This Is My Brave - The Show with Flourishing Families

HOSTS
TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2023

Compassion
in Action
ASL THERAPIST
AND MENTAL HEALTH
SUPPORT RESOURCE LIST
At Karuna, we’re dedicated to championing the
needs and experiences of people living with
mental illness as we work toward our mission
of developing and delivering transformative
medicines to those in need.
Use your phone to scan the QR code for a list of ASL
Therapists and Mental Health Support organizations.
LEARN MORE AT KARUNATX.COM
2

HOSTS
PRODUCTION TEAM
Courtney Joly-Lowdermilk Flourishing Families Director
Gary Horwitz Flourishing Families Staff
Lisa Augustine Flourishing Families Staff
Mataiah Crossely Flourishing Families Staff
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
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DEAR FRIENDS,
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US IN THE AUDIENCE TODAY!
What a journey it has been since This Is My Brave produced its very first show in Arlington, Virginia, in 2014 – a show
inspired by our co-founder and former Executive Director, Jennifer Marshall. I know that she and her co-founder,
Anne Marie Ames, never imagined at that time the success that Brave would realize. Since 2014, This Is My Brave has
produced 89 more shows in dozens of cities across the U.S. and in Australia. Story by story, This Is My Brave is shining a
light on mental illness and addiction and helping end the stigma that has so long surrounded these issues.
COVID-19 presented us (and the world) with challenges we never could have expected. If there’s any good that came from
the global pandemic, it is that our society is finally understanding the need to prioritize mental health and wellness. And
we at This Is My Brave are here for it! Storytelling has and will always be a path to authentic connection and healing.
We are especially proud to have a platform in place where all stories can be shared and all storytellers can be affirmed
and celebrated.
We are thrilled to collaborate on this very special edition of This Is My Brave - The Show with Boston University Center
for Psychiatric Rehabilitation’s Flourishing Families program! I am incredibly honored that this cast of amazing mothers
has stepped forward to share their powerful personal testimonies of living well and thriving as parents of young adult
children who are managing a mental health challenge or substance use disorder. I know that this show will shine a light
on this unique circumstance and let other parents who are facing something similar know they are not alone.
Especially now, opening up conversations in this community about mental health through storytelling will have a lasting
impact for so many. We hope that the stories you hear tonight will spark important conversations in your circles!
Every time a story is told — every time we shine a light on mental illness and substance use disorders — we let someone
know that they are not alone. We can give someone the gift of hope and provide them with a sense of community based
on shared experiences.
YOU ARE A VITALLY IMPORTANT PART OF THIS STORY, TOO.
Mental illness does not discriminate. It may affect your family. It may affect the family of
someone you love. We need to acknowledge that mental illness is something that a family
may encounter in this lifetime. We must stop the secrecy that stigma has imposed on us
and begin to share openly and honestly about our experiences.
Together, we can work to end the stigma. We have come so far in nine years, but we
still have so much more work to do. There are millions more stories to be shared,
and we will start by sharing a few more on this stage here with you tonight.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US ON THIS JOURNEY.
Erin Gallagher,
Executive Director
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OUR MISSION
The mission of This Is My Brave is
to empower individuals to put their
names and faces to their personal
stories of recovery from mental
illness and/or addiction.
“So much power in real stories of struggle & hope.”
DAWN LITTLEFIELD, AUDIENCE MEMBER, DEKALB SHOW
OUR VISION
Someday, we will live in a world where we won’t
have to call it “brave” for talking openly about
mental illness. WE WILL SIMPLY CALL IT “TALKING.”
This Is My Brave, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is the leading platform for individuals to share their
stories of living successful lives despite a diagnosis of a mental illness or addiction. Our main event is This Is My
Brave - The Show, a live stage production featuring a cast of individuals who use the performing arts to share their
stories and inspire others. We’re opening up the conversation about mental health disorders in communities all
across the country.
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
5

