The Spark Behind the Scholarship: Kiona Sinks’ Path to Purpose and Healing
Release Date: 04/19/2025
Small Changes Big Shifts
Transformation doesn’t begin in a wellness plan—it starts with one honest moment of saying, “I want more for myself.” Frank Ferrante’s raw and remarkable story is a powerful reminder that healing is rarely linear and never perfect. Through addiction, regret, radical self-awareness, and rediscovery, Frank reveals that the heart of wellness is not about fixing what’s broken—it’s about reconnecting to love, service, and soul-level authenticity. His journey invites us to slow down, stop chasing illusions, and start showing up for ourselves and others with compassion, courage, and a...
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Healing starts when we give kids the words to express what’s in their hearts. Vladimir Sainte’s journey—from a childhood where emotions were silenced to becoming a powerful voice for emotional literacy—is a testament to the impact of breaking generational cycles with compassion and intention. Through his work as a therapist and children’s book author, he’s helping families create space for real conversations, teaching young minds that their feelings are valid and their voices matter. His story is a moving reminder that when we lead with connection, community, and care, we not only...
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Real strength shows up when life knocks you down and you choose to rise with gratitude, faith, and community. Dr. Douglas Burton shares how a life-altering diagnosis transformed not just his health journey, but his entire perspective on what it means to truly live well. From the operating room to the other side of the patient experience, he opens his heart about the emotional weight of caregiving, the spiritual awakening that came through illness, and the small, intentional shifts that have brought him greater peace than ever before. His story is a powerful reminder that joy is not found in...
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The path to healing doesn’t begin with a protocol—it begins with a story. Andrea Nakayama’s powerful journey from caregiver to trailblazing functional nutritionist is a reminder that true wellness is personal, rooted, and deeply interconnected. Through loss, love, and resilience, she discovered that lasting health requires more than symptom management—it calls for curiosity, compassion, and the courage to slow down and truly listen to your body. Her message invites us to stop chasing quick fixes and instead embrace the transformational power of understanding our own biology, one small...
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Sometimes the most powerful shift you can make is simply choosing to show up—messy, overwhelmed, uncertain—and still commit to your own growth. As Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh navigate their own life transitions, they open up with honesty, humor, and heart about what it really takes to maintain mental and emotional wellness during chaotic seasons. Through reflection, grace, and intentionality, they remind us that well-being isn't about perfection—it's about alignment, commitment, and learning to nourish yourself from the inside out, one small change at a time. Key Takeaways: True mental...
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Lasting change begins when you decide that your well-being matters enough to prioritize. Kiona Sinks returns to share how the Shift Experience didn’t just influence her habits—it completely reframed her relationship with herself. From vitamin routines to food choices, energy levels to emotional presence, she’s living proof that when you start showing up with intention, everything changes. Her journey reminds us that healing isn’t just physical—it’s mental, spiritual, and emotional—and when those parts align, you unlock a version of yourself that’s not only healthier, but more...
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Transformation begins the moment you trust yourself enough to ask for help. When Kiona Sinks vulnerably reached out to Dr. Robin, unsure of what was wrong but certain she needed support, she unknowingly sparked the creation of what would become The Shift Experience – Scholarship Program. Her courage and curiosity laid the foundation for a movement that now helps others reclaim their well-being. Through honest reflection, faith, and a deep desire to grow, Kiona shares how embracing discomfort and building community led her into greater alignment with her purpose. Her journey is living proof...
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Success isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment—it’s about stepping into the unknown and building the confidence to make things happen. Bayleigh dives into an inspiring conversation with Brittany Connor, who shares her journey of embracing fear, taking bold action, and proving that the biggest breakthroughs happen outside of your comfort zone. From leaving behind limiting beliefs to redefining success on your own terms, this episode is a powerful reminder that the life you want is within reach—you just have to be willing to go after it. Key Takeaways: Confidence isn’t something...
