I think It’s the great paradox of life that blessings can come in curses, and strength comes when we are at our weakest. That’s what happened to me, as the darkest moments of my life brought me nearer to deciphering that subtle whisper I had been hearing throughout the years. When someone very dear to me became addicted to drugs, the addiction and overdose epidemic that was happening “out there” to others, suddenly sabotaged my life and my family. And at the same time that it seemed to drain me of everything (family, friends, sanity!), it filled me with the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit — knowledge, understanding, courage . . . love, patience, kindness . . . even joy and peace. Gifts such as these come with a price — they must be shared. And so I shared (and continue to share) these gifts by educating and inspiring others to draw near to God, to support one another, to make visible the Body of Christ on earth, and to emanate the light of hope.
Nina Marie Corona is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Fordham University. She possesses a Master of Arts in Spirituality from Loyola University Chicago. She also studied graduate theology at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and LaSalle University. Because of her desire to contribute to a solution to the national addiction and overdose epidemic, Nina also obtained education certification in Alcohol & Drug Counseling from Villanova University and is a Pennsylvania Board Certified Recovery Specialist. Nina is an experienced artist with a B.A. in Studio Arts, and she utilizes her gifts of drawing, painting, and sculpting to express the joyful and painful experiences of life.
Nina is the Founder and Executive Director of AFIRE™, Inc., a nonprofit faith-based movement that was born out of the popular We Thirst™ series (Christian Reflections on Addiction), which Nina authored and facilitates. She also writes several reflection blogs: “When on Earth, Discovering Spirituality in the Daily Happenings of Ordinary Life,” and “Healing the Afflicted.” Nina is also part-time adjunct instructor for Villanova University’s Department of Theology and Religious Studies.
As an educator, a theologian, an artist, and a motivator, Nina’s speaking engagements combine all of her God-given gifts and talents to provide an educational and inspirational experience for all. Her retreats and presentations always include images and music in addition to lectures — to move both minds and hearts.
Nina has been a guest on several radio spots including Radio Maria and Domestic Church Media. She is an approved speaker for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Catholic Diocese of Allentown. Nina resides in Easton, Pennsylvania with her husband Mark. Nina and Mark have been married for over thirty-five years and have two adult daughters and one grandson.
