Playbill for This Is My Brave - The Show in New Hampshire
Riverbend Community Mental Health presents This Is My Brave - The Show in New Hampshire on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. This show features a cast of 11 individuals who will share stories of their lived experience with mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders using the performing arts. You will laugh and you will cry as you hear their inspiring stories. Most of all, you will walk away with a sense of hope for yourself -- or for someone you love -- that help is available and recovery is possible.
Riverbend Community Mental Health presents This Is My Brave - The Show in New Hampshire on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. This show features a cast of 11 individuals who will share stories of their lived experience with mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders using the performing arts. You will laugh and you will cry as you hear their inspiring stories. Most of all, you will walk away with a sense of hope for yourself -- or for someone you love -- that help is available and recovery is possible.
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presents:<br />
WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2022
Great Science<br />
Deep Compassion<br />
Real Impact<br />
Work<strong>in</strong>g together<br />
to address addiction,<br />
serious mental illness<br />
and cancer.<br />
For more <strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>mation about<br />
Alkermes, please visit:<br />
www.alkermes.com<br />
2
Production Team<br />
Executive Producer Karen Jantzen<br />
Lead Producer Rebecca Wolfe<br />
<strong>Show</strong> Director Ellen Desmond<br />
Mental Health Cl<strong>in</strong>ician Walker Mondok<br />
Fidelity Coord<strong>in</strong>ator Johane Telgener<br />
<strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> - <strong>The</strong> <strong>Show</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Hampshire</strong> is presented by<br />
ABOUT RIVERBEND COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH<br />
Founded <strong>in</strong> 1963, Riverbend Community Mental Health is a private, nonprofit organization<br />
provid<strong>in</strong>g specialized behavioral health services <strong>in</strong> central <strong>New</strong> <strong>Hampshire</strong>. Core services <strong>in</strong>clude<br />
24/7 emergency mobile crisis services; counsel<strong>in</strong>g services <strong>for</strong> children, adults, and families;<br />
addiction recovery; and community support, vocational services, and residential programs <strong>for</strong><br />
adults and seniors. Evidence-based models of treatment guide all the organization’s work, and<br />
they strongly believe <strong>in</strong> the power of self-directed growth and recovery.<br />
www.thisismybrave.org<br />
@thisismybrave<br />
3
Community<br />
is connection,<br />
and connection<br />
is everyth<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
It’s an honor to<br />
support the mission of<br />
Riverbend Community<br />
Public Health.<br />
DESIGN-BUILD • CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT<br />
GENERAL CONTRACTING<br />
Our family has been build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>for</strong> Concord families <strong>for</strong><br />
nearly 40 Years.<br />
Family owned and operated – offer<strong>in</strong>g a full<br />
suite of construction services <strong>for</strong> commercial<br />
and residential clients.<br />
(603) 224-8583 • jhspa<strong>in</strong>.com<br />
189 North Ma<strong>in</strong> St., Ste. 101 Concord, NH<br />
1 <strong>in</strong> 5 adults <strong>in</strong> the<br />
U.S. experience<br />
mental illness <strong>in</strong> the<br />
average year.<br />
Our nation's youth are<br />
fac<strong>in</strong>g a mental health<br />
emergency.<br />
You Are Not Alone. We Can Help.<br />
NAMI NH provides free support,<br />
education, and advocacy <strong>for</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals and families affected by<br />
mental illness and suicide.<br />
F<strong>in</strong>d Help. F<strong>in</strong>d Hope.<br />
1-800-242-6264 (Press 4)<br />
www.NAMINH.org
Rais<strong>in</strong>g awareness of mental health,<br />
where it matters most.<br />
We’re proud to be a Mental Health Awareness Month<br />
Sponsor <strong>for</strong> Riverbend Community Mental Health.<br />
Dartmouth Health and Riverbend are committed to help<strong>in</strong>g people<br />
live happier, healthier lives <strong>in</strong> the community we call home. We all<br />
live, work and play here together – so we’re all <strong>in</strong> this together.<br />
Learn more at Dartmouth-Health.org<br />
<strong>The</strong> best, where it matters most.<br />
Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital I Cheshire Medical Center I Dartmouth Hitchcock Cl<strong>in</strong>ics<br />
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center I Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center<br />
<strong>New</strong> London Hospital I Visit<strong>in</strong>g Nurse and Hospice <strong>for</strong> Vermont and <strong>New</strong> <strong>Hampshire</strong><br />
In partnership with Dartmouth and the Geisel School of Medic<strong>in</strong>e.
DEAR FRIENDS,<br />
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US IN THE AUDIENCE TODAY!<br />
What a journey it has been s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> produced its very first show <strong>in</strong> Arl<strong>in</strong>gton, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia, <strong>in</strong> 2014 – a show<br />
<strong>in</strong>spired by our co-founder and <strong>for</strong>mer Executive Director, Jennifer Marshall. I know that she and her partner, Anne Marie<br />
Ames, never imag<strong>in</strong>ed at that time the success that <strong>Brave</strong> would realize. S<strong>in</strong>ce 2014, <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> has produced 81<br />
more shows <strong>in</strong> 49 cities across the U.S. and <strong>in</strong> Australia. Story by story, <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> is sh<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g a light on mental<br />
illness and addiction and help<strong>in</strong>g end the stigma that has so long surrounded these issues.<br />
<strong>The</strong> COVID pandemic presented us (and the world) with challenges we never could have expected. While our live events<br />
had to pause, we at <strong>Brave</strong> were able to pivot our programm<strong>in</strong>g to a virtual plat<strong>for</strong>m and cont<strong>in</strong>ue to offer <strong>in</strong>spiration and<br />
hope to those who need it the most, maybe even those who didn’t need it be<strong>for</strong>e. As we all adjust to this “new normal,”<br />
our society is f<strong>in</strong>ally understand<strong>in</strong>g the need to prioritize mental health and wellness. And we at <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> are<br />
