USF-Playbill23

FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 7PM

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

Kristin Kosyluk 

Kameron Talley 

Amanda Clark 

Patty Harrison 

Molly Urnek 

Ciara Spivey 

Michelle Wilks 

Precious Goodson 

Fanni Green 

PRODUCTION TEAM 

Show Producer 

Mental Health Professional & Show Director 

Stage Manager & Co-Director 

Marketing / PR Coordinator 

Marketing / PR Coordinator 

Fidelity Coordinator 

Media Partnership Manager / Fidelity Coordinator 

Fundraising Manager 

Storytelling Coach 

BRAVE TAKES PHOTOVOICE TEAM 

Margaret McGladrey Photovoice Director 

Manisha Katwal Voices of Behavioral Health Lab Graphic Designer 

Minh Pham Voices of Behavioral Health Lab Analyst & Graphic Designer 

Kalea Shuler Voices of Behavioral Health Lab Analyst 

Sofia Reyes Ochoa Voices of Behavioral Health Lab Analyst 

www.thisismybrave.org 

@thisismybrave 

3

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 be back for year two of This Is My Brave - College Edition at the University of South Florida! I am 

incredibly honored that this cast of amazing students has stepped forward to share their powerful personal testimonies 

of living well and thriving while managing a mental health challenge or substance use disorder. I know that this show will 

shine a light on mental illness and addiction and let others 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 on all of us. 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 you. It may affect someone you love. 

We need to acknowledge that mental illness is something that we may encounter in our 

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 eight 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 

4

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. 



5

BRAVE TAKES: 

A USF PHOTOVOICE PROJECT 

Photovoice is a participatory action research method that engages community stakeholders to photograph areas 

of strength and concern related to a health issue and then critically analyze in focus-group discussion how and 

why the health concern persists in their community, toward the goal of co-identifying opportunities for change 

and health improvement. For the Brave Takes project in conjunction with the This Is My Brave - College Edition at 

the University of South Florida Show 2023, we are applying the Photovoice method to bring stories of mental illness 

and addiction into focus and to the attention of our campus community. The mission of Brave Takes is to empower 

USF students as well as faculty and staff to share their personal stories of recovery and visions for change while 

controlling their level of disclosure of their identity in public. 

Using the Photovoice method during the pandemic, Dr. Margaret McGladrey developed an approach for facilitating 

Photovoice groups online for the NIH-funded HEALing Communities Study-Kentucky opioid overdose reduction 

effort. In this approach, each group participates in an orientation session covering the ethics of photography, 

reviewing information about why this study is being conducted, and explaining the goals of the Photovoice method. 

Using the nominal group technique during orientation, each group generates lists of the topics most important to 

photograph related to the project’s specified community health strengths and challenges. For Brave Takes, we 

asked faculty, staff, and students to consider supports and challenges related to mental health and addiction in the 

USF campus community. Participants take photos on nominated topics between sessions. When they come back 

together, they not only share their photos and any captions they might have written about them, but also discuss 

the prevalence of the topics they illustrated with their photos, why the realities captured in their photos exist, and 

what should be done and who should be involved in any action. Between sessions, Voices of Behavioral Health Lab 

members conduct rapid analyses of photo discussion notes using the Socioecological Framework and identify key 

themes arising from each photo discussion. These analyses are presented and discussed at subsequent sessions 

as a reflective exercise. A final analysis and action planning session entails reviewing photos, analyzing quotes from 

photo discussion transcripts, and assigning them to photos, which you see in the photo and caption combinations on 

our PowerPoint presentation, posters, and postcards. Each group also brainstorms a list of ideas for action needed 

on campus in light of what they learn in their Photovoice project. 

6

JOIN THE 

FOLLOW AND 

YOU’RE IN. 

THE SOCIETY OF VALUED 

MINDS WAS FOUNDED 

ON THE BELIEF THAT 

SELF-EXPRESSION AND 

COMMUNITY HAVE THE 

POWER TO CHANGE MINDS. 