ORDER
OF SHOW
OPENING REMARKS
Courtney Joly-Lowdermilk
Suzanne Buchko
Carla Carlisle
Sharline Cordner
Kamilah Mitchell
Jeanne Murphy
Krystal Livingston
Wen-Ling Lai
Quatavia (NSOMANY WORDS) Jones
Letting Go
A Healing Space
Lost Files
Not Yours
Person
I Know
To Repeat or Rewrite
“Message in a Memory” and “Kiki”
CLOSING REMARKS
Courtney Joly-Lowdermilk
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BRAVE AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE
Please DO take out your cell phones during performances and
SHARE on your social media platforms that you are watching!
SHARE your photos, favorite lines or takeaways using the hashtag
#STORYTELLINGSAVESLIVES and tagging us @THISISMYBRAVE
Help us tell the world that we’re here, and you’re watching!
Laugh at the funny, be comfortable with the sad,
be inspired by the resilience.
Need a break during the show? We understand. Things can get heavy.
Please exit quietly, and let your friends and family know that you’re okay.
We’ll be here when you’re ready :)
THIS IS MY BRAVE’S 2023 NATIONAL SPONSORS
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
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The image depicted contains models and is being used
for illustrative purposes only.
Creating a future where disease is a
thing of the past.
At Janssen Neuroscience, we have a bold and ambitious goal – to create a
future where serious mental illness and debilitating neurological disorders
are a thing of the past. We work hard to help heal minds and bodies, restoring
hope for better lives. Learn more at www.janssen.com.
8
© Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems, Inc. 2023 04/23 cp-311245v2

A NOTE
FROM THE PRODUCER
DEAR CHERISHED COMMUNITY MEMBERS,
Thank you for joining and supporting Flourishing Families presents This Is My Brave The Show.
This Show is a true partnership between Flourishing Families, a program that embraces and
supports family members in their recovery, and This Is My Brave, an organization that embraces the
evidence-based art form of storytelling to empower individuals in their recovery. Families and Brave
are steeped in the values of personhood, hope, choice, empowerment, and recovery. The marriage
of these two programs was inevitable. Still, Katie and Erin, this project was only realized with your
leadership and friendship. Thank you for taking a chance on this idea.
This is a first-of-its-kind performance, which means, Storytellers, you took on leap of faith on this
project too. Week after week, you logged into evening Zoom rehearsals after a full day of work,
after putting dinner on the table, and during bedtimes. Always, you found the energy to show your
authentic selves and support your sisters. You have cultivated an unwaveringly reliable connection
and community here that will deservedly take the global stage for the world to touch and hold onto.
All too often the journey of family recovery is a lonely one. Storytellers, thank you sharing your
profound wisdom, tender love, fierce advocacy, and overwhelming joys and heartaches. Your
brave words empower us to sustain our brave and hopefulness. Recovery is possible. Hope is essential.
This Show was inspired by the thousands of families who’ve touched our lives at the Center for
Psychiatric Rehabilitation over the last 40 years and the ongoing need for more open and real
exchange between families in support of family healing and recovery. This Show is dedicated to the
remarkably brave caregivers whose stories will go untold.
This Show was made possible by our friends at The Ruderman Family Foundation. Thank you for
your commitment to and support of this work. This Show will live on through Flourishing Families
supported by the Gayle Berg Endowed Fund and carried by the team at the Center: Mataiah, Gary,
Lisa, Dori, & Larry.
Thank you for joining us tonight to elevate these Storytellers’ voices and reminding families
everywhere that they are not alone.
Sincerely,
Courtney Joly-Lowdermilk
Director of Flourishing Families
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
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AbbVie remains committed to bringing
together the bipolar I disorder community.
Visit GettingHereToThere.com to learn how advocacy
organizations, musicians, music lovers, and others come
together to reduce stigma and raise awareness of mental
health. While you’re there, sign up to be notified about
additional support and resources.
GettingHereToThere.com
UNB148562 07/21

HOSTS
This program is made possible by the generous partnership between the
Ruderman Family Foundation and the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University.
To learn more about The Ruderman Family Foundation, please visit
https://rudermanfoundation.org/.
ABOUT THE FLOURISHING FAMILIES PROGRAM
A comprehensive, educational program that supports parents, guardians,
and caregivers of young adults who live with a mental health and/or substance
use conditions to heal and build sustainable, health-promoting relationships.
Interested in learning more?
Scan this QR code with your phone
to visit the program website.
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
11