here <strong>for</strong> it! Storytell<strong>in</strong>g has and will always be a path to authentic connection and heal<strong>in</strong>g. We are especially proud to<br />
have a plat<strong>for</strong>m <strong>in</strong> place where all stories can be shared and all storytellers can be affirmed and celebrated.<br />
We are thrilled to be back <strong>in</strong> front of a live audience <strong>in</strong> 2022! And we are especially proud to be back <strong>for</strong> the fourth<br />
<strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> - <strong>The</strong> <strong>Show</strong> <strong>in</strong> Concord, which is presented by Riverbend Community Mental Health. I am <strong>in</strong>credibly<br />
honored that this cast of amaz<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>dividuals has come together to be with us here tonight to share their powerful<br />
personal stories. I know their stories will br<strong>in</strong>g a new understand<strong>in</strong>g of navigat<strong>in</strong>g mental health challenges <strong>in</strong> the world<br />
today. Especially now, open<strong>in</strong>g up conversations <strong>in</strong> our communities about mental health through storytell<strong>in</strong>g will have<br />
a last<strong>in</strong>g impact on all of us.<br />
Every time a story is told — every time we sh<strong>in</strong>e a light on mental illness and addiction — we let someone know that<br />
they are not alone. We can give someone the gift of hope and provide them with a sense of community based on<br />
shared experiences.<br />
YOU ARE A VITALLY IMPORTANT PART OF THIS STORY, TOO.<br />
Mental illness does not discrim<strong>in</strong>ate. It could happen to you. It could happen to someone you<br />
love. We need to acknowledge that mental illness is someth<strong>in</strong>g that we may encounter <strong>in</strong><br />
our lifetime. We must break the silence that stigma has imposed on us and beg<strong>in</strong> to speak<br />
openly about our experiences. Together, we can work to end the stigma. We have come<br />
so far <strong>in</strong> eight years, but we still have so much more work to do. <strong>The</strong>re are millions more<br />
stories to be shared, and we will start by shar<strong>in</strong>g a few more on this stage here with<br />
you tonight.<br />
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US ON THIS JOURNEY.<br />
Er<strong>in</strong> Gallagher,<br />
Interim Executive Director<br />
6
OUR MISSION<br />
<strong>The</strong> mission of <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> is<br />
to empower <strong>in</strong>dividuals to put their<br />
names and faces to their personal<br />
stories of recovery from mental<br />
illness and/or addiction.<br />
“So much power <strong>in</strong> real stories of struggle & hope.”<br />
DAWN LITTLEFIELD, AUDIENCE MEMBER, DEKALB SHOW<br />
OUR VISION<br />
Someday, we will live <strong>in</strong> a world where we won’t<br />
have to call it “brave” <strong>for</strong> talk<strong>in</strong>g openly about<br />
mental illness. WE WILL SIMPLY CALL IT “TALKING.”<br />
<strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is the lead<strong>in</strong>g plat<strong>for</strong>m <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividuals to share their<br />
stories of liv<strong>in</strong>g successful lives despite a diagnosis of a mental illness or addiction. Our ma<strong>in</strong> event is <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong><br />
<strong>Brave</strong> - <strong>The</strong> <strong>Show</strong>, a live stage production featur<strong>in</strong>g a cast of <strong>in</strong>dividuals who use the per<strong>for</strong>m<strong>in</strong>g arts to share their<br />
stories and <strong>in</strong>spire others. We’re open<strong>in</strong>g up the conversation about mental health disorders <strong>in</strong> communities all<br />
across the country.<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 7
THE<br />
SHOW<br />
We believe <strong>in</strong> the power of storytell<strong>in</strong>g to break down the stigma surround<strong>in</strong>g mental illness. <strong>This</strong><br />
<strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> - <strong>The</strong> <strong>Show</strong> is a live theater presentation of touch<strong>in</strong>g essays, orig<strong>in</strong>al music, poetry,<br />
and comedy created and per<strong>for</strong>med by <strong>in</strong>dividuals liv<strong>in</strong>g with – or lov<strong>in</strong>g someone with – a mental<br />
illness. Our storytellers are here to <strong>in</strong>spire you to f<strong>in</strong>d hope <strong>in</strong> your own challenges or give hope to<br />
someone you love who may be fac<strong>in</strong>g similar circumstances. <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> is honored to work<br />
with volunteer production teams around the country to produce these shows <strong>in</strong> order to normalize<br />
conversations about mental health, break down stigma and offer hope.<br />
ORDER OF SHOW<br />
Tell <strong>The</strong>m I’m <strong>Brave</strong><br />
Shar<strong>in</strong>g An Omelet:<br />
Our Journey with Mental Illness<br />
How I Was/ Life on Life’s Terms<br />
A Work <strong>in</strong> Progress<br />
<strong>The</strong> Past Ten Years<br />
All Strung Out<br />
Learn<strong>in</strong>g to Breathe. Aga<strong>in</strong>. And Aga<strong>in</strong>.<br />
Here I Stand<br />
Voices <strong>The</strong>n, Voices Now<br />
Virg<strong>in</strong>ia Nugent &<br />
Alexandria Darrah-Easter<br />
Karen & Ed Prive<br />
Sammie Hackett<br />
Jenni Shaw<br />
Emily Shirlock<br />
Heather Tob<strong>in</strong><br />
Rob Hirschfeld<br />
Moira Cordelia<br />
Teresa Moler<br />
8
BRAVE AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE<br />
Please DO take out your cell phones dur<strong>in</strong>g per<strong>for</strong>mances and<br />
SHARE on your social media plat<strong>for</strong>ms that you are watch<strong>in</strong>g!<br />
SHARE your photos, favorite l<strong>in</strong>es or takeaways us<strong>in</strong>g the hashtag<br />
#STORYTELLINGSAVESLIVES and tagg<strong>in</strong>g us @THISISMYBRAVE<br />
Help us tell the world that we’re here, and you’re watch<strong>in</strong>g!<br />
Laugh at the funny, be com<strong>for</strong>table with the sad,<br />
be <strong>in</strong>spired by the resilience.<br />
Need a break dur<strong>in</strong>g the show? We understand. Th<strong>in</strong>gs can get heavy.<br />
Please exit quietly, and let your friends and family know that you’re okay.<br />
We’ll be here when you’re ready :)<br />
THIS IS MY BRAVE’S 2022 NATIONAL SPONSORS<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 9
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS<br />
At Associated Grocers of <strong>New</strong> England,<br />
we recognize the importance of<br />
awareness and support the well-be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of our associates, their families and the<br />
communities we serve.<br />
We are <strong>in</strong> this together.
