Shaunda Joy Howerton is a native of Hampton, Virginia, where she was educated in the public school system. In 2002 she graduated from The University of Maryland University College where she obtained a B.S. degree in Psychology. Sensing a call to ministry, she was led of God to begin preparation. In 2005, she completed graduate school where she received a Master’s degree from Howard University School of Divinity.

She has been extremely active within the church as well as the community. She has ministered in various churches, conducted workshops and taught spiritual development classes. She is a member of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, a state representative for National Family Caregivers Association; and a member of the National Patient Advocate Foundation.