THE
CAST
SUZANNE BUCHKO (SHE/HER)
Shortly after her youngest daughter joined her family through
adoption, Suzanne Buchko left the practice of law to become a full
time parent. Before that time, Suzanne was an actor, playwright, civil
rights lawyer, Master Gardener and history enthusiast. After meeting
her daughter, she became an advocate for her daughter and other
children, learned to navigate the labyrinth of educational and public
support systems for children and young people with disabilities,
facilitated mindfulness and meditation programs for caregivers of
people with developmental differences and participated as a LEND
Fellow at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Suzanne is a writer
who regularly blogs at Chasing Joy (https://chasingjoy.net/), and
she loves to sing in her UU society choir. She can be reached at
suzbuchko@gmail.com.
CARLA CARLISLE (SHE/HER)
Carla is from Charlotte, NC. She is the Executive Director of The
Compassionate Companion (TM) in which she gives keynotes and
workshops for caregivers using lived experience and supported by
evidence based tools. A proud boy mom, Carla has dedicated her
life to bringing awareness to mental health, suicide prevention, and
how we all need help sometimes. A multi-award winning author, she
did a TEDx talk about becoming trauma informed and jumped at the
opportunity to be a part of This Is My Brave to bring awareness to
and acceptance of mental health conditions. To learn more, visit her
website at https://carlaacarlisle.com/.
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SHARLINE CORDNER (SHE/HER)
Ms. Sharline Cordner is a dynamic individual who has overcome many
challenges in her personal and professional life. A mother of one and
grandmother of two, she is also a domestic violence survivor and a
woman of strong faith. With over 33 years of experience in the field of
administration in the corporate sector/state enterprise, she has been an
active trade union advocate and holds certificates in Industrial Relations
and Public Relations, as well as Corporate Events Management from
George Washington University.
After a personal experience with mental health issues and retrenchment,
Sharline started her own plant and events decor company, SHACORDS.
She became a mental health advocate after her son suffered from
mental trauma in the workplace, and she sought professional help. Her
experience highlighted the stigma and lack of resources for mental
health treatment in Trinidad and Tobago, leading her to pursue Youth
Mental Health First Aid certification from the US and conflict resolution/
mediation training from the Conflict Resolution and Mediation Centre of
Trinidad and Tobago.
As founder and president of Mental Health Reality Wellness Trinidad and
Tobago (MHRWTT), Sharline is dedicated to educating and advocating
for mental health solutions and wellness of mind, locally, regionally, and
internationally. MHRWTT is an NGO that strategically brings together a
team of mental health professionals, individuals with lived experiences,
and others to work collaboratively in advocating for mental health.
Her commitment, dedication, and experience make her a perfect agent
of change, working with institutions, government bodies, citizens,
sporting associations, corporations, and religious organizations. and
communities to bring the conversation on mental health to the forefront.
https://www.mentalhealthrwtt.org/
Instagram: @mhrwtt
Facebook: @MHRealityWellnessTT
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
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THE
CAST
QUATAVIA (NSOMANY WORDS) JONES (SHE/HER)
Quatavia Brazzley was the product of a 15-year-old child with
mental health issues put into foster care after her parents became
addicted to crack and heroin in the 80’s. She is a mother of six, wife,
grandmother, and survivor of the New York City foster care system.
Quatavia fell in love with poetry as a child when she was introduced
to “On the Subway” by The Last Poets. As a spoken word artist, she is
known as “Nsomany Words”. A name given to her by a peer because
of her ability to get straight to the point. She understands that the
pen is mightier than the sword and that the power of life and death
is in the tongue, so she uses her words to inspire and promote
healing, love, and forgiveness. She is a firm believer that “We are
what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a