Committed<br />
to our community<br />
<strong>The</strong> right bank makes<br />
a real difference.<br />
Member FDIC<br />
800-442-6666 northwaybank.com<br />
We celebrate<br />
Mental Health<br />
Awareness Month<br />
and proudly share<br />
Riverbend’s committment<br />
to enhanc<strong>in</strong>g the quality of life<br />
<strong>in</strong> the communities we serve.<br />
74 SOUTH MAIN STREET, CONCORD, NH 03301<br />
(603) 415-0877 LEDYARDBANK.COM
TELL THEM<br />
I’M BRAVE<br />
<strong>New</strong> theme song announcement! After years of licens<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
Sara Bareilles song “<strong>Brave</strong>” as our unofficial anthem to open<br />
our shows across the US, we felt it was time <strong>for</strong> a new song to<br />
take center stage. In July 2020, we launched our first s<strong>in</strong>ger/<br />
songwriter theme song competition and were so impressed<br />
with the touch<strong>in</strong>g songs that came <strong>in</strong>. Ultimately, we had to<br />
select a f<strong>in</strong>al w<strong>in</strong>ner, and we landed on “Tell <strong>The</strong>m I’m <strong>Brave</strong>”<br />
which was submitted by Natalie Layne and Phoebe Scott,<br />
recent graduates of Belmont University <strong>in</strong> Nashville, TN.<br />
Be sure to download the song on iTunes!<br />
THIS IS MY BRAVE<br />
MERCH SHOP<br />
Are you look<strong>in</strong>g to add some #<strong>Brave</strong>Gear to your wardrobe?<br />
Check out our new merch shop, and wear your <strong>Brave</strong> <strong>for</strong> all<br />
to see! We update the options frequently, so be sure to check<br />
back often. Visit our website to order yours today!<br />
12
A NOTE<br />
FROM THE PRODUCERS<br />
Riverbend’s mission is to care <strong>for</strong> the behavioral health of our community, and our tagl<strong>in</strong>e is that “treatment works”<br />
and recovery is possible. Over the last several years, we’ve <strong>in</strong>creased ef<strong>for</strong>ts to educate the public about behavioral<br />
health issues and normalize the conversation around mental illness and substance use disorders. We believe it’s<br />
imperative to break down the <strong>in</strong>dividual and systemic barriers to treatment and reduce the stigma surround<strong>in</strong>g<br />
mental illness, and we are thrilled to partner with <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> to reach even more people tonight.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are no words to express the <strong>in</strong>f<strong>in</strong>ite gratitude that we have <strong>for</strong> our storytellers. Your stories are unique, raw,<br />
heartbreak<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g, vulnerable, courageous, and most importantly – yours. We are so grateful that you chose<br />
this plat<strong>for</strong>m to share your story, and we hope that you’ll cont<strong>in</strong>ue to share it bravely and <strong>in</strong>spire others - as you have<br />
us - <strong>for</strong> a lifetime to come. <strong>The</strong> world needs your bravery; it needs this discussion; it needs this awareness, and it<br />
needs you. We cannot thank you enough.<br />
We’d like to thank our entire production team - Karen, Rebecca, Ellen, Walker and Johane – <strong>for</strong> their dedicated ef<strong>for</strong>ts<br />
<strong>in</strong> cont<strong>in</strong>ually support<strong>in</strong>g and champion<strong>in</strong>g this wonderful group of storytellers. We’d also like to thank Riverbend’s<br />
Board of Directors, the Educated Community Workgroup (Dellie Champagne, Leslie Combs, Jaime Corw<strong>in</strong>, Johane<br />
Telgener, Rob<strong>in</strong> Nafshi, and Terry Sturke), and Riverbend’s Executive Director, Lisa Madden, <strong>for</strong> their steadfast<br />
support, <strong>in</strong>volvement and encouragement <strong>in</strong> all of our Mental Health Awareness Month events. We could not do it<br />
without you!<br />
We’d also like to thank our <strong>in</strong>tern, Virg<strong>in</strong>ia Nugent, and wish her well on her journey to college! A special thanks to our<br />
photographer, Samantha Capta<strong>in</strong> of Capta<strong>in</strong> Artistries, and our videographer, Derek Thompson of Digital Purpose<br />
Co., <strong>for</strong> expertly captur<strong>in</strong>g the even<strong>in</strong>g. We’d also like to thank Eatxactly Sweet Cafe <strong>for</strong> their k<strong>in</strong>d donation of<br />
desserts <strong>for</strong> our post-show reception.<br />
And f<strong>in</strong>ally - thank YOU. We are <strong>in</strong>credibly grateful <strong>for</strong> your presence <strong>in</strong> the audience tonight. Our storytellers will<br />
be expos<strong>in</strong>g parts of themselves that, <strong>for</strong> some, have never been shared with a group this large. Your will<strong>in</strong>gness to<br />
listen to these stories gives our storytellers a place to heal at the same time as it promotes community education.<br />
Thank you <strong>for</strong> giv<strong>in</strong>g them space to <strong>in</strong>spire and prove that healthy, successful lives are <strong>in</strong> reach <strong>for</strong> those who have<br />
or are currently struggl<strong>in</strong>g with a mental illness.<br />
If you or someone you know is struggl<strong>in</strong>g, please know that you are not alone. Our storytellers and other resources<br />
will be available after the show. Enjoy!<br />
S<strong>in</strong>cerely,<br />
<strong>The</strong> 2022 <strong>New</strong> <strong>Hampshire</strong> Production Team.<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 13
THANK YOU TO OUR<br />
COMMUNITY PARTNERS<br />
14
Mental Health Awareness<br />
FACT<br />
Mental health is essential<br />
to everyone’s overall health<br />
and wellbe<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
While 1 <strong>in</strong> 5* people will experience a<br />
mental illness dur<strong>in</strong>g their lifetime,<br />
everyone faces challenges <strong>in</strong> life that<br />
can impact their mental health.<br />
*Mental Health America . (2021). Mental Health Month 2021 . Mental Health America.<br />
https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month-2021-toolkit-download.<br />
Despite a culture of constant <strong>in</strong>novation, the pr<strong>in</strong>ciples on which<br />
Borislow Insurance was founded back <strong>in</strong> 1982 have rema<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
constant. Relationships, unique customized solutions, and an<br />
unparalleled commitment to serv<strong>in</strong>g our clients and the community.<br />
Creat<strong>in</strong>g Solutions.<br />
Deliver<strong>in</strong>g Outcomes.<br />
Exceed<strong>in</strong>g Expectations.<br />
Call 603.672.3124 or visit borislow.com
THE<br />
CAST<br />
MOIRA CORDELIA<br />
Moira Cordelia is a compassionate entrepreneur who presently lives<br />
<strong>in</strong> Concord, NH. She loves animals, be<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>in</strong> nature and s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Moira owns three micro-bus<strong>in</strong>esses: Earthly Roots Hair Studio, Earthly<br />
Roots Yoga and Synergy Virtual Assistance. At Earthly Roots Hair<br />
Studio, Moira <strong>in</strong>spires others to lessen their chemical body burden.<br />
She also facilitates trauma-<strong>in</strong><strong>for</strong>med hatha yoga to help other women<br />
cope <strong>in</strong> a safe and accessible way. A survivor herself, Moira has been<br />
<strong>in</strong> counsel<strong>in</strong>g s<strong>in</strong>ce she was a child <strong>for</strong> Complex Trauma, Complex<br />
PTSD and Anxiety.<br />
ALEXANDRIA DARRAH-EASTER<br />
Alexandria is a Junior at Merrimack Valley High School, and is hop<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to attend Southern <strong>New</strong> <strong>Hampshire</strong> University when she graduates<br />
to pursue a career <strong>in</strong> Psychology. She owns her own art bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
and enjoys mak<strong>in</strong>g art <strong>for</strong> other people and participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> theatre<br />
productions. She has two lizards, two cats, and a dog, and is look<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>for</strong>ward to be<strong>in</strong>g a part of <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>!<br />
