Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Rev. Barbara Lavarin is a proud daughter of Haitian immigrants. Barbara earned her B.A. in Child Development from Tufts University and her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. At Princeton, she faithfully served as the co-chair of the Association of Black Seminarians’ Women’s Fellowship focusing her scholarship in Black Church Studies, and Women, Gender, and Theology Studies. Rev. Lavarin was licensed to preach the Gospel at the Historic Berean Baptist Church in Brooklyn under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Arlee Arkofa. She then went on to joyfully serve as the Assistant to the Pastor for Youth and College at the Historic Alfred Street Baptist Church, in Alexandria, VA, where she was ordained by the Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley. Rev. Lavarin has also earned her certification as a Spiritual Director from the renowned Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in Washington, D.C. She currently serves as the Director of Supporting Women in Ministry at Baptist Women in Ministry. Rev. Barbara is blessed to be a member of First Calvary Baptist Church in Durham, NC where her husband, Marc Antoine Lavarin, is the pastor. In her free time, she loves watching new tv series with her husband and enjoying life through the eyes of her two children Marc Jr., affectionately know as M.J. and Sophia. In all that she does, she prays to encourage others to live abundant lives in Christ. 

Dr. Kendra Davis has been described by many as a vitamin B12 shot, “There is no way to be in her presence and not be ENERGIZED, EDUCATED & EMPOWERED.” Dr. Davis has severed many organizations as both a keynote speaker & trainer. Organizations include (NCFADS) The NC Foundations For Alcohol & Drugs Studies: Summer School & Winter school, State Employees Association of NC (SEANC) Emerging Leaders Luncheon & The Advanced Leadership Training Institute, The NC Department of Public Safety, NC Division of Prisons, NC Department of Community Corrections, Administrative Office of Courts – Drug Treatment Court & Family Court, Experiment In Self-Reliance (ESR), YWCA Hawley House, Hosanna House of Transition, The Mcleod Addictive Disease Center, Addiction Recovery Care Association Inc (ARCA), UNC-Chapel Hill, South Central Recovery, The Bethesda Center for the Homeless, and Samaritan Ministries for the Homeless (just to name a few). Dr. Davis eclectic presentation style of teaching including but not limited to audio / visual aids and activities make learning fun and practical for everyone.” 

Dr. Davis is a graduated of Winston-Salem State University. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology & a Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. She is also a graduate of Apex School of Theology where she earned a Masters of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Biblical Studies. 

Dr. Davis is an Internationally Certified, Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor, licensed by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium, the NC Addiction Specialist Professional Practice Board, the NC Problem Gamblers Program and the National Association of Forensic Counselors. Dr. Davis holds the following credentials: Master Addictions Counselor (MAC), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), Certified Criminal Justice Addiction Professional (CCJP), Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS), and Certified Sex Offender Treatment Specialist (CSOTS). 

In 2010, Kendra established K*METAMORPHOSIS, a counseling and professional development firm. This organization was birthed out of Kendra’s desire to fill a much needed treatment and training gap in the community. Kendra is committed to empower individuals with the necessary tools and resources required to make their dreams become a reality. Her life mission is built on the belief of the butterfly effect, where small changes can make a big difference. 

In 2016 Kendra published, It’s ONLY a Test: “Mastering the Addiction Counselors Exam” a power packed study guide for participatory learners. This workbook is filled with practical exercises, worksheets and written assignments that engage the reader in a wide range of independent study sessions. In addition Dr. Davis facilitates Exam Prep Courses, her hands-on approach to learning will empower the participants with the key concepts required to “MASTER” The Addiction Counselors Exam.