habit” (Will Durant). Quatavia represents an attitude of embracing
your beautiful uniqueness and all of the experiences that brought
you to this place and time. Remembering that love heals a multitude
of pains of the past, helps push through problems of the present,
and eases the anxiety of what the future may hold. Understanding
that her experiences and stories are lived to help others through
theirs. From growing through teen pregnancy and homelessness,
foreclosure and fighting the public school system to properly care
for her children with mental health needs to advocating for families
that have members with mental health issues with the Charlotte
Police Department. She will use her voice to help, to heal, and remind
us to laugh out loud, dance like nobody’s watching, love a little bit
harder, and know that we were created to be captivating.
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WEN-LING LAI 賴 文 玲 (SHE/ 她 )
Wen-Ling Lai 賴 文 玲 is a blessed child of God, wife, mom, and
hospice spiritual care counselor in the NJ/PA area. Wen-Ling
accepts and appreciates how mental health breaks or makes
the total wellness of her beloved, especially her two young adult
children. Wen-Ling continues to recover from overfunctioning in
attempts to live with her undiagnosed and well-hidden anxiety.
Having learned about death attempts by suicide within her family
of origin, Wen-Ling has been praying for 1) suicide ideations and
attempts to skip her and all generations to come in the family! &
2) that everyone knows help is always available via the 988 Suicide
and Crisis Lifeline.
As an ordained minister, Wen-Ling loves journeying with people so
“their deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet” (Frederick
Buechner)! Music of many varieties, prayers, and hot pot (Chinese
fondue) comfort her soul like no other. Walking with the family
dog Tay on trails and talking with friends are her favorite ways to
process tough stuff in life. If she were to ever get a tattoo, it would
be “ 台 灣 製 ” (MiT or Made in Taiwan) on the back of her neck!
Not just during Asian American & Pacific Islander Month, Wen-
Ling draws inspiration, healing, and comfort from songs, sounds,
and meditations from BRAVESPACE, hosted by the Smithsonian
Asian Pacific American Center. Join her or stop by when you get a
moment via https://www.asianpacificheritage.gov/.
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
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THE
CAST
KRYSTAL LIVINGSTON (SHE/HER)
Krystal Livingston was born and raised in Seattle, WA, the youngest
of six and the mother of four. Three of whom brought her to work as
a Certified Peer Counselor in Washington State the summer of 2015.
She has been a Parent Partner in a community mental health agency,
and she currently works as a State Certified Peer Trainer, training the
Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe) Workforce for Washington
State Health Care Authority. Krystal is also the Operation Coordinator
for Washington State Community Connectors. She was voted by the
City Council to serve a term, sharing the peer voice and perspective
as a member of the Behavioral Health Advisory Board (BHAB) and later
the BHAB representative on the Mental Illness and Drug Dependency
Advisory Board (M.I.D.D.).
Krystal has participated in and led many trainings and presentations
across Washington and other states. As a black woman recognizing
the lack of culturally relevant, effective, and inclusive mental health
policies and care, she has advocated for and led various teams of BIPOC
volunteers for project deliverables for the state, in creating culturally
specific guides and curriculum targeting the WISe Workforce.
Though Krystal comes from a large supportive family, one’s mental
wellness was not a topic open for discussion. With the revelation that
her two eldest sons were living with addiction which eventually led
to their displacement, she realized they needed a different type of
support. Being presented with the opportunity to do her practicum in
a community mental health agency became her introduction to peer
work and how vital it was to one’s recovery. She became increasingly
passionate about peer work on her family’s path to wellness and the
opportunity to model diversity, cultural sensitivity, hope, empowerment,
and resilience to those facing similar challenges through sharing her
own lived experiences.
16