SAMMIE HACKETT<br />
Sammie Hackett (Samantha Jean) was born <strong>in</strong> Frankl<strong>in</strong>, NH, and grew<br />
up <strong>in</strong> Laconia, NH. She was named after her mom’s childhood Irish<br />
Setter dog, and her middle name is named after her grandmother.<br />
Sammie is actively <strong>in</strong> recovery and enjoys support<strong>in</strong>g and f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g<br />
support with<strong>in</strong> that community. She comes from a family of addiction<br />
and battles mental health issues (PTSD, depression, bi-polar) every<br />
day, but wants you to know that no matter what struggles you may go<br />
through, there is always a possibility <strong>for</strong> a positive outcome.<br />
16
ROB HIRSCHFELD<br />
Rob Hirschfeld is discover<strong>in</strong>g and pursu<strong>in</strong>g a role as a mental health<br />
advocate by shar<strong>in</strong>g his story about depression, especially among<br />
persons of faith who mistakenly believe that mental illness is a<br />
moral or spiritual fail<strong>in</strong>g. An Episcopal bishop, he is the author of<br />
the book “With Sighs Too Deep For Words: Depression and Grace.”<br />
He lives with his spouse <strong>in</strong> the Concord area.<br />
TERESA MOLER<br />
Teresa Moler was orig<strong>in</strong>ally diagnosed with schizophrenia <strong>in</strong> 1984<br />
and is currently <strong>in</strong> remission. Teresa is a puppeteer, voiceover<br />
artist, watercolorist, song composer, karaoke regular, mental health<br />
advocate, NAMI NH volunteer, political activist, and selectman. After<br />
appear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> <strong>in</strong> 2019, Teresa has cont<strong>in</strong>ued to improve<br />
her life and add more mean<strong>in</strong>gful achievements. She enjoys visit<strong>in</strong>g<br />
family <strong>in</strong> Cali<strong>for</strong>nia and spend<strong>in</strong>g time with her partner, Stephen.<br />
VIRGINIA NUGENT<br />
Virg<strong>in</strong>ia is a Senior at Merrimack Valley High School. She is <strong>in</strong>tern<strong>in</strong>g<br />
at Riverbend <strong>for</strong> her Senior Project, and has enjoyed work<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
<strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> and learn<strong>in</strong>g more about the mental health field,<br />
as she hopes to pursue a career <strong>in</strong> Psychology and is start<strong>in</strong>g at<br />
SNHU <strong>in</strong> the Fall. Outside of school she enjoys martial arts, theatre,<br />
s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g and spend<strong>in</strong>g time with her cats and family.<br />
ED & KAREN PRIVÉ<br />
Ed and Karen Privé have been together <strong>for</strong> over 28 years. <strong>The</strong>y both<br />
are mental health advocates and believe storytell<strong>in</strong>g saves lives and<br />
spreads hope. Karen’s blog, Inv<strong>in</strong>cible Hope, featur<strong>in</strong>g writ<strong>in</strong>g about<br />
her journey can be found at https://karenprive.com. <strong>The</strong>y live <strong>in</strong><br />
Frankl<strong>in</strong>, NH, with their black lab Gracie and cats Hope and Dusty and<br />
they enjoy spend<strong>in</strong>g time with their gaggle of grandkids.<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 17
THE<br />
CAST<br />
JENNI SHAW<br />
Jenni Shaw is a Colorado native who moved to Massachusetts<br />
eight years ago <strong>for</strong> a position with Boston Public Schools. She has<br />
traveled around the world to Australia, <strong>New</strong> Zealand, Spa<strong>in</strong>, Canada,<br />
Mexico, Thailand, Nepal, and worked as a contractor with the United<br />
States Antarctic Program. She has successfully battled Ovarian<br />
cancer, Bipolar Depression II, Alcoholism, and an Eat<strong>in</strong>g Disorder.<br />
But like all humans, she is a work <strong>in</strong> progress.<br />
EMILY SHIRLOCK<br />
Emily Shirlock is from Bow, <strong>New</strong> <strong>Hampshire</strong>. She is a survivor of<br />
schizoaffective, borderl<strong>in</strong>e personality, and major depressive<br />
disorders, as well as PTSD, yet she cont<strong>in</strong>ues to add to her<br />
successes every day. She loves to go to the beach, exercise and<br />
make art. She loves to help others through volunteer<strong>in</strong>g and hopes<br />
to pursue a career as an LNA. Emily hopes to help families end the<br />
stigma aga<strong>in</strong>st mental illness and is look<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong>ward to do<strong>in</strong>g that<br />
by be<strong>in</strong>g a part of this show!<br />
HEATHER TOBIN<br />
Heather Tob<strong>in</strong> is an award w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g author, poet, and musician from<br />
K<strong>in</strong>gston, <strong>New</strong> <strong>Hampshire</strong>. She works as a Certified Positive Psychology<br />
Coach nationally and is an active mental health awareness advocate.<br />
Heather has been featured on the cover of BP Hope Magaz<strong>in</strong>e, and has<br />
co produced and hosted podcasts “Into <strong>The</strong> <strong>My</strong>stic’’ as well as “Vibrantly<br />
Visible, Thriv<strong>in</strong>g With Invisible Chronic Illness”. Heather lives with her<br />
husband, Ken, three precious cats, and an assortment of other small<br />
pets. She is an avid gardener and nature lover.<br />
18
Work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>for</strong> Better<br />
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care is proud to support Mental<br />
Health Awareness Month. Together, we can work toward<br />
better <strong>for</strong> everyone <strong>in</strong> our communities.<br />
Visit us at www.harvardpilgrim.org<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 19
TOGETHER WE THRIVE<br />
We want <strong>New</strong> <strong>Hampshire</strong> to be a<br />
community where everyone can thrive.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>New</strong> <strong>Hampshire</strong> Charitable Foundation is proud to sponsor<br />
Riverbend’s Mental Health Awareness Month programm<strong>in</strong>g; and<br />
proud to support the many nonprofit organizations across the state<br />
that help people get the resources and care they need to thrive.<br />
When a community can draw on the potential, strength, <strong>in</strong>genuity<br />
and grace of every person <strong>in</strong> it, that community will be healthier,<br />
happier, more prosperous and a better place to live <strong>for</strong> all.<br />
37 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH www.nhcf.org
<strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> is proud to partner with Pr<strong>in</strong>ciple<br />
Pictures to present season 1 of OUR TURN TO TALK,<br />
a podcast series that focuses on the life-sav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
power of storytell<strong>in</strong>g through <strong>in</strong>terviews with<br />
teens, parents, and mental health experts. OTTT<br />
is sure to <strong>in</strong>spire teen listeners to open up about<br />
their own experiences and start lifesav<strong>in</strong>g brave<br />
conversations with their friends and family.<br />
AVAILABLE WHEREVER YOU GET YOUR PODCASTS.<br />
VIRTUAL 5K June 10-12, 2022<br />
Jo<strong>in</strong> us this June 10-12 <strong>for</strong> a weekend of celebration and community by participat<strong>in</strong>g virtually <strong>in</strong> the third annual<br />
<strong>Brave</strong> <strong>The</strong> Storm 5k to sh<strong>in</strong>e a light on mental health.<br />
Register to run, walk, or hike a 5k <strong>in</strong> the location of your choice and be a part of the <strong>in</strong>spiration and movement to<br />
spread hope and end the stigma around mental illness. We <strong>in</strong>vite you to register <strong>for</strong> our <strong>Brave</strong> <strong>The</strong> Storm 5k and<br />
participate <strong>for</strong> reasons that are important to you — <strong>for</strong> health, <strong>for</strong> well-be<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>for</strong> a loved one.<br />
thisismybrave.org/<strong>Brave</strong><strong>The</strong>Storm5k<br />
Register Now!<br />
Whatever your motivation may be, jo<strong>in</strong> us and help spread a message of hope.
