Editorial: A salute to caregivers
John and Jane with their four kids in tow enter…
Trauma-informed coach brings the world together
After her son’s premature birth and NICU journey, author shares emotional support guide.
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In 2006, Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez gave birth to her son, Alejandro Fernandez Khonyongwa, born prematurely at 24 weeks. He was the size of Gigi’s hand, not expected to survive, and stayed in the NICU for almost six months. Alejandro lost most of his sight and is legally blind.
I vividly remember my conversation with Gigi, my cousin, after Alejandro was born. Normally so bubbly and full of joy, she was devastated and heartbroken. Her voice was fragile, and I heard her quiet cries as we prayed over the phone.
Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez with her husband, Jesus Fernandez Munoz, and son, Alejandro Fernandez Khonyongwa.
During this period of angst and uncertainty, Gigi lost her joy and sense of purpose. But she rediscovered them by focusing on God, gratitude and the gift of her son.
On a recent Saturday nearly 20 years later, I opened my laptop to attend a hybrid launch party celebrating Gigi’s new book, “From Rollercoasters to Carousels: An Emotional Support Guide to Healing NICU, Bereaved, and Special Needs Parents.”
Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez. “From Rollercoasters to Carousels: An Emotional Support Guide to Healing for NICU, Bereaved, and Special Needs Parents.” GKF Coaching and Consulting. 2025. 208 pages. $17.99.
While I expected a number of family, friends, colleagues and church members from the U.S. to join us, I was surprised by the steady uptick of Zoom participants from around the world and an in-person audience of almost 50 people.
They represented 22 countries and every continent except Antarctica. Those of us on Zoom commented on how awesome it was to see such rich diversity in real time.
Moments later, someone in the Zoom chat summed it up perfectly: Gigi brings the world together.
I then decided to nickname Cousin Gigi the “Connector-in-Chief.” Race, gender, ethnicity, geography, economic status and religion are nonfactors as people from all walks of life gravitate to Gigi and open up to her like no other.
Gigi is authentic, empathetic, and compassionate — she cares.
During the early part of her career, Gigi worked as a traveling neuro occupational therapist in the U.S. In 2000, Gigi took a huge leap of faith and moved to London to live and work. There, she found her husband, Jesus Fernandez Munoz of Madrid, and a new church family, the Wembley Church of Christ.
Related: Editorial: A salute to caregivers
Gigi is now a professional coach and consultant specializing in holistic leadership and organizational development, trauma-informed coaching and the maternal-infant health space.
Gigi, Jesus and Alejandro have been on the rollercoaster ride of their lives, full of twists and turns — but God is forever faithful and has been with them the entire time, moving them closer to their carousels, as described in Gigi’s book.
Gigi Khonyongwa-Fernandez holds her book, “From Rollercoasters to Carousels.”
“From Rollercoasters to Carousels” is a guide to emotional healing and offers hope, support, strategies and visibility for those dealing with trauma, particularly parents of children with disabilities or intensive care needs — or parents facing loss.
Every single guest at Gigi’s book launch party has been riding the rollercoaster with this family of three for 18 years. We are all too connected and invested to consider getting off, as we joyfully await what other carousels God has in store for them.
One of Gigi’s favorite quotes comes from John Lennon: “Life is what happens when you’re busy making plans.”
TRINDI G. MITCHELL is a member of Henry Street Church of Christ in Gadsden, Ala. and the mother of two children. She is the creator and author of the Substack publication, Life Beyond Lupus.
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