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Success isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment—it’s about stepping up, even when doubt creeps in. Bayleigh and guest Veronica Caldwell dive deep into the mindset shifts that turn fear into fuel and setbacks into stepping stones. As a past recipient of the Small Changes Big Shifts scholarship program, Veronica shares how the support and resources she received helped her embrace discomfort and step into her potential. Her journey proves that growth comes from action, not just planning, and that confidence is built in the doing. The path to success isn’t about having it all figured...
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Time moves fast, and every year brings new lessons, challenges, and opportunities to grow. Reflecting on the wisdom gained from different life experiences, Dr. Michelle Robin and Bayleigh Petty dive into the power of intentional living—how small, consistent shifts in mindset, habits, and self-care can create profound, lasting change. With birthdays as a reminder of evolution, they discuss nourishing the body, mind, and spirit, embracing life’s uncertainties with grace, and stacking habits that shape a vibrant future. Through kindness, community, and purpose, they inspire us to live with...
info_outlineTransformation begins the moment you trust yourself enough to ask for help. When Kiona Sinks vulnerably reached out to Dr. Robin, unsure of what was wrong but certain she needed support, she unknowingly sparked the creation of what would become The Shift Experience – Scholarship Program. Her courage and curiosity laid the foundation for a movement that now helps others reclaim their well-being. Through honest reflection, faith, and a deep desire to grow, Kiona shares how embracing discomfort and building community led her into greater alignment with her purpose. Her journey is living proof that healing isn’t linear—and the simple act of asking for help can ripple out and change lives.
Key Takeaways:
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Learn how trust and vulnerability can be the doorway to radical personal transformation.
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Understand the power of community in normalizing healing and offering support through shared experiences.
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Recognize that well-being is never “one-size-fits-all”—it’s about tuning in to what works personally.
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See how shifting your mindset around health can spark generational impact and long-term change.
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Discover why timing and patience matter—and how honoring your own pace can lead to meaningful growth.
Resources:
Join us in celebrating Dr. Michelle Robin’s birthday by supporting the Small Changes Big Shifts scholarship fundraiser—help us empower the next generation with the tools for lifelong well-being!
Embark on a transformative six-month journey with the Shift Experience, a holistic wellness program designed to empower young adults aged 18 to 30 to discover their best selves through comprehensive health practices. This program offers a blend of education, personalized assessments, one-on-one wellness coaching, monthly group learning circles, and access to various wellness services. The upcoming program runs from June through December. For more details and to apply, visit: https://smallchangesbigshifts.com/discovery-program/
About Kiona Sinks:
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum - Director of Marketing + Community Engagement
Kiona Sinks by trade is a social and civic innovator setting the standard for how young leaders should model in action community engagement, bringing forward generations of all sectors of professions to change the perspective on what community activism should model in our modern day world. Kiona takes pride in giving back, Kiona is a community minded connector with 10 years of consistent volunteerism and community engagement. She is both mission -driven and passionate about diversity and inclusion and promoting social, and civic engagement. During her Undergraduate career, Kiona helped spearhead the founding of the inaugural African American Student Union (AASU) at Central Methodist University. The AASU’s mission is to promote positive images of African Americans and to stimulate the cultural, intellectual and social growth of all CMU students faculty, and staff. As a Student Ambassador, Kiona was selected as one of the top ten students by the Jefferson City, Mid Missouri Higher Education Board.
In her short time in Kansas City, Kiona has advanced the agenda for many diverse and marginalized groups here in Kansas City, and has begun to make an impact by helping to educate the next generation of leaders on the importance of diversity and inclusion, civic engagement, and social justice. Multi -task oriented, flexible, positive, and able to adapt effectively to challenging situations. Kiona is a speaker and conducts conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion. Proven success in initiating, promoting and maintaining strong interpersonal relations with many in different sectors.
Connect with Dr. Michelle and Bayleigh at:
https://smallchangesbigshifts.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/smallchangesbigshifts
https://www.facebook.com/SmallChangesBigShifts
https://www.instagram.com/smallchangesbigshiftsco
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