We bring together creators and 

mental health advocates to share 

their creativity and lived experiences. 

We empower mental health pioneers 

to realize their missions in the world. 

We mobilize advocates to spark 

meaningful change. 

Together we can shatter stigma, 

create actionable awareness, and 

make every mind feel less alone. 

Follow to join, and DM us your 

self-expression for a chance to 

be featured. 

@societyofvaluedminds 

societyofvaluedminds.org 

Society of Valued Minds is brought to you by 

Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. 

Learn more about Otsuka and our mission of improving 

mental health worldwide at otsuka-us.com. 

April 2023 01US23EUC0060 



7

ORDER 

OF SHOW 

OPENING REMARKS 

Dean Chris Garvin 

College of the Arts 

Dr. Margaret McGladrey 

Photovoice Director, Assistant Professor of Mental Health Law and Policy, 

Director of the Voices of Behavioral Health Lab 

Dr. Kathleen Moore 

Executive Director of the Florida Mental Health Institute and Research Professor, 

Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences 

Dr. Kristin Kosyluk 

Show Producer, Assistant Professor of Mental Health Law and Policy and 

Director of the STigma Action Research (STAR) Lab 

Merita Thomas 

Karla Evangelista De La Rosa 

“Tell Them I’m Brave” 

by Natalie Layne & Phoebe Scott 

Conversations Between Me and I 

Bianca Romano How to Survive a School Shooting 101 

Merita Thomas 

Shawna Miller 

Jaden Patel 

Kaylee Davis 

Ella Dolce 

Emma Sadler 

Enrique (Quique) Luis A. Hartmann 

Joseth (Seth) Rivera 

Shine 

20 Plus Years of Chaos 

My Mania Journey 

Just as I am (Original dance choreographed & 

performed by Kaylee to the song Visit Croatia 

by Alabaster DePlume 2012) 

Haven’t I Given Enough? 

Porcelain 

Hallelujah 

The Stars Shine for Us 

CLOSING REMARKS 

Dean Julie Serovich 

College of Behavioral and Community Sciences 

8

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 



9

TELL THEM 

I’M BRAVE 

In July 2020, we launched our first singer/songwriter 

theme song competition and were so impressed with the 

touching songs that came in. Ultimately, we had to select a 

final winner, and we landed on “Tell Them I’m Brave” which 

was submitted by Natalie Layne and Phoebe Scott, recent 

graduates of Belmont University in Nashville, TN. While 

we’re still using Sara Bareilles’ song “Brave” at many of our 

shows, we love having our very own anthem! Be sure to 

follow the artists on Instagram @natalielaynemusic and 

@phoebeisloud, and download the song on iTunes today! 

THIS IS MY BRAVE 

MERCH SHOP 

Are you looking to add some #BraveGear to your wardrobe? 

Check out our new merch shop, and wear your Brave for all 

to see! We update the options frequently, so be sure to check 

back often. Visit our website to order yours today! 

10

A NOTE 

FROM THE PRODUCER 

Welcome to This Is My Brave - College Edition at the University of South Florida and thank you for joining us! 

Bringing a production of This Is My Brave (TIMB) to USF was something I’d dreamed of for years. I first met the 

co-founder and former Executive Director of This Is My Brave, Jennifer Marshall, in 2015 when we joined forces to 

research TIMB’s impact, in hopes of establishing This Is My Brave - The Show as an evidence-based stigma reduction 

program. The research that we have conducted over the past eight years consistently shows that TIMB programming 

decreases stigma and improves attitudes toward treatment-seeking among audience members, and increases 

empowerment, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and optimism among cast members. 

It is crucial that USF students hear these powerful stories from their peers living with mental illness so that they know 

they are not alone if they are struggling, that there is hope, and that recovery is achievable. Producing the first This Is 

My Brave - College Edition Show at USF in Spring 2022 was one of the most fulfilling and meaningful experiences of my 

life. The experience was transformative for our cast, audience, and production team. In fact, the production team was 

so impacted by the Brave experience that we decided to produce the show again this year with another cast of brave 

and talented storytellers. I cannot adequately express my thanks for the overwhelming amount of heart and soul that 

my USF colleagues poured into this production. Each and every one of our production team members met weekly and 

worked diligently outside of these meetings to bring this production to the stage this evening. This production is truly 

an example of what we can achieve by bringing our varied talents together. 

