019, she has facilitated meaningful conversations to dismantle the “Superwoman Myth” through her coaching, training, healing conversations, respite events, and wellness activities.
As a result of her intentional inner healing journey and her work, she firmly believes self-awareness, rest, community, and support are key ingredients to taking our lives and power back. Striving each day to “go be her.”
With more than four decades of lived experience in the field of mental health, James-Weathersby brings wisdom, compassion, and purpose to her work. She has served over 10 years as a Certified Peer Support Specialist, with a professional background that includes Recovery Coach Professional, Trainer of Trainers, certified facilitator in WRAP, Breathwork, and Target Health.
She is also the CEO of Pure Valley Educational Services, a Louisiana-based agency providing mental health support, coaching, and consulting services.
Currently residing in the Greater New Orleans area, James-Weathersby is the mother of three grown children who she refers to as her grown rugrats! She is a grandmother (affectionately known as GiGi) of two granddaughters and three grandsons and has one grand dog. When she is not working, she can be found enjoying nature from the safety of her window, reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with her peeps.
Why I rest: I rest because I learned the hard way that rest is a non-negotiable to my mental and emotional health. Incorporating a more restful existence and making rest a lifestyle saved my life.
How I rest: I rest by unplugging as I need to, adjusting my schedule to accommodate rest days, mindfulness, and restorative sleep. I don’t judge myself on days when my body or mind fights rest, permitting myself to get back on track without shame or judgment.
My go-to self-care routine: Easing into my workday! I don’t wait until my day off to take care of myself. By easing into my routine, I give myself the time and space to be present in the moment, practice gratitude, stretch, and meditate. This keeps me grounded, grateful, and ready for my day(s).
got rest?
For more information, visit blackwomendoheal.org.
