Cast Spotlight: Kimberly Melvin
Kimberly Melvin is a retired pediatric home care nurse of 29 years. In her career she has also been a Substitute Teacher, Youth Pastor and Mentor. Currently, she is a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Pittsford PTSA where her daughter, Shemaiah, is a junior at Mendon High School. Her sons Jordan and Darius encouraged her to try out for LTYM. Kim is inspired by the generosity and kindness of the people of Rochester. Despite the weather, she has grown to love The Roc City. Kim loves to cook and have big family dinners. She is also working on her first novel.
Hats. I have worn a lot of hats. A nurse, youth Leader, mentor, substitute teacher and community activist. My greatest title by far, has been Mom. My children are my greatest inspiration. Darius is 29, Jordan is 20, and Shemaiah is 17.
How did I hear about LTYM?
One of my friends sent the information to my inbox. I had never even heard of LTYM before. I went to Youtube and watched previous shows and decided to audition.
What Inspires me?
My children inspire me. My son Darius has a Master’s degree in Mandarin Chinese. He amazes me with his ability to master the language enough to actually teach it! He has lived in Beijing and traveled to so many different countries in his 29 years. I want to be like him when I grow up!
My son Jordan is 20. He is an “outside of the box” thinker. He inspires me to try new things and look at life in unusual ways.
Shemaiah is my 17 year old, she wants to save the world from all the harm we are doing to it. She is determined to keep my carbon footprint in check and be kind to all living things.
The book that has made the greatest input on my life (besides the bible)
The Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker. The Color Purple was very popular and life changing for so many people, but the following book was released with less fanfare. I call it the continuation of The Color Purple because it details the life of Celie’s children and how the African tradition was impactful in their American lives. The character development was so rich it just felt like I was transported into the villages of the old country and brought into modern America with them. Written in 1989, it was the inspiration I needed in my life at that time.
Kimberly's story is a tribute to her amazing grandmother, pictured here.