PRODUCTION<br />
TEAM<br />
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER<br />
KAREN JANTZEN<br />
Karen Jantzen is passionate about the arts, the environment, food and<br />
healthy liv<strong>in</strong>g. When not promot<strong>in</strong>g mental well-be<strong>in</strong>g and advocat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong><br />
those liv<strong>in</strong>g with substance use disorders through her work at Riverbend,<br />
Karen enjoys spend<strong>in</strong>g her time hik<strong>in</strong>g with her Bernese Mounta<strong>in</strong> Dogs,<br />
kayak<strong>in</strong>g on remote lakes, try<strong>in</strong>g new eateries, and garden<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
LEAD PRODUCER<br />
REBECCA WOLFE<br />
Rebecca Wolfe is a lifelong Concord, NH, resident and enjoys br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g<br />
mental health awareness and conversation to her community through her<br />
important work at Riverbend. Outside of work she enjoys spend<strong>in</strong>g quality<br />
time with her husband and two daughters, visit<strong>in</strong>g with family, spend<strong>in</strong>g<br />
time outdoors (especially <strong>in</strong> the Adirondacks), volunteer<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> her children’s<br />
many activities, and car<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> a variety of animals through her on-the-side<br />
pet-services bus<strong>in</strong>ess!<br />
DIRECTOR<br />
ELLEN DESMOND<br />
Ellen Desmond is pleased to direct <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>: <strong>New</strong> <strong>Hampshire</strong> <strong>for</strong><br />
another year! As someone who deeply believes <strong>in</strong> the impact of storytell<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and supports mental wellbe<strong>in</strong>g <strong>for</strong> all, she is honored to work with the team<br />
at Riverbend once aga<strong>in</strong> to produce this show. Congratulations to our cast<br />
on their bravery!<br />
22
MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN<br />
WALKER MONDOK<br />
Walker Mondok is a world traveler currently nestled <strong>in</strong> the Lakes<br />
Region of NH. Walker has spent the last few years work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
behavioral health <strong>in</strong> different roles. Walker sits on the board <strong>for</strong> a<br />
local Peer Support organization and enjoys volunteer work <strong>in</strong> mental<br />
health. When not at work, Walker can be found collaborat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> other<br />
artistic mediums, play<strong>in</strong>g video games, or kayak<strong>in</strong>g on Opeechee Bay.<br />
FIDELITY COORDINATOR<br />
JOHANE TELGENER<br />
Johane Telgener is an active member of her community and is<br />
passionate about mak<strong>in</strong>g Concord a healthier place to live. She is<br />
the proud mother of two adult sons. Johane’s non-profit community<br />
<strong>in</strong>volvement <strong>in</strong>cludes work with <strong>The</strong> Friendly Kitchen,<strong>The</strong> Crisis Center<br />
of NH, and the Concord Garden Club. She has served on the board of<br />
<strong>New</strong> Futures, an advocacy hub whose mission is to improve the health<br />
and wellness of all <strong>New</strong> <strong>Hampshire</strong> residents through advocacy,<br />
education and collaboration. She also serves on <strong>The</strong> Riverbend Board<br />
of Directors and its Educated Community workgroup.<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 23
24
AbbVie rema<strong>in</strong>s committed to br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g<br />
together the bipolar I disorder community.<br />
Visit Gett<strong>in</strong>gHereTo<strong>The</strong>re.com to learn how advocacy<br />
organizations, musicians, music lovers, and others come<br />
together to reduce stigma and raise awareness of mental<br />
health. While you’re there, sign up to be notified about<br />
additional support and resources.<br />
Gett<strong>in</strong>gHereTo<strong>The</strong>re.com<br />
UNB148562 07/21<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 25
2022 SHOWS / EVENTS<br />
• SEASON 1 OF OUR TURN TO TALK PODCAST LAUNCHES IN MAY!<br />
• Upcom<strong>in</strong>g Live Productions of <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> - <strong>The</strong> <strong>Show</strong>:<br />
Sept 22 - Broward County, FL<br />
Sept 25 - Los Angeles, CA<br />
Oct 9 - Philadelphia, PA<br />
Oct 16 - DeKalb, IL<br />
Oct 29 - Deaf<strong>in</strong>itely, Inc. presents<br />
<strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> - Stories from the Deaf Community<br />
• Upcom<strong>in</strong>g Virtual Productions of <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>:<br />
Oct - Stories from the <strong>Brave</strong> Ambassador Community<br />
Nov - Stories from the Veteran Community<br />
• <strong>Brave</strong> Days - May 2022 <strong>for</strong> Mental Health Month<br />
• <strong>Brave</strong> the Storm Virtual 5K - June 10-12, 2022<br />
NEW THIS YEAR...<br />
• JayWalkers - A Suicide Prevention Month Virtual Event<br />
More In<strong>for</strong>mation Com<strong>in</strong>g Soon!<br />
26
IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE HELP<br />
PLEASE CALL 911<br />
THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION<br />
LIFELINE IS:<br />
1-800-273-TALK (8255)<br />
SUICIDEPREVENTIONLIFELINE.ORG<br />
TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING...<br />
IT’S EASY AND FREE!<br />
THE CRISIS TEXT LINE CAN BE ACCESSED<br />
BY TEXTING:<br />
STORY TO 741-741<br />
Tak<strong>in</strong>g a mental health screen<strong>in</strong>g is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determ<strong>in</strong>e whether<br />
you are experienc<strong>in</strong>g symptoms of a mental health condition.<br />
Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common, and treatable.<br />
And recovery is possible.<br />
We are thrilled to partner with Mental Health America, which offers 10 mental health screens.<br />
You can share your results with your physician or health care provider.<br />
TAKE A FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL SCREENING<br />
TODAY BY VISITING:<br />
HTTP://BIT.LY/BRAVESCREEN<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 27
THIS IS MY BRAVE<br />
LEADERSHIP<br />
Photo credit: EmmiClaire Photography<br />
ERIN GALLAGHER<br />
Interim Executive Director<br />
Er<strong>in</strong> is proud to be a part of the <strong>This</strong> is <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> team as Interim Executive<br />
Director. Follow<strong>in</strong>g the suicide of her son, Jay, <strong>in</strong> 2016, Er<strong>in</strong> and her husband<br />
became passionate mental health advocates and have worked tirelessly to<br />
<strong>in</strong>fluence policy on appropriate responses, particularly <strong>in</strong> the public schools,<br />
to suicide warn<strong>in</strong>g signs. She enjoys work<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> volunteers<br />
towards end<strong>in</strong>g the stigma associated with mental health and substance use<br />
disorders <strong>in</strong> honor of Jay. When Er<strong>in</strong> is not work<strong>in</strong>g, she enjoys spend<strong>in</strong>g time<br />
