Today we’d like to introduce you to Day Shepherd.
Hi Day, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Bangalore, India and moved to the United States at the age of 6 years old. As an adolescent, i began experiencing difficulty seeing at night. I was diagnosed with X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa, which leads to legal blindness typically by age 50. With this reality effecting all daily activity, adaptation, perseverance, and resilience became arequirement. While my peers pursued life with wonder and hope, i had to overcome anxiety, sadness, and self doubt. I eventually completed my bachelor’s at the University of Kansas and master’s from Avila University. I began my career as a Licensed Professional Counselor. I found that my journey with vision loss provided a familiarity with struggle, which helped me with having empathy and also helped guide clients toward practical skill development . I am so grateful for my wife, Meridith whose love and support has enriched my life and confidence. We were blessed with having aawonderful child named Ethan. Although i occasionally played guitar throughout my life, i became more consistent in practicing when i observed Ethan’s avilities once he began taking lessons. Eventually i began writing songs consistently. Writing lyrics not only helped me express and cope with my own on-going struggle but a way to present perspectives on the struggles off marginalized groups in society.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As mentioned earlier, life has been a continuous process of adaptation despite challenges. Obviously that makes it far from a smooth road!
We’ve been impressed with During the daytime, I am a licensed professional counselor at my business named D&M Shepherd Inc. after work, I spend a lot of time writing song lyrics and working on new melodies. I also spend time performingat open mics around the Kansas City area and sometimes by obtaining gigs. I love collaborating with other musicians and have released three songs with my closest musician friends, Tirzah DeMere, Caitlin Stegeman, and Markus Raines. D, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Licensed professional counselor. Blind guitarist and singer songwriter.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite memories from childhood was visiting family in India. I had apparently woken up earlier than everyone else in my family and we were staying with my aunt and uncle. However, a different aunt and uncle live next-door and I went outside and they saw me and asked me to come over to their home. They provided this amazing Indian breakfast that had the spiciest peanut chutney I had ever tasted. I distinctly remember eating, despite the fact that it hurt my mouth till I was super full! My wife will tell you that I am still very highly food motivated, and probably somewhat of a pain to live with!
Pricing:
- As a therapist, I take all major insurance panels. On my website www.dayshepherdlpc.com you can find information about my therapy practice. I am also a musician that has released three songs on all streaming platforms. I also have a band camp Account where you can purchase the three songs that I have released thus far. Purchasing the songs enables me to help in. Planning for future releases a studio time is expensive!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dayshepherdlpc.com
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/psydhustle
