Conversations with Comfort Beene

Today we’d like to introduce you to Comfort Beene.

Hi Comfort, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in a refugee camp in Ghana but my family is from Liberia. My family and I migrated to Winston – Salem, North Carolina to escape the civil war in Liberia. In my hometown I found my love for the arts, pageants, community service, life, Jesus and mentoring. I received my B.S and M.A at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where I was a member of the dance team and later Head Coach of the Spirit Squad for four years. Pembroke was also where I met my phenomenal husband Adam who has traveled around the U.S coaching football. Adam was offered the Head Football Coaching position at North Canyon High School where we both coach and teach. Growing up I had incredible mentors, teachers/coaches and my family and friends have all been God sent. Every single soul who poured into me, taught me so many lessons but most importantly to love back and that is my calling. Currently I’m the Head Cheer Coach and Dance Teacher at North Canyon High School and I am a hip hop dancer for the Phoenix Suns. It has been a blessing being a true light and comfort to every person I encounter!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey called life always has its up’s and down’s for sure. The hardest moment of my life was being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes through a viral infection that derived from an absest tooth. It was truly a freak accident, no one in my family has diabetes nor any other health issues. Through this detrimental situation came so much positive and light. I’ve been able to watch my family and friends be more adimate about their eating and exercise habits and just being able to bring awareness. During my time as a pageant title holder I attended over 275 events (workshops, nursing homes, schools & dance classes) sharing my story and platform, the “Three E’s of Diabetes: Educate, Eat Right and Exercise”. The past 8 year as a diabetic has not stopped me at all, I take four shots of insulin a day and I don’t miss a beat.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Being such an eclectic person has been phenomenal, in terms of teaching, mentoring and coaching! Since moving to Arizona I would wake up at 5:30am without drinking coffee, teach my amazing dance students at the high school, after school coach my cheerleaders and head straight to Solar Squad practice for the Suns and get home around 11:30pm. The best part is going to sleep and waking up to do it all over again, I have so much joy and pride in what God has blessed me with and I know he has so much more for me to do and many more lives for me to touch!

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
The Bible! Everything I do is centered around Jesus; my work, dance, literally my everyday life. All I want to be is a reflection of God, a true light and comfort to others!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @comfortbeene

Image Credits
My first head shot in the white long sleeve was taken by Chloe Huls. The Suns shot was taken by Michael Anthony. The shot of me showing my diabetic CGM in the back bend was taken by Hunter Gillman. The other pictures were taken by iPhone.