KAMILAH MITCHELL (SHE/HER)
Kamilah Mitchell is a mother of two and a grandmother of five who
has spent most of her years plugging away in corporate America.
She began using creative writing as an outlet at a young age creating
poems and short stories. She enjoys the feeling of expressing
thoughts without interruption. As a domestic abuse survivor, she
decided to use that outlet to help other survivors cope, heal, and
thrive. That idea blossomed into a new and more fulfilling career.
Kamilah is now the sole owner and operator of The Lighthouse Bulb,
LLC; a mental and emotional well-being practice where she guides
clients along various paths to healing. In her free time, you’ll find her
watching or providing tarot readings as a fun way to continue healing
and strengthening her intuition and discernment. To learn more about
Kamilah and her practice, visit https://linktr.ee/thelighthousebulbllc.
JEANNE MURPHY (SHE/HER)
Jeanne is a New Yorker by birth and attitude who lives near
Baltimore, Maryland with her family. She is a spouse, parent, health
care provider, and consultant. Jeanne loves creative writing, hiking,
singing, and petting her brindle pitbull mix. She was a member of
the first Flourishing Families group and is thrilled to tell you a story
about her experiences today.
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
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PRODUCTION
TEAM
COURTNEY JOLY-LOWDERMILK (SHE/HER)
Courtney is from Woonsocket, Rhode Island and now lives with
her family in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts. She directs
Strategic Services Initiatives at the Center for Psychiatric
Rehabilitation at Boston University. She joined the Center team in 2014
and directed NITEO and the College Mental Health Education Programs
through 2021 and worked closely with This Is My Brave on their College
Edition program. For the last 17 years, Courtney has taught, developed,
and directed in the fields of special education, disability and access
services, and psychiatric rehabilitation. Most recently she developed
Flourishing Families, promoting positive health and recovery for the
parents, guardians, and caregivers of young adults who live with
mental health and substance use conditions. She attributes all
these successes to the nurturing wisdom and energy of colleagues,
students, and families, especially her family.
GARY HORWITZ (HE/HIM)
Gary Horwitz serves in the Flourishing Families program at the Center
for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University as a co-leader at
training workshops and a coach for participating parents. Gary has
collaborated in the drafting of the training and coaching manuals, and
develops coaching training for Flourishing Families team members. He
has taught a number of classes in the Adult Recovery Program including
Developing an Agile Mindset, Strategic Decision-Making and Conflict
Resolution. Gary is an attorney, founding his own law practice in 1989,
specializing in divorce mediation and high conflict divorce cases.
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LISA AUGUSTINE (SHE/HER)
Lisa is a people-first medical doctor and mental health rehabilitation
technician from Johannesburg, South Africa. She is a training associate
and coach for Flourishing Families and the College Mental Health
Education Programs at the BU CPR. Lisa believes in the practice
of equitable and accessible preventative and rehabilitative mental
health strategies to achieve public health and wellness goals. She is
passionate about working with and supporting young adults living with
mental illness, their families and first-generation college students at
Boston University and is a proud representative of the BU CPR’s values
and mission.
MATAIAH CROSSLEY, LICSW (SHE/HER)
Mataiah Crossley, LICSW, is a Clinical Social Worker at a Community
Behavioral Health Center and has been practicing in an outpatient
setting for 6 years. Within the past year, Mataiah expanded her scope
of practice and now operates her own private practice in addition to her
community-based work. She has experience working with individuals
with mental health challenges and uses an eclectic clinical approach to
best match the needs and preferences of the population she serves.
Her passion for supporting young adults and families has influenced her
work as a Co-facilitator and Coach for Flourishing Families at the Center
for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University for the past 2 years.
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
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THIS IS MY BRAVE
LEADERSHIP
Photo credit: EmmiClaire Photography
ERIN GALLAGHER
Executive Director
NATASHA WEST
Director of Marketing
Erin (she/her) is proud to be a part of the This Is My Brave
team as Interim Executive Director. Following the suicide
of her son, Jay, in 2016, Erin and her husband became
passionate mental health advocates and have worked
tirelessly to influence policy on appropriate responses,
particularly in the public schools, to suicide warning signs.
She enjoys working with This Is My Brave volunteers towards
ending the stigma associated with mental health and
substance use disorders in honor of Jay. When Erin is not
working, she enjoys spending time at her alma mater, James
Madison University, visiting her oldest daughter, Lindsay. She
alsov loves logging hours with husband Tim while watching
fastpitch softball played by her youngest, Laurenne, who is a
student at Mt. St. Mary’s University in Maryland.
Natasha (she/her) joined This Is My Brave in 2022 as
the Director of Marketing, with more than eight years of
marketing experience in mental health and health care.
Prior to joining This Is My Brave, Natasha worked for various
mental health nonprofits as a digital marketing consultant
where she focused on data-driven strategy development.
Natasha received a B.A. in Communications with an
emphasis in Social Media and Communication Technology
and a M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications from
West Virginia University. When Natasha is not working, she
loves backpacking, hiking, concerts, and planning future
travel with Peanut and Khaleesi (dog and cat).
KATIE GRANA
Director of Programming
Katie Grana (she/her), Director of Programming with This Is
My Brave, has been with the organization since 2019.
With a history in sales and client management, her transition
to the world of mental health advocacy was natural, as she
herself lives with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Katie
believes in the mission and vision of This Is My Brave and is
inspired to do this work every day.
Katie lives in St. Louis, MO and is a proud St. Louis Cardinals
and St. Louis Blues fan. She loves spending time with her
dogs, her partner, and her family and friends.
MARLON DELEON
Program Coordinator
Marlon (he/they) is a lot of things, and among them he is a
husband, father, disabled Navy submarine veteran, retired
grade school violinist, budding guitarist, aspiring writer,
recovering alcoholic, and strives to love all neighbors. In
2016 he took the stage in Valparaiso, Indiana for his first
This Is My Brave Show. After that, his life was peaches
and unicorns forever. Actually, in some ways, it was just
the beginning. In 2017 he married his best friend, Andrea,
and later that year they welcomed their first child. 2018
brought them their second child, and 2019 brought Marlon
the diagnosis of Bipolar Type II. In 2021 Marlon shared more
of his story in the virtual APIDA Community show, and he
ecstatically joined the Brave staff in 2022. Marlon truly
believes that #StorytellingSavesLives and he will never
underestimate the importance of sharing the message that
it’s ok to ask for help.
20