Thank you to our amazing cast of Brave storytellers. Through your brave act of storytelling, using your incredible 

artistic talents, you are changing lives. You have made an indelible impact on one another and the production team, 

and we are so proud of you. This has been and will continue to be an amazing journey, leading to cherished new 

friendships and authentic and important conversations about mental illness, addiction, and suicide. The vision of This 

Is My Brave is that one day we will live in a world where we won’t have to call it “brave” to talk openly about mental 

illness and addiction, we will simply call it “talking.” You are bringing us one step closer to that vision. 

Thank you to the Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute for generously supporting this production. To the 

College of the Arts, we are deeply grateful to have the privilege to bring this show to the stage in this beautiful space, 

a space of transformation and healing. Finally, thanks to you, our audience, for hearing these Brave stories with your 

hearts and minds. Together we can challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness so that no one feels they must 

suffer in silence. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Kristin Kosyluk 



11

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COMMUNITY 

SPONSORS 

Platinum 

Gold 

Silver 

Drs. David Shern and Mary Evans 

Drs. Mary Armstrong and Roger Boothroyd 



13

THE 

CAST 

KAYLEE DAVIS (SHE/HER) 

Kaylee will be graduating in May with a BFA in Dance. 

Throughout her life, she has had challenges with mental 

health, but especially with a loud, harsh, and sometimes 

debilitating inner critic. She is sharing a piece from a 

time where this voice had taken over, which left Kaylee 

feeling stuck, not good enough, ashamed, afraid, and both 

physically and mentally unwell. She believes that sharing 

our stories, struggles, and vulnerabilities are truly what 

unite us. It can be comforting to know we all experience 

low times. It’s both a gift to share and be witnessed. Kaylee 

is grateful to share her story through dance and hopes to 

help others feel less alone. 

ELLA DOLCE (SHE/HER) 

Ella is a Biomedical Sciences major, freshman pole vaulter 

for the USF Track & Field team, and shares her experience 

regarding the anxiety around participating in D1 athletics. Ella 

struggles with an eating disorder and anxiety surrounding 

her athletic success, including being ranked number one 

in NY state during her high school career. She has found 

that sharing her feelings through poetry has helped reduce 

stigma and be able to relate to others more impactfully. You 

can find her on Instagram @ella_dolce2 

14

KARLA EVANGELISTA DE LA ROSA (SHE/HER) 

Karla is a freshman studying Cell and Molecular Biology at 

the Judy Genshaft Honors College. She lives with anxiety and 

depression and wants to encourage those struggling to seek 

help in whatever way serves them. She hopes to pursue a 

career in neuropsychopharmacology to better understand 

and establish treatments for psychiatric illnesses. Karla 

spends much of her time reading, writing, and listening to 

music. You can find her on Instagram @karlaevvy 

ENRIQUE (QUIQUE) LUIS A. HARTMANN (HE/HIM) 

Enrique has lived with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 

since returning from Iraq, in addition to other mental health 

challenges since primary school. Enrique has been impacted 

by the stigmas revolving around mental health his whole life. 

He feels that by talking and sharing about his struggles, he 

will inspire other people to be open about their own trials. 

Enrique believes that if conversations about mental health 

become ubiquitous, the stigmas will eventually fade away. 



15

THE 

CAST 

SHAWNA MILLER (SHE/HER) 

Shawna is a first-year graduate student at USF studying 

Cybercrime. She studied Behavioral Health in her 

undergraduate program and has worked with homeless 

veterans who struggle with addiction and behavioral health 

issues. In her spare time, she loves being at the beach 

and making seashell art. She lives in Palm Harbor with her 

husband and her cat. 

