After living in the Philadelphia - New Jersey area most of her life, Rev. Shirley Brummell and her family relocated to the Naperville area due to a job transfer. She and her husband, Charles, have been married 42 years, blessed with three sons, one daughter, three daughter-in-laws, and eight grandchildren. She says, "Children are a gift from God." They provide some of the major joys in her life.

Rev. Brummell 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 is a Doctoral candidate at Benedictine University. Her research focus is on change and resilience. At the Midwest Academy of Management Conference she presented a paper, "Leadership 2010: Leading into the future". A paper on her research, "Extreme Change and Resilience in Turbulent Times" was presented at the 3rd International Conference and Doctoral Consortium in France June 2010.

Rev. Brummell was ordained a Local Deacon at the 128th Session of the Chicago Annual Conference.

At DuPage AME Church, Rev. Brummell presently serves on the DuPage AME Church Ministerial Pastoral Support Team, Intercessory Prayer Ministry, and coordinates the DuPage CARES Support 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. Rev. Brummell 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 compiling research data on change and resilience to complete her dissertation.

Rev. Brummell is currently a member of the Association of Christian Therapists, Lupus Foundation Of Illinois, Midwest Academy of Management, and the Boys & Girls Club of Naperville Board.

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