THIS IS MY BRAVE
OUR FOUNDERS
Photo credit: Alicia Bruce
JENNIFER MARSHALL
Co-Founder
Jenn (she/her) was diagnosed with Type 1 Bipolar Disorder in 2006 at the age
of 26. She’s had four hospitalizations within five years – two in 2005 before any
diagnosis was reached, and two more because she was trying to protect her
newborn son (postpartum psychosis) in 2008 and her unborn daughter in 2010 –
and all were because she was unmedicated at the time. Writing her way through
life with a mental illness became her way of healing, and her award-winning blog
BipolarMomLife became an inspiration to many. Jenn created This Is My Brave
because she learned first hand how powerful and therapeutic it was to live
openly and not hide her diagnosis. She wanted to give brave individuals from the
community a platform through which to creatively share their stories of living with
mental illness to educate and inspire others. After leading This Is My Brave, Inc. for
seven years, Jenn stepped down from her role as Executive Director in 2022. She
lives outside Washington, DC with her husband and two children.
Board of Directors
Jessica Kennedy, Chairperson
Adam Bromberg
Dr. Kyaien Conner
Tammy George
Kristine Haataja
Ric Waldman
Advisory Board
Doreen Gentzler
Dr. Mark Komrad
Dr. Robert Post
Dr. Hayley Sherwood
Photo credit: Shoot Photo Inc.
ANNE MARIE AMES
Co-Founder
Anne Marie held a variety of PR and strategic communications positions throughout
her career, but her favorite job was creating and producing This Is My Brave. She
found her passion and her mission – to help others share their stories – and made
tremendous contributions to the organization from launching the initial concept to
strategizing on growth and expansion over the four years of her tenure. Anne Marie’s
sudden passing on August 23, 2017, was a shock to the many who loved her, and she
is deeply missed.
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave

THIS IS MY BRAVE
RESEARCH
DR. KRISTIN KOSYLUK
Lead Researcher
Kristin Kosyluk is an Assistant Professor of Mental Health Law and Policy at the University of South Florida in the College
of Behavioral and Community Sciences. She also directs the STigma Action Research (STAR) Lab at USF. The STAR Lab
conducts community-engaged research aimed at understanding and addressing the stigma surrounding mental illness
in order to promote recovery among people living with mental illness.
Kristin has served as the lead evaluator of This Is My Brave’s programming for the past eight years, and she has produced
two College Edition Shows at USF. Eliminating the stigma around mental illness in order to promote treatment seeking
and recovery and prevent suicide is Kristin’s passion, fueled by her clinical experiences as well as her own experiences
with depression and anxiety and those of friends and loved ones.
When Kristin is not conducting stigma research or teaching the amazing students at USF about recovery and evidencebased
practices, her greatest joy is spending time with her husband, David, and six-year-old daughter, Emma. Kristin is
a lover of crafting, especially crochet and dollhouse miniatures.
22

IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE HELP
PLEASE CALL 911
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known
as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) provides
free and confidential emotional support to people in
suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day,
7 days a week, across the United States.
CALL OR TEXT THE LIFELINE ANYTIME, 24/7.
Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis: 1-888-628-9454
OPTIONS FOR DEAF + HARD OF HEARING
For TTY Users:
Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
THE CRISIS TEXT LINE CAN BE ACCESSED
BY TEXTING:
STORY TO 741-741
Envía un mensaje de texto con la palabra AYUDA al 741741 para
comunicarte de manera gratuita con un Consejero de Crisis.
TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING...
IT’S EASY AND FREE!
Taking a mental health screening is one of the quickest and
easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing
symptoms of a mental health condition.
Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are
real, common, and treatable. And recovery is possible.
We are thrilled to partner with Mental Health America, which
offers 10 mental health screens. You can share your results
with your physician or health care provider.
Take a free and confidential screening today by visiting:
HTTP://BIT.LY/BRAVESCREEN
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave

THIS IS MY BRAVE
HISTORY
FROM A BLOG TO A SHOW
In August of 2011, more than six years after Jennifer
Marshall’s bipolar disorder first surfaced, she decided
to start a blog. It became a place where she turned to
write about her life as a wife and young mom to two
small kids, and writing helped her begin to heal. She
titled it: Bipolar Mom Life. Jennifer wrote anonymously
at first, because she was afraid of being judged. She
also worried that disclosing her mental illness may make
future employment opportunities difficult. For eighteen
months, Jennifer wrote and found community online.
Other writers who were openly sharing their stories of
overcoming mental illness inspired her, and when she
landed her first paid writing job, Jennifer decided to stop
hiding behind a pen name.
When WhatToExpect.com published her first article with
Jennifer’s byline, it was also picked up by AOL.com (the
parent company). The outpouring of support and gratitude
when that piece hit the Internet with her real name was
overwhelming. She knew immediately that disclosing was
the right decision. She could finally talk about all parts of
her life, and not just the shiny, fun moments.
About six months later, Jennifer had the idea to launch
a theater show. A simple storytelling show where
individuals from the community could tell their stories
through creative expression to break down the stigma
associated with mental illness. She wanted to give
individuals from the community the same opportunity
she had – a stage on which to share their story of living
a successful life despite mental illness. Jennifer met her
Co-Founder, Anne Marie Ames, at a mutual friend’s party
and recruited her to help put the project out to the world.
Jennifer and Anne Marie launched This Is My Brave
on Kickstarter in October of 2013 and the excitement
surrounding the project grew and grew. They offered
tickets to the first show and handmade “BRAVE”
bracelets, among other items, as rewards for financial
pledges of support. Within 31 days, the campaign had
surpassed their goal of $6,500 to fund the first show,
ending up with over $10,000 in contributions. It was clear
that the community wanted to help bring this show to life
– they believed in the vision and Jennifer and Anne Marie
were dedicated to delivering an exceptional production.
After the success of the debut show in 2014, Jennifer
and Anne Marie began receiving interest from
individuals in other cities to bring the show to their
community. This Is My Brave, Inc was formed
as a 501(c)(3) and the organization began to
expand to new cities through the support of
volunteers willing to donate their time and
expertise to coordinate shows.
Photo credit: Jim Folliard
24

“I finally feel comfortable with my mental
health story in a way I never have before.
Like the power it used to hold over me is gone.”
ERIN TROIA, 2018 ARLINGTON STORYTELLER
FROM ONE SHOW TO NATIONWIDE + AUSTRALIA
Since 2014, This Is My Brave has produced more than 90
unique shows in cities across the United States featuring
over 1000 storytellers sharing true, personal stories on
overcoming depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD,
psychosis, OCD, postpartum depression, borderline
personality disorder, dissociative identity disorder,
trichotillomania, anorexia, bulimia, sexual assault,
alcoholism, substance use disorder and more.
In 2017, This Is My Brave expanded internationally with the
help of mental health advocate Tim Daly, who leads our
NPO in Canberra, Australia – This Is My Brave Australia,
or TIMBA for short.
Jennifer and Anne Marie may have created the space
for these brave stories to exist, but This Is My Brave
wouldn’t be the incredible community it is if it weren’t
for all the amazing people who have bravely come
forward to share their stories. “It’s my opinion that we
won’t be able to end the stigma surrounding mental
illness and addiction until we put our names and faces
on our stories,” says Jennifer.
THIS IS MY BRAVE
IS DOING THIS
ONE PERSON
& ONE STORY
AT A TIME
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 25