JADEN PATEL (THEY/THEM) 

Jaden lives with bipolar disorder. As an outspoken activist, 

they believe that their story can help people and bring a new 

perspective on mental health. They study Mathematics as 

an undergrad and hope to pursue the field further in grad 

school. You can follow them on Instagram at @jaden_p_2 

16

JOSETH (SETH) RIVERA (HE/HIM) 

Seth is a senior majoring in Digital Communications and 

Multimedia Marketing at the USF St. Petersburg campus. He 

has lived with anxiety and depression throughout his life. 

He believes that by accepting and embracing our struggles 

and imperfections, we can heal and help others heal. As 

a visual artist, his mediums being acrylic and oil paint, he 

has been allowed to showcase his works at art shows in 

St. Petersburg, Florida. Through his art and writing, he has 

formed a deeper understanding of himself and encourages 

others to take time to do the things that give them fulfillment 

and mental clarity. 

BIANCA ROMANO (SHE/HER) 

Bianca is a returning member of the This Is My Brave family. 

This year she presents her story in a standup comedy. Miss 

Romano explores the highs and lows of surviving a mass 

school shooting. Finding comedy where trauma and time 

coincide. Miss Romano spends her time outside of mental 

health activism majoring in International Studies and playing 

ultimate frisbee with her friends. 



17

THE 

CAST 

EMMA SADLER (SHE/HER) 

Emma is a junior studying Psychology and Forensic 

Behavioral Health. Emma lives with depression, anxiety, 

and ADD, and she wants to share her story in the hopes of 

destigmatizing the conversation surrounding mental health. 

She is extremely passionate about the field of psychology 

and mental health services and hopes to attend a graduate 

program to achieve a PhD in Psychology. You can find Emma 

on her Instagram @emma_sadler_ 

MERITA THOMAS (SHE/HER) 

Merita is a junior majoring in Business Analytics and 

Information Systems at the Muma College of Business. She 

was brought up in cultures where information and resources 

on mental health were limited and never talked about. 

Living with undiagnosed mood shifts since middle school, 

she puts down complicated feelings she experiences into 

words. She then turns them into songs and sings them as 

a form of comfort. Learning about mental health puts a lot 

of understanding into these difficult experiences, and she 

hopes to inspire others to begin their mental health journey. 

18

UNIVERSITY 

PARTNERS 



19

PRODUCTION 

TEAM 

KRISTIN KOSYLUK (SHE/HER) 

SHOW PRODUCER 

Kristin 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 is serving as the Show Producer for This Is 

My Brave - College Edition at the University of South Florida and has 

served as the lead evaluator of This Is My Brave’s programming for 

the past eight years. 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. 

AMANDA CLARK (SHE/HER) 

STAGE MANAGER & CO-DIRECTOR 

Amanda is thrilled to be a part of This Is My Brave - College Edition 

at the University of South Florida for the second year. She works as 

a House Manager and Stage Management mentor for USF Events and 

Productions. Prior to that, Amanda worked as the Marketing Coordinator 

for the USF School of Theatre and Dance and as a theatrical stage 

manager in regional theatres and off Broadway. Working on this show 

is close to her heart because her son lives with depression and anxiety 

and has benefited greatly from bringing his issues into the light and 

finding a toolkit, with the help of a wonderful therapist, to successfully 

manage his challenges. Amanda is grateful each and every day for her 

son’s bravery in admitting that he needs help and wants that for all of 

those who struggle. 

20

KAMERON JADE TALLEY (SHE/HER) 

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL & SHOW DIRECTOR 

Kameron is a Health Promotion Specialist in the Center for Student 

Well-Being at the University of South Florida, and is serving on the 

Show Director committee. In her current role, she is a general health 

promotion specialist, but in previous roles she has worked in clinical 

settings providing mental health care, as well as worked in mental 

health outreach and prevention. Through her educational and work 

experiences, she has found a passion for working in mental health 

prevention and advocacy. Her personal experiences with mental health 

concerns as well as family/friends mental health concerns has kept her 

motivated to continue to advocate and talk about mental health. 