at her alma mater, James Madison University, visit<strong>in</strong>g her oldest daughter,<br />
L<strong>in</strong>dsay. She also loves logg<strong>in</strong>g hours with husband Tim while watch<strong>in</strong>g fastpitch<br />
softball played by her youngest, Laurenne, who is a student at Mt. St.<br />
Mary’s University <strong>in</strong> Maryland.<br />
KATIE GRANA<br />
Director of Programm<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Katie (she/her) was diagnosed with PTSD-<strong>in</strong>duced anxiety and depression<br />
after be<strong>in</strong>g robbed at gunpo<strong>in</strong>t <strong>in</strong> 2010. Not really understand<strong>in</strong>g how trauma<br />
can have such powerful mental and physical effects, her tipp<strong>in</strong>g po<strong>in</strong>t<br />
was los<strong>in</strong>g a friend <strong>in</strong> a car accident the follow<strong>in</strong>g year. She spent her 20’s<br />
redef<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g herself and learn<strong>in</strong>g to heal through trauma. Katie found <strong>This</strong> is<br />
<strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> after a close friend died by suicide <strong>in</strong> June 2018 and quickly decided<br />
to produce a show. <strong>This</strong> is <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> was someth<strong>in</strong>g she wanted to share with<br />
her community. When a full time position opened up with <strong>This</strong> is <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>,<br />
Katie knew it was time to move from the corporate world back to her roots <strong>in</strong><br />
nonprofit. Katie lives <strong>in</strong> St. Louis MO with her two dogs. She volunteers as a<br />
coach <strong>for</strong> an all girls high school racquetball team. She loves spend<strong>in</strong>g time<br />
with her friends and family - especially her niece and nephew.<br />
NATASHA WEST<br />
Director of Market<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Natasha jo<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> <strong>in</strong> 2022 as the Director of Market<strong>in</strong>g, with<br />
more than eight years of market<strong>in</strong>g experience <strong>in</strong> mental health and health<br />
care. Prior to jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>, Natasha worked <strong>for</strong> various mental<br />
health nonprofits as a digital market<strong>in</strong>g consultant where she focused on<br />
data-driven strategy development.<br />
Natasha received a B.A. <strong>in</strong> Communications with an emphasis <strong>in</strong> Social<br />
Media and Communication Technology and a M.S. <strong>in</strong> Integrated Market<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Communications from West Virg<strong>in</strong>ia University. When Natasha is not work<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
she loves backpack<strong>in</strong>g, hik<strong>in</strong>g, concerts, and plann<strong>in</strong>g future travel with<br />
Peanut and Khaleesi (dog and cat).<br />
28
Photo credit: Alicia Bruce<br />
JENNIFER MARSHALL<br />
Co-Founder<br />
Board of Directors<br />
Jessica Kennedy, Chairperson<br />
Dr. Kyaien Connor<br />
Tammy George<br />
Ric Waldman<br />
Jenn (she/her) was diagnosed with Type 1 Bipolar Disorder <strong>in</strong> 2006<br />
at the age of 26. She’s had four hospitalizations with<strong>in</strong> five years<br />
– two <strong>in</strong> 2005 be<strong>for</strong>e any diagnosis was reached, and two more<br />
because she was try<strong>in</strong>g to protect her newborn son (postpartum<br />
psychosis) <strong>in</strong> 2008 and her unborn daughter <strong>in</strong> 2010 – and all<br />
were because she was unmedicated at the time. Writ<strong>in</strong>g her way<br />
through life with a mental illness became her way of heal<strong>in</strong>g, and<br />
her award-w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g blog BipolarMomLife became an <strong>in</strong>spiration to<br />
many. Jenn created <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> because she learned first<br />
hand how powerful and therapeutic it was to live openly and not<br />
hide her diagnosis. She wanted to give brave <strong>in</strong>dividuals from<br />
the community a plat<strong>for</strong>m through which to creatively share<br />
their stories of liv<strong>in</strong>g with mental illness to educate and <strong>in</strong>spire<br />
others. After lead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>, Inc. <strong>for</strong> seven years, Jenn<br />
stepped down from her role as Executive Director <strong>in</strong> 2022. She<br />
lives outside Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC with her husband and two children.<br />
Advisory Board<br />
Doreen Gentzler<br />
Dr. Mark Komrad<br />
Dr. Robert Post<br />
Hayley Sherwood, PhD<br />
Photo credit: Shoot Photo Inc.<br />
ANNE MARIE AMES<br />
Co-Founder<br />
Anne Marie held a variety of PR and strategic communications<br />
positions throughout her career, but her favorite job was creat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and produc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>. She found her passion and her<br />
mission – to help others share their stories – and made tremendous<br />
contributions to the organization from launch<strong>in</strong>g the <strong>in</strong>itial concept<br />
to strategiz<strong>in</strong>g on growth and expansion over the four years of her<br />
tenure. Anne Marie’s sudden pass<strong>in</strong>g on August 23, 2017, was a shock<br />
to the many who loved her, and she is deeply missed.<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 29
THIS IS MY BRAVE<br />
HISTORY<br />
FROM A BLOG TO A SHOW<br />
In August of 2011, more than six years after Jennifer<br />
Marshall’s bipolar disorder first surfaced, she decided<br />
to start a blog. It became a place where she turned to<br />
write about her life as a wife and young mom to two<br />
small kids, and writ<strong>in</strong>g helped her beg<strong>in</strong> to heal. She<br />
titled it: Bipolar Mom Life. Jennifer wrote anonymously<br />
at first, because she was afraid of be<strong>in</strong>g judged. She<br />
also worried that disclos<strong>in</strong>g her mental illness may make<br />
future employment opportunities difficult. For eighteen<br />
months, Jennifer wrote and found community onl<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
Other writers who were openly shar<strong>in</strong>g their stories of<br />
overcom<strong>in</strong>g mental illness <strong>in</strong>spired her, and when she<br />
landed her first paid writ<strong>in</strong>g job, Jennifer decided to stop<br />
hid<strong>in</strong>g beh<strong>in</strong>d a pen name.<br />
When WhatToExpect.com published her first article with<br />
Jennifer’s byl<strong>in</strong>e, it was also picked up by AOL.com (the<br />
parent company). <strong>The</strong> outpour<strong>in</strong>g of support and gratitude<br />
when that piece hit the Internet with her real name was<br />
overwhelm<strong>in</strong>g. She knew immediately that disclos<strong>in</strong>g was<br />
the right decision. She could f<strong>in</strong>ally talk about all parts of<br />
her life, and not just the sh<strong>in</strong>y, fun moments.<br />
About six months later, Jennifer had the idea to launch<br />
