A woman in a wheelchair poses confidently against a warm, textured background. She wears a white top and ripped jeans, with one hand on her chest and the other resting on the chair’s armrest.

YaMya Johnson

Patient, Andrew C. Carlos Multiple Sclerosis Institute

  • Confidence

About the portrait

Self-Titled

Beautiful Butterfly

Photographer

Michelle Carmona

About YaMya

YaMya Johnson has been a patient at Shepherd Center for three years, after being referred here for specialized care for her multiple sclerosis (MS). She describes Shepherd Center as her “happy place,” where the compassionate staff and personalized attention have made a profound difference in her journey.

YaMya’s portrait, titled “Beautiful Butterfly,” reflects her story of transformation and resilience. Inspired by childhood memories of watching caterpillars turn into butterflies, the portrait symbolizes the unseen beauty and strength that define her.

Looking back on her experience, YaMya shares how her time at Shepherd Center has nurtured not only her physical well-being but also her kindness and compassion. The supportive environment has inspired her to spread positivity and be a source of encouragement for others. For YaMya, hope means believing in better days ahead and finding strength through connection with others facing similar challenges, especially through the MS wellness program.

To those facing their own struggles, YaMya’s message is one of resilience and gratitude: stay strong, focus on positive thoughts, practice daily gratitude, and be your own cheerleader. She encourages others to recognize the good in each day, even amidst difficulties, and to keep moving forward with hope and confidence.

In her portrait

In her portrait, YaMya chose to include her neurologist, Jacqueline Rosenthal, M.D., who has played a significant role in her care at Shepherd Center. She wanted to highlight not only the medical expertise but also the compassion and personalized attention she receives from Dr. Rosenthal and the broader Shepherd Center team.

Two women pose together in front of a blue backdrop, one seated in a wheelchair wearing a cream dress, and the other standing beside her in a cardigan and jeans, both smiling warmly at the camera.
A woman in a wheelchair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a light-colored blouse and black pants, with her hair styled neatly and bracelets on her wrist, sitting against a warm, textured background.
Two women smiling and hugging; one is seated in a wheelchair while the other kneels beside her. They are posed in front of a blue background.
Left image: YaMya and Dr. Rosenthal; Top right image: YaMya; Bottom right image: YaMya and Dr. Rosenthal