Versandra Kennebrew, DTM, of Detroit, Michigan, is the chief executive officer of Optimal Living Education & Retreats LLC, a Columbus, Georgia holistic health and wellness company that serves veterans families and government employees in the Chattahoochee Valley. During the global pandemic, Kennebrew pursued the idea of producing Optimal Living Starts Here, a holistic lifestyle TV show where Coach Versandra and her expert guests introduce viewers to yoga, meditation, massage, and community events to promote physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Thousands of viewers are inspired to choose healthy approaches to living by watching her show on a local cable channel each week.
Kennebrew holds an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach certification and a Myomassology certification. She is a Landmark Forum Graduate, Phi Theta Kappa Alumna, and AmeriCorps VISTA Alumna. An advocate for social justice and poverty alleviation, Versandra Kennebrew has served on the Board of Directors for the Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS), Detroit, MI and Gateway Center, Atlanta, GA. She is the author of six self-help books including her memoir, “Thank God for The Shelter.”
A Toastmaster since 2016, Kennebrew is a member of Talk Masters Toastmasters, in Columbus, Georgia and a Charter Member of Troy Riverfront Toastmasters, in Phenix City, AL. As a district council member since 2020, she has made significant contributions to the stability and growth of District 14 Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization.
“I credit the Pathways learning system for helping me pivot as an entrepreneur during the “world shut down” to virtual health coaching and television production” she says. “The experiential learning laboratories that Toastmasters members flow in and out of empower us to breakthrough barriers in a supportive and positive learning environment. There are mentors everywhere helping people learn how to say it and how to see things differently.”
As the Program Quality Director of District 14 Toastmasters, Kennebrew is laser focused on supporting all clubs in achieving educational and member building excellence. She works with the education, training, and conference chairs to deliver ongoing program quality support that will guide District 14 Toastmasters in fulfilling its mission.