a theater show. A simple storytell<strong>in</strong>g show where<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals from the community could tell their stories<br />
through creative expression to break down the stigma<br />
associated with mental illness. She wanted to give<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals from the community the same opportunity<br />
she had – a stage on which to share their story of liv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a successful life despite mental illness. Jennifer met her<br />
Co-Founder, Anne Marie Ames, at a mutual friend’s party<br />
and recruited her to help put the project out to the world.<br />
Jennifer and Anne Marie launched <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong><br />
on Kickstarter <strong>in</strong> October of 2013 and the excitement<br />
surround<strong>in</strong>g the project grew and grew. <strong>The</strong>y offered<br />
tickets to the first show and handmade “BRAVE”<br />
bracelets, among other items, as rewards <strong>for</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
pledges of support. With<strong>in</strong> 31 days, the campaign had<br />
surpassed their goal of $6,500 to fund the first show,<br />
end<strong>in</strong>g up with over $10,000 <strong>in</strong> contributions. It was clear<br />
that the community wanted to help br<strong>in</strong>g this show to life<br />
– they believed <strong>in</strong> the vision and Jennifer and Anne Marie<br />
were dedicated to deliver<strong>in</strong>g an exceptional production.<br />
After the success of the debut show <strong>in</strong> 2014, Jennifer<br />
and Anne Marie began receiv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terest from<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals <strong>in</strong> other cities to br<strong>in</strong>g the show to their<br />
community. <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>, Inc was <strong>for</strong>med<br />
as a 501(c)(3) and the organization began to<br />
expand to new cities through the support of<br />
volunteers will<strong>in</strong>g to donate their time and<br />
expertise to coord<strong>in</strong>ate shows.<br />
Photo credit: Jim Folliard<br />
30
“I f<strong>in</strong>ally feel com<strong>for</strong>table with my mental<br />
health story <strong>in</strong> a way I never have be<strong>for</strong>e.<br />
Like the power it used to hold over me is gone.”<br />
ERIN TROIA, 2018 ARLINGTON STORYTELLER<br />
FROM ONE SHOW TO NATIONWIDE + AUSTRALIA<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce 2014, <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> has produced more than 65<br />
unique shows <strong>in</strong> cities across the United States featur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
over 800 storytellers shar<strong>in</strong>g true, personal stories on<br />
overcom<strong>in</strong>g depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD,<br />
psychosis, OCD, postpartum depression, borderl<strong>in</strong>e<br />
personality disorder, dissociative identity disorder,<br />
trichotillomania, anorexia, bulimia, sexual assault,<br />
alcoholism, substance use disorder and more.<br />
In 2017, <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> expanded <strong>in</strong>ternationally with the<br />
help of mental health advocate Tim Daly, who leads our<br />
NPO <strong>in</strong> Canberra, Australia – <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> Australia,<br />
or TIMBA <strong>for</strong> short.<br />
Jennifer and Anne Marie may have created the space<br />
<strong>for</strong> these brave stories to exist, but <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong><br />
wouldn’t be the <strong>in</strong>credible community it is if it weren’t<br />
<strong>for</strong> all the amaz<strong>in</strong>g people who have bravely come<br />
<strong>for</strong>ward to share their stories. “It’s my op<strong>in</strong>ion that we<br />
won’t be able to end the stigma surround<strong>in</strong>g mental<br />
illness and addiction until we put our names and faces<br />
on our stories,” says Jennifer.<br />
THIS IS MY BRAVE<br />
IS DOING THIS<br />
ONE PERSON<br />
& ONE STORY<br />
AT A TIME<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 31
THIS IS MY BRAVE’S IMPACT<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce 2014, <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> has...<br />
produced<br />
80<br />
shows<br />
2021<br />
Stories from the<br />
Black Community - vol 1*<br />
Stories from the<br />
Black Community - vol 2*<br />
College Edition - season 2*<br />
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Hampshire</strong>*<br />
National Teen <strong>Show</strong>*<br />
Stories from the<br />
APIDA Community*<br />
<strong>Brave</strong>TV*<br />
<strong>Brave</strong> Beyond the Stage*<br />
#<strong>Brave</strong>Days*<br />
•<br />
2020<br />
<strong>Brave</strong>TV pilot*<br />
Napa Valley<br />
& St Helena, CA<br />
Houston, TX*<br />
St Louis, MO*<br />
Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC-area*<br />
Hampton Roads, VA*<br />
<strong>New</strong> <strong>Hampshire</strong>*<br />
•<br />
2019<br />
High School Edition Pilot<br />
College Edition Pilot<br />
Baltimore, MD<br />
Concord, NH<br />
DeKalb, IL<br />
Houston, TX<br />
Orlando, FL<br />
Columbus, OH<br />
Carroll County, MD<br />
Northwest AR<br />
32<br />
Boise, ID<br />
with over<br />
900<br />
storytellers<br />
2018<br />
Arl<strong>in</strong>gton, VA - Spr<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Arl<strong>in</strong>gton, VA - Fall<br />
Baltimore, MD<br />
Bentonville, AR<br />
Bethesda, MD<br />
Boise, ID<br />
Boston, MA - Spr<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Boston, MA - Fall<br />
Charlotte, NC - Spr<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Charlotte, NC - Fall<br />
Elk<strong>in</strong>s Park, PA<br />
Ft. Lauderdale, FL<br />
Iowa City, IA<br />
Lans<strong>in</strong>g, MI<br />
Los Angeles, CA<br />
Mullumbimby, Australia<br />
<strong>New</strong> York City, NY<br />
Orlando, FL<br />
Philadelphia, PA<br />
Sterl<strong>in</strong>g, VA<br />
www.thisismybrave.org<br />
17,250+<br />
audience<br />
members<br />
<strong>in</strong> 49 cities<br />
<strong>in</strong> the U.S.<br />
and Australia<br />
2017<br />
Bentonville, AR<br />
Boise, ID<br />
Boston, MA<br />
Canberra, Australia<br />
Cedar Rapids, IA<br />
D.C. Women’s Summit,<br />
Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC<br />
Des Mo<strong>in</strong>es, IA<br />
Germantown, MD<br />
Jacksonville, FL<br />
Kansas City, MO<br />
Lewiston, ME<br />
Los Angeles, CA - Spr<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Los Angeles, CA - Fall<br />
Napa, CA<br />
Perth, Australia<br />
Sedona, AZ<br />
Valparaiso, IN<br />
Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC<br />
Wheel<strong>in</strong>g, WV<br />
and 300k<br />
YouTube<br />
video views<br />
2016<br />
Arl<strong>in</strong>gton, VA<br />
Baltimore, MD<br />
Denver, CO - Spr<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Denver, CO - Fall<br />
Greenville, SC<br />
Iowa City, IA<br />
Oklahoma City, OK<br />
Valparaiso, IN<br />
Wash<strong>in</strong>gton, DC<br />
•<br />
2015<br />
Arl<strong>in</strong>gton, VA<br />
Boston, MA<br />
Harrisburg, PA<br />
Iowa City, IA<br />
