Toni Kennedy

Children's Educational Entertainer

Toni Kennedy, a multifaceted creative force, was born in St. Petersburg, FL, in the city’s oldest public housing project, just three doors down from Academy Award-nominated actress Angela Bassett. Toni’s early years were shaped by her passion for music, which led her to perform alongside Larry Brown of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. Her career has taken her around the globe, living in vibrant places such as Hawaii, Aruba, New York, and the Maryland/DC area.

Toni’s artistic talents extend beyond music. She worked as the makeup artist on the set of the iconic film *The Best Man* and went on to serve as Whitney Houston’s personal makeup artist during the international *My Love is Your Love* world tour (1999–2000). From the entertainment industry to healthcare, Toni has worn many hats. She has worked as an Alzheimer’s nurse, OBGYN nurse, and Hospice nurse, providing compassionate care to patients. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Toni brought joy to children as the bingo lady at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg.

In 2022, Toni ventured into the world of podcasting, inspired by her granddaughter, Penelope. Her children’s podcast, *What’s Poppin’ Penny?*, earned her a finalist spot in Spotify’s prestigious SoundUp Family and Kids podcast accelerator program. Guided by Sr. Manager Jane Zumwalt and award-winning podcast producer Rebecca Cunningham, Toni continues to develop *What’s Poppin’ Penny?* into a top-tier podcast that blends education and entertainment for young listeners.

When she’s not producing episodes for her podcast, Toni performs live educational shows in schools. Through her interactive puppet show featuring Little Chick, she engages preschoolers in a fun, 30-minute experience designed to support early childhood learning. Additionally, Toni has written a stage play, *Preschool Family – The Musical*, based on her self-produced children’s music CD. This whimsical production introduces audiences to a colorful classroom filled with charming characters, led by Miss Toni and her assistant, a five-foot-nine hen named Miss Chicken. She envisions her musical being performed in children’s theaters worldwide.

Toni Kennedy’s website, misstonisings.com, features her latest videos, music, and updates on her children’s podcast and theater projects. Discover more about her diverse career in entertainment, music, and education by visiting the site today.