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Massillon author to hold book launch party
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: August 3, 2018
Tina Levene has spent more than 20 years working in the fields of social work, drug prevention and juvenile justice, helping to heal those in need and sometimes witnessing harmful lapses in leadership that hurt employee morale and made agencies less effective.
Now she’s unveiling her new book, entitled “Heartbeat of a R.E.A.L. Leader,” designed to create legendary leaders by cultivating safe, positive and high-performance cultures where teams can thrive and rise to the next level.
“Poor leadership can cause companies to crumble and agencies to veer from their missions,” said Levene, a national motivational speaker who discusses topics ranging from preventing burnout to leadership development. “My goal is to provide existing leaders with the tools to excel and empower others who do not see themselves as leaders to step up to the plate and take on the role by celebrating their team for their gifts.
“The book focuses on helping people discover their own strengths.”
Leadership is a subject that Levene now knows a lot about, but it was far from a given that she would become a leader.
Born and raised in Massillon, Levene faced a number of adversities growing up, including abuse and addictions, making it difficult for her to pass her classes at Washington High School.
“I was also an alcoholic and drug addict,” said Levene. “I struggled with addiction in high school and college until I got clean and sober at the age of 23.
“I received a lot of support from various groups and I have an incredible family,” she said. “My father got sober 39 years ago and he laid the groundwork for my recovery.”
After graduating high school and obtaining her bachelor’s degree in family and child development from The University of Akron in 1999, she took a job as a case manager at the Child & Adolescent Service Center in Canton.
“I did that for a little over two years and then I decided I needed a change due to becoming burnt out, so I started working on a cruise ship for Norwegian Cruise Line as the supervisor of the youth program,” said Levene. “I met my husband, Warren, on the cruise ship. He moved to Ohio from England to marry me in 2003.”
They currently live in Clearwater, Florida and have one son, Victor, 12, and two dogs, Tanka and Hank.
It was during her time as a certified alcohol and drug prevention specialist at the Akron Health Department that Levene’s supervisor gave her the nickname “Sunshine,” which her current boss still calls her today.
“When I told my supervisor I was moving to Florida, he responded, ‘I thought Florida had enough sunshine!
“I was given the name because of my positive attitude and ability to uplift people.”
Levene moved to Clearwater in 2009 and currently serves in a statewide leadership position with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
She wrote her first book, “Let Your Lessons Become Your Blessings,” in 2013. Two years later, she wrote three more books.
She is returning to Massillon this month to promote “Heartbeat of a R.E.A.L. Leader,” which will be released to retailers on Sept. 14.
Levene is holding a book launch party and leadership appreciation ceremony at the Lions Lincoln Theatre at 156 Lincoln Way E. in Massillon on Aug. 9 at 7 p.m.
“This is my fifth book and I really wanted to return home to Massillon to give back to my community because I take great pride in my roots,” said Levene.
“Massillon is a place that celebrates community and even though it’s known for football, my teachers did a great job laying the foundation for me to become the leader I am today.”
Jamole Callahan, a.k.a., “Mr. Motivator” from Columbus will host the event.
Levene will be honoring influential people in her leadership journey since high school and Canton resident and world-renowned percussionist Elec Simon, a Cleveland Cavaliers QStix performer and a former cast member in the off-Broadway show “STOMP,” for his servant leadership of young people.
“Elec participates in bullying and suicide prevention programs for youth in Stark County and the United States,” Levene said.
Levene will be donating a portion of all ticket and book sales to Leadership Stark County’s new Youth Leadership Academy of Stark County.
Anyone who wants to purchase the book and/or tickets to the event can do so at www.heartbeatofarealleader.com