Lemonade is not lemonade without lemons!
Everyday is a new day for what may seem impossible to become possible.
When someone or something brings us lemons, we are strong
enough to turn what seems sour into something sweet.
About Alma Hassell, M.Div., BCC
Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to receive guidance from key individuals at pivotal moments. These mentors appeared just when I needed them most, reinforcing my belief in my own resilience and affirming that I was “more than a conqueror.” This support was crucial as I navigated the many challenges on my path to personal and professional growth.
After devoting years to raising my children, I embarked on a new chapter of academic and spiritual exploration. I returned to academia and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Humanities from the College of New Rochelle, School of New Resources, New York City. Concurrently, I studied at the New York Theological Seminary in New York City for two years. My educational journey continued at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, where I earned a Master of Divinity in theological studies in 1994.
Post-graduation, I felt a compelling need to engage deeply with people during the most profound and sacred moments of their lives. This realization led me to pursue a Master’s in Patient Counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University, specializing in a track towards becoming a Board-Certified Chaplain. Responding to a call to ministry, I dedicated myself to supporting others through both crises and celebrations. My experiences taught me the profound lesson of transforming life’s challenges into opportunities for growth—turning the bitter into sweet.