B. MICHELLE WILKS (SHE/HER) 

MEDIA PARTNERSHIP MANAGER / FIDELITY COORDINATOR 

Michelle is a doctoral candidate in USF’s College of Behavioral and 

Community Sciences. Michelle’s research interests include the 

development and evaluation of contact-based stigma reduction 

programs. Her research goals are to reduce various forms of stigma 

(public stigma, self-stigma, affiliate stigma, etc.) early in life (middle 

school, high school) to shift the culture around mental illness to one of 

acceptance, compassion, and empathy. Consequently, this culture shift 

will create an atmosphere where those who experience mental health 

challenges are not afraid to speak up and seek help. Her hope is that this 

shift will also influence the stigma surrounding behavioral and physical 

health conditions. 



21

PRODUCTION 

TEAM 

PATTY HARRISON (SHE/HER) 

MARKETING / PR COORDINATOR 

Patty is the Communications and Marketing Officer for USF’s College of 

Behavioral and Community Sciences and is serving as the Marketing 

and Public Relations coordinator for this production. As part of her role 

in the college, Patty manages marketing and communications for the 

departments of Child and Family Studies, Communication Sciences and 

Disorders, Criminology, and Mental Health Law and Policy, as well as the 

School of Aging Studies and the School of Social Work. Patty grew up in 

Florida and happily returned to the Tampa area last year, where she now 

lives with her husband, four-year-old daughter, and five-year-old corgi. 

MOLLY URNEK (SHE/HER) 

MARKETING / PR COORDINATOR 

Molly is the Communications and Marketing Specialist for the College 

of Behavioral and Community Sciences at the University of South 

Florida. In her role, she is involved in the day-to-day operations of the 

college’s branding and marketing initiatives and works toward building 

awareness of the amazing accomplishments of our students, faculty, 

and staff. Molly loves writing, food, and fashion. Outside of the office, 

you can find Molly trying new recipes, practicing yoga, dancing at music 

festivals, and exploring Tampa Bay’s thrift stores and beaches. 

22

PRECIOUS GOODSON (SHE/HER) 

FUNDRAISING MANAGER 

Precious is a USF Foundation Development Specialist for the College 

of Behavioral and Community Sciences. A newcomer to the TIMB 

production committee, she assists in organizing fundraising efforts. 

Previously, Precious worked as an educator here in Tampa Bay where 

she has lived since 2013. A 2016 alum, she now serves as a liaison to 

university’s students, constituents, and faculty. In her spare time, she 

loves to travel and maintain an active lifestyle running and cycling. 

CIARA SPIVEY (SHE/HER) 

FIDELITY COORDINATOR 

Ciara Spivey is a Research Assistant in the Stigma Action Research Lab 

at the University of South Florida, and currently serves as the Fidelity 

Coordinator for the This Is My Brave - College Edition at the University 

of South Florida. She will be entering the Ph.D. in Behavioral and 

Community Sciences Program in the fall to further her research career. 

Her research goals are to reduce stigma surrounding mental health 

and create real-world impact concerning at-risk populations, including 

children, college students, and domestic violence victims. In her spare 

time, Ciara loves to go to the beach, tend to her garden, and spend time 

with loved ones. 



23

PRODUCTION 

TEAM 

FANNI GREEN (SHE/HER) 

STORYTELLING COACH 

Fanni Green is excited to be working with This Is My Brave - College 

Edition at USF for the second year. An alum of USF and native of St. 

Petersburg, Fanni is a member of the Theatre Performance faculty in 

the School of Theatre and Dance (SoTaD) in the College of the Arts at USF. 

She teaches voice for actors and acting and directs. Green has taught 

on the faculties of the Juilliard Drama School, the Actor’s Center in NYC, 

and Yale School of Drama. Productions for TheatreUSF that Green has 

directed include: “In the Next Room;” “Measure for Measure;” and “What 

the Heart Remembers: The Women and Children of Darfur” (for which 

she collaborated with Dance Professor Jeanne Travers). Currently, she 

performs with SoTaD students in the musical “Little Women,” which runs 

thru April 22 in Theatre 1 on campus. 

