Dr. Nina Ellis-Hervey is a tenured and Associate Professor in the School Psychology Doctoral Program at Stephen F. Austin State University.  She is a Licensed Psychologist (Clinical & School), Nationally Certified School Psychologist, a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (Texas and Louisiana) and a Certified Professional Life Coach.  She is also the director of the School Psychology Assessment Center on campus.  She is soon to be a Certified Personal Trainer in 2019.  Dr. Nina’s YouTube channels BeautifulBrwnBabyDol and BeautifulBrwnBabyDolTV chronicle her more than 100lb. weight loss she has maintained for over 13 years, educational triumphs, healthy psychological tips and beauty tutorials.  With over 750K subscribers on YouTube, millions of video views nationally and internationally, and over 1 million following across networks, Dr. Nina is making her mark on the world.

What inspired you to become a licensed psychologist and certified life coach?

During my time as an undergraduate at Truman State University, I became a McNair Scholar and was mentored by many amazing professionals.  One of them was a Clinical Psychologist who I had for several basic and advanced level courses.  I was able to see how he worked with clients in his practice, how he advanced as a professor and I also learned all that he did to get to that point.  I was motivated and decided that I knew I wanted to have a major impact on the lives of others.  Through not only experience, but evidence based practice, research and training.  Becoming a Certified Life Coach happened to extend on my motivation abilities when working with those I assist.

What helped you get where you are today and what steps did you take?

To get to where I am today, which I know is multi-dimensional (blogger/vlogger, psychologist, tenured professor, podcaster, clinic director), it took two major things.  Setting Goals.  Holding myself accountable in the pursuit of my goals.  Tracking my results.  Separating myself from things and people that were harmful to my journey.
Surrounding myself with honest and supportive mentors and peers.  Accepting that failure WILL happen, but that I must work smart to overcome it.  I live by a mantra taught to me by my home Bishop (Lawrence M. Wooten) in St. Louis, Missouri.  Good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is best.

What do you feel separates your podcast from others?

The “Now That’s Life with Dr. Nina” podcast is different, because it is the perfect intersection of expertise, experience and research to help listeners set and achieve their own goals.  It offers less on the opinions side, but more on the real solutions to everyday life encounters.  On this podcast, I share my lessons as a 100-pound weight loss champion, Licensed Clinical and School Psychologist, Tenured Professor and lifestyle vlogger with over 700,000 YouTube subscribers and 50 Million video views.  I ensure I take my raw and unapologetic stance, expertise, life experience, clinical research.  Offer steps on how women can align themselves spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally to get what they want and deserve from life.  I read listener letters and answer questions.  This podcast was designed to be much more than one-dimensional.  I seek to ensure listeners are met where they are and provide motivation to reach fitness, career, financial, educational and relationship goals and to learn more about the mystery of seeking therapy.

What are three key skills (characteristics) that every relationship should possess?

Honesty, trust and communication.

How many resumes would you recommend a person should have?

I always suggest that there should be two.  One that focuses solely on professional pursuits and the other that infuses other life and people skills.  I often suggest that one should make tweaks to resumes based on what they are applying or networking.  In order to highlight the experiences that align with a position or networking group.

What are your top three healthy habits?

Striving for a healthy lifestyle and not a fad diet. “Losing weight” in all parts of life, including friendships, relationships, professional roles and more when needed.  Uninterrupted send-care such as working out, meditating or just doing things I enjoy.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I was a big class clown growing up.  That is also musically inclined as I has rapped, sang, classically trained in piano, played the viola, violin and cello.  I feel these skills have added to my whit and being quick on my feet.

What is one thing in life that makes you feel alive?

I love knowing I have made an impact on the lives of others.  Every time I complete a speaking engagement, teach a class, problem solve with a mentee and see the light on their faces.  It not only brings me joy, but clarity on my goals and confidence in my direction.

If you were guaranteed to be successful in a different profession, what would you to do?

I have always been told that with my quick whit, ability to perform under pressure and reasoning skills, that I would make a great attorney or even judge.  I would have to say, I love the idea of those.

If you could hold on to one memory from your life forever, what would that be?

I am adopted and that was never something that was hidden from me by my mother.  In fact, I can remember when she got creative when I was about four years old.  She created a book that explained adoption and she actually put my name and her name in the book to explain how I was special, chosen and would never be treated any different from a biological child.  That always stuck with me.  I think back to that moment often, which keeps me proud to be adopted.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you.

My mother, Vermer Ellis-Hervey.  She taught me many lessons.  Put God first.  You can take a little and make it into whatever you allow it to be.  Excuses stand between you and what you want.  Don’t trust or let everyone into your life.  Work hard early so that you don’t have to settle for less in a rush later.

How can everyone keep in contact with you on social media?

Website: https://drninaellishervey.com .  YouTube: http://bit.ly/2HtZdpk .  Instagram: BeautifulBrwnBabyDol .  Facebook: @BeautifulBrwnBabyDol .