THIS IS MY BRAVE’S
PROGRAMS
THIS IS MY BRAVE IS MORE THAN JUST A SHOW...
• Opportunities for transformation and community building
• Youth and young adult initiatives
• Virtual programming
• Inspirational speakers bureau
• Integral research on the power of storytelling
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE
DESTIGMATIZING
MENTAL ILLNESS
ONE PERSON AND
ONE STORY AT A TIME
26

THIS IS MY BRAVE’S IMPACT
Since 2014, This Is My Brave has...
produced
90
shows
with over
1000
storytellers
18,500+
audience
members
2022
College Edition - USF
New Hampshire
Broward County, FL
in 53 cities and 300k
Los Angeles, CA
2019
in the U.S. YouTube
Philadelphia, PA
High School Edition Pilot
and Australia video views
Stories from the College College Edition Pilot
Athlete Community* Baltimore, MD
New York City, NY
2016
DeKalb, IL
Concord, NH
Orlando, FL
Arlington, VA
Eagle Valley, CO
DeKalb, IL
Philadelphia, PA
Baltimore, MD
Stories from the
Houston, TX
Veteran Community*
Sterling, VA
Denver, CO - Spring
Orlando, FL
•
•
Denver, CO - Fall
Columbus, OH
2021
2017
Greenville, SC
Carroll County, MD
Stories from the
Bentonville, AR
Iowa City, IA
Black Community - vol 1*
Northwest AR
Boise, ID
Oklahoma City, OK
Stories from the
Boise, ID
Boston, MA
Valparaiso, IN
Black Community - vol 2* •
Canberra, Australia
Washington, DC
College Edition - season 2* 2018
Cedar Rapids, IA
•
New Hampshire*
Arlington, VA - Spring D.C. Women’s Summit, 2015
National Teen Show*
Arlington, VA - Fall
Washington, DC
Arlington, VA
Stories from the
Baltimore, MD
Des Moines, IA
Boston, MA
APIDA Community*
Bentonville, AR
Germantown, MD
Harrisburg, PA
BraveTV*
Bethesda, MD
Jacksonville, FL
Iowa City, IA
Brave Beyond the Stage* Boise, ID
Kansas City, MO
Los Angeles, CA
#BraveDays*
Boston, MA - Spring
Lewiston, ME
New York City, NY
•
Boston, MA - Fall
Los Angeles, CA - Spring
2020
Charlotte, NC - Spring Los Angeles, CA - Fall 2014
BraveTV pilot*
Charlotte, NC - Fall
Napa, CA
Arlington, VA
Napa Valley
Elkins Park, PA
Perth, Australia
& St Helena, CA
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Sedona, AZ
Houston, TX*
Iowa City, IA
Valparaiso, IN
St Louis, MO*
Lansing, MI
Washington, DC
Washington, DC-area* Los Angeles, CA
Wheeling, WV
Hampton Roads, VA*
Mullumbimby, Australia
* indicates virtual programming
New Hampshire*
www.thisismybrave.org 27
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave @thisismybrave
27

SUPPORT
THIS IS MY BRAVE TODAY!
Were you inspired, moved, or transformed by
WHAT YOU HEARD ON STAGE TODAY?
Are you ready to join the
movement and help end
the stigma surrounding
MENTAL ILLNESS?
Your tax-deductible gift helps build a trusted platform for individuals
to share their stories of recovery from mental illness and addiction.
YOUR GIFT ALLOWS SOMEONE TO BE BRAVE.
Scan this QR code now
Join as a
to make a one-time donation
right from your phone
https://bit.ly/donatebrave
and become a sustaining member
for as little as $10 per month.
https://bit.ly/BraveChampion
YOUR GIFT PROVIDES PEOPLE LIVING WITH MENTAL
ILLNESS THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME FORWARD
AND SHARE THEIR STORIES, BOLDLY AND BRAVELY.