We are proud to have the 

opportunity to make this vital 

program accessible and free of 

charge to our USF community. 

After all production expenses are 

paid, the remaining proceeds will 

go toward a fund within the 

USF Foundation that supports 

improving the lives of those living 

with mental health conditions. 

Any contribution matters. 

Thank you and Go Bulls! 

24

ADDITIONAL 

CONTRIBUTORS 

MELISSA CARLSON (SHE/HER) 

Melissa is a Project Manager in the Department of Mental Health Law and 

Policy at the University of South Florida. She found a passion for mental 

health through her own journey with anxiety after being diagnosed with 

a chronic illness. Sharing her story has allowed her to embrace her own 

healing while empowering others that may be at the start of their own 

journey. She hopes to continue to show others that change is possible 

and that you don’t have to do it alone. Outside of the office, she enjoys 

baking, traveling to new hiking adventures, and cheering on the Tampa 

Bay Lightning! 

KATHLEEN A. MOORE, PH.D. (SHE/HER) 

Kathy Moore is a Research Professor in USF’s Department of Mental 

Health Law and Policy as well as the Executive Director of the Louis 

de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute (FMHI). She received her 

Ph.D. in Health Psychology from Kent State University and completed 

a postdoctoral fellowship at Duke University Medical Center. For the 

past 20 years, she has collaborated with mental health and substance 

abuse agencies as well as different problem-solving courts. Her focus 

is on program evaluation, bridging the gap between research and 

practice. She teaches several core courses within USF’s Behavioral 

Healthcare major and is a certified trainer for Mental Health First Aid. 

She also serves on several committees, both within USF and in the 

community such as the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance, Tampa 

Alcohol Coalition, and drug court steering committees. Dr. Moore has 

been Co-PI on numerous NIH-related grants and has been PI on over 

12 SAMHSA grant projects within drug court and treatment agencies. 

These grant-related projects have resulted in peer-reviewed 

publications, technical reports, and professional presentations at 

local, statewide, and national conferences. 



25

BRAVE TAKES 

PHOTOVOICE TEAM 

MARGARET MCGLADREY (SHE/HER) 

PHOTOVOICE DIRECTOR 

Margaret 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 specializes in participatory health research and community 

engagement processes to amplify the voices of those not often heard in 

public discourse through partnerships with a wide variety of public and 

private agencies, from performing arts education nonprofit organizations 

to county jails. She is the Photovoice Lead for this year’s TIMB production; 

Photovoice provides a creative yet anonymous method for reducing 

stigma for people who may not feel comfortable with public disclosure. 

Margaret’s personal experience with anorexia as a teen and young adult 

and challenges with addiction and mental health faced by family and 

friends inspire her work. In her spare time, Margaret loves singing in her 

church choir, teaching and practicing meditation, and spending time 

outside with her spouse and dog. 

MANISHA KATWAL (SHE/HER) 

VOICES OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LAB GRAPHIC DESIGNER 

Manisha is an undergraduate student in USF’s College of Public Health. 

Manisha has worked as a graphic designer and content writer for private 

companies in Nepal. She has worked as a health advocate, volunteered 

for Red Cross Nepal, and actively participated in humanitarian services. 

Her research interests include the impact of healthy parenting on children 

and social and economic factors that influence life expectancy and rates 

of depression on individualistic societies. She describes herself as a 

dreamer and firm learner. She believes in the power of education and 

holds faith in humanity to bring peace and happiness across the globe. 

26

MINH PHAM (SHE/HER) 

VOICES OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH LAB ANALYST 

& GRAPHIC DESIGNER 

Minh was born and raised in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. She then 

moved to the U.S. when she was 18 to pursue her studies at USF. Minh 

is currently majoring in Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, which 

reflects her strong foundation in mathematical and statistical methods. 