Los Angeles, CA<br />
<strong>New</strong> York City, NY<br />
2014<br />
Arl<strong>in</strong>gton, VA<br />
* <strong>in</strong>dicates virtual programm<strong>in</strong>g<br />
@thisismybrave
AND<br />
PRESENT THE UPCOMING FILM<br />
OUR TURN TO TALK<br />
Teens today are at the center of a mental health epidemic<br />
<strong>in</strong> America. Anxiety, trauma, depression, eat<strong>in</strong>g disorders<br />
and addiction are responsible <strong>for</strong> the highest rates of<br />
suicide ever recorded among young people.<br />
OUR TURN TO TALK is a documentary film focused on<br />
teenagers who say they’re the generation to put an end to<br />
mental health stigma. To do it, they’re tell<strong>in</strong>g their own stories<br />
– raw and unfiltered. From skyrocket<strong>in</strong>g rates of anxiety and<br />
depression to the impacts of racial and <strong>in</strong>tergenerational<br />
trauma, these teens share their struggles and triumphs and<br />
carry a powerful message: Storytell<strong>in</strong>g Saves Lives.<br />
COMING FALL 2022<br />
OUR TURN TO TALK is a production of Pr<strong>in</strong>ciple Pictures<br />
<strong>for</strong> WETA <strong>in</strong> partnership with Well Be<strong>in</strong>gs, a major public<br />
media, multi-plat<strong>for</strong>m campaign from WETA committed to<br />
demystify<strong>in</strong>g and de-stigmatiz<strong>in</strong>g our physical and mental<br />
health through storytell<strong>in</strong>g. OUR TURN TO TALK features<br />
storytellers from <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>, Inc. an organization<br />
committed to destigmatiz<strong>in</strong>g mental health issues through<br />
live storytell<strong>in</strong>g and scientific research.<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 33
THIS IS MY BRAVE’S<br />
PROGRAMS<br />
We believe <strong>in</strong> the power of storytell<strong>in</strong>g to break down<br />
the stigma surround<strong>in</strong>g mental illness. <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong><br />
– <strong>The</strong> <strong>Show</strong> is a live presentation of touch<strong>in</strong>g essays,<br />
orig<strong>in</strong>al music, poetry, and comedy per<strong>for</strong>med by a dozen<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividuals liv<strong>in</strong>g with—or lov<strong>in</strong>g someone with—a mental<br />
illness. <strong>Show</strong>s are held <strong>in</strong> cities and towns across the<br />
United States, as well as <strong>in</strong> Australia. Auditions are held<br />
<strong>in</strong> each city <strong>in</strong> advance of the show, creat<strong>in</strong>g a cast made<br />
up of members of the local community. <strong>The</strong>y rehearse<br />
together with a local producer be<strong>for</strong>e present<strong>in</strong>g their<br />
stories live on stage <strong>in</strong> front of an audience. <strong>The</strong>re<br />
is strength found <strong>in</strong> people com<strong>in</strong>g together as a<br />
community, propell<strong>in</strong>g a movement <strong>for</strong>ward toward a<br />
common goal.<br />
Are you a college student – <strong>in</strong><br />
person OR onl<strong>in</strong>e? <strong>The</strong>n YOU<br />
can be a <strong>Brave</strong> Ambassador!<br />
<strong>This</strong> is YOUR opportunity to become a ground level, off<br />
the stage storyteller <strong>for</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> aka a <strong>Brave</strong><br />
Ambassador! YOU have the power to change the culture<br />
on your college campus and open up the conversation<br />
around mental health. YOU have the power to smash<br />
the stigma of mental illness <strong>for</strong> future generations. YOU<br />
have the power to make your fellow students feel heard,<br />
validated, and empowered. Not all students live with<br />
mental illness, but ALL students are affected by mental<br />
health. Let’s do this!<br />
34
<strong>The</strong> <strong>The</strong> image image depicted depicted <strong>The</strong> image conta<strong>in</strong>s conta<strong>in</strong>s depicted models models conta<strong>in</strong>s and and is be<strong>in</strong>g models is be<strong>in</strong>g used and used <strong>for</strong> is <strong>for</strong> be<strong>in</strong>g used <strong>for</strong><br />
illustrative illustrative purposes purposes illustrative only. only. Janssen purposes Janssen Global only. Global Services, Janssen Services, Global LLC. LLC. © Services, JGS © JGS 2018 2018 LLC. © JGS 2018<br />
Creat<strong>in</strong>g a future where disease<br />
is a th<strong>in</strong>g of the past.<br />
We are Janssen, the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.<br />
Bold Creat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Creat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
th<strong>in</strong>kers. Big dreamers. a<br />
Fearless future<br />
future<br />
advocates on behalf where<br />
where<br />
of patients. disease<br />
disease<br />
So that one day, the world’s most daunt<strong>in</strong>g diseases will be found only<br />
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the pages a<br />
th<strong>in</strong>g<br />
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of history books. of<br />
of<br />
Learn more the<br />
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at www.janssen.com. past.<br />
past.<br />
We are Janssen, the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.<br />
© We Bold Janssen are th<strong>in</strong>kers. Pharmaceuticals, Janssen, Big the dreamers. Inc. Pharmaceutical 2022 04/22 Fearless cp-311893v1 Companies advocates on of Johnson behalf of & patients. Johnson.<br />
Bold So that th<strong>in</strong>kers. one day, Big the dreamers. world’s most Fearless daunt<strong>in</strong>g advocates diseases on behalf will be of found patients. only<br />
So <strong>in</strong> the that pages one day, of history the world’s books. most Learn daunt<strong>in</strong>g more at diseases www.janssen.com.<br />
will be found only<br />
<strong>in</strong> © Janssen the pages Pharmaceuticals, of history Inc. 2022 books. 04/22 Learn cp-311893v1 more at www.janssen.com.<br />
© Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2022 04/22 cp-311893v1<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 35
SUPPORT<br />
THIS IS MY BRAVE TODAY!<br />
Were you <strong>in</strong>spired, moved, or trans<strong>for</strong>med by<br />
WHAT YOU HEARD ON STAGE TODAY?<br />
Are you ready to jo<strong>in</strong> the<br />
movement and help end<br />
the stigma surround<strong>in</strong>g<br />
MENTAL ILLNESS?<br />
Your tax-deductible gift helps build a trusted plat<strong>for</strong>m <strong>for</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividuals<br />
to share their stories of recovery from mental illness and addiction.<br />
YOUR GIFT ALLOWS SOMEONE TO BE BRAVE.<br />
Scan this QR code now<br />
Jo<strong>in</strong> as a<br />
to make a one-time donation<br />
right from your phone<br />
https://bit.ly/donatebrave<br />
and become a susta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g member<br />
<strong>for</strong> as little as $10 per month.<br />
https://bit.ly/<strong>Brave</strong>Champion<br />
YOUR GIFT PROVIDES PEOPLE LIVING WITH MENTAL<br />
ILLNESS THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME FORWARD<br />
AND SHARE THEIR STORIES, BOLDLY AND BRAVELY.