After living in the Philadelphia - New Jersey area most of her life, Shirley Brummell and her family relocated to the Naperville area due to a job transfer. She and her husband, Charles, have been married 38 years, blessed with three sons, one daughter, three daughter-in-laws, and seven grandchildren. She says, "Children are a gift from God." They provide some of the major joys in her life.

Shirley received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and holds a Masters Degree in Pastoral Counseling (MAPC) from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. She holds certificates in the areas of "Enneagram" (a spectrum of personality types), "Ministry to the Sick, Dying, and Grieving," and "The Family Journey with Cancer: Navigating the Challenges."

In addition to being a supportive wife and parenting, her life's focus has revolved around volunteering and board positions for non-profit organizations. She has served as a member of the Pastoral Leadership Council at St. Thomas Church, developed programs for parents and students in Naperville District 203, served as an officer for the Community Convalescent Rehabilitation Center Auxiliary, served as a lupus group support facilitator, and regularly volunteers at the Meadowbrook Rehabilitation Center.

At DuPage AME Church, Shirley presently serves on the DuPage AME Church Ministerial Pastoral Support Team and the Intercessory Prayer Ministry.

In spite of her own health challenges, she continues with her career of pastoral counseling and ministry dealing with those who are experiencing the challenges of life's transitions. Strong faith, a supportive family, and friends have brought her through the tough times.

Shirley enjoys reading, writing, music, and photography. She has completed a compact disc of Daily Inspirational Scriptures entitled, "Restore Your Soul" and is currently compiling data from various people with chronic illnesses to include in her future endeavor.

She is currently a member of the Association of Christian Therapists, Top Ladies of Distinction (Chaplain), Lupus Foundation of Illinois, and the National Kidney Association.

Shirley truly believes that "Life is all about balance." Through Christ, a balanced life is possible.