As a former graphic designer, Minh has a keen eye for visual aesthetics 

and enjoys working with images and graphics. It is this creative side that 

drew her to the Voices of Behavioral Health Lab, in which she can utilize 

Photovoice method to raise awareness about behavioral issues. Minh’s 

research interest is the application of economic policies to prominent 

issues in society, especially those related to behavioral science and 

mental health. 

KALEA SHULER (SHE/HER) 


Kalea has recently been admitted as a transfer student to USF. She is 

originally from New York City but relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida 

in February 2021. She is currently a Behavioral Healthcare major with 

a concentration in Behavioral Health Across the Lifespan as well as 

Addictions. She is a strong believer that there should be open conversations 

and acceptance of mental health and substance use disorders. Her goal is 

to help end the stigma surrounding these topics and encourage others to 

not feel ashamed to speak up about them. 



27

BRAVE TAKES 

PHOTOVOICE TEAM 

SOFIA REYES OCHOA (SHE/HER) 


Sofia was born in Santiago, Dominican Republic to a Dominican father 

and a Colombian mother and was raised in the United States. Her family 

emigrated in 2006. She has always been very passionate about equity 

and how healthcare can promote it. Because of this, she earned a 

Biotechnician Assistant Credential from the University of Florida’s Center 

of Excellence for Regenerative Health Biotechnology and a diploma 

from the International Baccalaureate Program during high school. In 

2022, she received a Certificate of Recognition from the Osceola County 

School Board for developing a website and program at her high school to 

support students with tutoring, mentoring, and physical and mental health 

resources. She is an undergraduate student at USF majoring in Health 

Sciences with a dual concentration in Biological and Behavioral Sciences. 

As a student at USF, she has worked as a Dean of Students Ambassador in 

the Student Life Center. Her goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree, and then 

pursue a degree in neuroscience at the graduate level. 

28

SPECIAL 

THANKS 

VIDEOGRAPHY 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Laura Lyons, 

USF Staff Photographer 

ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES 

Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) Services 

Tess Crowder, CEO 

Realtime CSI 

Hands On USF Interpreters 

Ahmed Carames 

Anna Marquez 

Hands On USF was established in the Fall of 2010 with a goal 

of providing interpreting services to the Tampa Bay Area while 

educating the next generation of interpreters. We pair senior USF 

interpreting interns with the most professional and experienced 

Sign Language interpreters in Tampa. Through our approach, we are 

able to provide affordable yet high-quality interpreting services to 

a wide variety of clients. To learn more about Hands On USF, visit 

https://handsonusf.usf.edu/. 



29

2023 SHOWS / EVENTS 

• Live Productions of This Is My Brave - The Show: 

March 4 - Stories from the Deaf Community, Boston MA 

April 5 - College Edition at Dean College, Franklin MA 

April 21 - College Edition at USF, Tampa FL 

May 23 - Flourishing Families, Boston MA 

• Brave the Storm {virtual} 5k - June 9-18 

• Jay Walkers - Suicide Prevention Awareness Campaign - September 

LET’S 

GET SOCIAL! 



WANT TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE AT THIS IS MY BRAVE WITH OTHERS? 

TAG @THISISMYBRAVE AND BE SURE TO USE ONE OF OUR FAVORITE HASHTAGS 

WHEN POSTING: 

#STORYTELLINGSAVESLIVES 

30

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 



31


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. 

32


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. 


@thisismybrave


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. 

34

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 


@thisismybrave


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 

36

“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 65 

unique shows in cities across the United States featuring 

over 800 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. 


IS DOING THIS 

ONE PERSON 

& ONE STORY 

AT A TIME 

www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 37

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 

38

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 


Bentonville, AR 

Iowa City, IA 

Black Community - vol 1* 

Northwest AR 

Boise, ID 

Oklahoma City, OK 


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 


Arlington, VA 


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-area* Los Angeles, CA 

Wheeling, WV 

Hampton Roads, VA* 

Mullumbimby, Australia 

* indicates virtual programming 

New Hampshire* 

www.thisismybrave.org 39 


@thisismybrave @thisismybrave 

39

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.

USF-Playbill23

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