This Is My Brave - Stories from the Veteran Community
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THURSDAY,<br />
NOV. 10, 8 PM ET
DEAR FRIENDS,<br />
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US IN THE AUDIENCE TODAY!<br />
What a journey it has been since <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> produced its very first show in Arlington, Virginia, in 2014 – a show<br />
inspired by our co-founder and former Executive Director, Jennifer Marshall. I know that she and her partner, Anne Marie<br />
Ames, never imagined at that time <strong>the</strong> success that <strong>Brave</strong> would realize. Since 2014, <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> has produced 81<br />
more shows in 49 cities across <strong>the</strong> U.S. and in Australia. Story by story, <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> is shining a light on mental<br />
illness and addiction and helping end <strong>the</strong> stigma that has so long surrounded <strong>the</strong>se issues.<br />
The COVID pandemic presented us (and <strong>the</strong> 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 programming to a virtual platform and continue to offer inspiration and<br />
hope to those who need it <strong>the</strong> most, maybe even those who didn’t need it before. As we all adjust to this “new normal,”<br />
our society is finally understanding <strong>the</strong> 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 for it! Storytelling has and will always be a path to au<strong>the</strong>ntic connection and healing. We are especially proud to<br />
have a platform in place where all stories can be shared and all storytellers can be affirmed and celebrated.<br />
We are thrilled to host this very special virtual event! I am incredibly honored that this cast of amazing <strong>Veteran</strong>s<br />
has come toge<strong>the</strong>r to be with us here tonight to share <strong>the</strong>ir powerful personal stories. I know <strong>the</strong>ir stories will bring<br />
a new understanding of navigating mental health challenges following military service. Especially now, opening up<br />
conversations in our <strong>Veteran</strong> communities about mental health through storytelling will have a lasting impact on all of<br />
us. Whe<strong>the</strong>r you are a current military service member, a <strong>Veteran</strong>, or a family member or loved one of a <strong>Veteran</strong>, we hope<br />
that <strong>the</strong> conversations you hear tonight will spark similar ones in your circles!<br />
Every time a story is told — every time we shine a light on mental illness and addiction — we let someone know that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are not alone. We can give someone <strong>the</strong> gift of hope and provide <strong>the</strong>m 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 discriminate. It could happen to you. It could happen to someone you<br />
love. We need to acknowledge that mental illness is something that we may encounter in<br />
our lifetime. We must break <strong>the</strong> silence that stigma has imposed on us and begin to speak<br />
openly about our experiences. Toge<strong>the</strong>r, we can work to end <strong>the</strong> stigma. We have come<br />
so far in eight years, but we still have so much more work to do. There are millions more<br />
stories to be shared, and we will start by sharing a few more on this stage here with<br />
you tonight.<br />
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US ON THIS JOURNEY.<br />
Erin Gallagher,<br />
Interim Executive Director<br />
2
OUR MISSION<br />
The mission of <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> is<br />
to empower individuals to put <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
names and faces to <strong>the</strong>ir personal<br />
stories of recovery <strong>from</strong> mental<br />
illness and/or addiction.<br />
“So much power in real stories of struggle & hope.”<br />
DAWN LITTLEFIELD, AUDIENCE MEMBER, DEKALB SHOW<br />
OUR VISION<br />
Someday, we will live in a world where we won’t<br />
have to call it “brave” for talking 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 <strong>the</strong> leading platform for individuals to share <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
stories of living successful lives despite a diagnosis of a mental illness or addiction. Our main event is <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong><br />
<strong>Brave</strong> - The Show, a live stage production featuring a cast of individuals who use <strong>the</strong> performing arts to share <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
stories and inspire o<strong>the</strong>rs. We’re opening up <strong>the</strong> conversation about mental health disorders in communities all<br />
across <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 3
Great Science<br />
Deep Compassion<br />
Real Impact<br />
Working toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
to address addiction,<br />
serious mental illness<br />
and cancer.<br />
For more information about<br />
Alkermes, please visit:<br />
www.alkermes.com
AbbVie remains committed to bringing<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> bipolar I disorder community.<br />
Visit GettingHereToThere.com to learn how advocacy<br />
organizations, musicians, music lovers, and o<strong>the</strong>rs come<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r to reduce stigma and raise awareness of mental<br />
health. While you’re <strong>the</strong>re, sign up to be notified about<br />
additional support and resources.<br />
GettingHereToThere.com<br />
UNB148562 07/21
THE<br />
SHOW<br />
We believe in <strong>the</strong> power of storytelling to break down <strong>the</strong> stigma surrounding mental illness. <strong>This</strong><br />
<strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> - The Show is a live <strong>the</strong>ater presentation of touching essays, original music, poetry,<br />
and comedy created and performed by individuals living with – or loving someone with – a mental<br />
illness. Our storytellers are here to inspire you to find hope in your own challenges or give hope to<br />
someone you love who may be facing similar circumstances. <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> is honored to work<br />
with volunteer production teams around <strong>the</strong> country to produce <strong>the</strong>se shows in order to normalize<br />
conversations about mental health, break down stigma, and offer hope.<br />
ORDER OF SHOW<br />
Tonja <strong>My</strong>les, Zachary, LA<br />
Elias Munoz, El Monte, CA<br />
Bethany Ryan, Leesburg, VA<br />
Greggory Jenkins, Humble, TX<br />
Sarah Alder, Dillon, CO<br />
Tiffany Freeze, Hagerstown, MD<br />
Ernie Mariscal, Brawley, CA<br />
6
BRAVE AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE<br />
Please DO take out your cell phones during performances and<br />
SHARE on your social media platforms that you are watching!<br />
SHARE your photos, favorite lines or takeaways using <strong>the</strong> hashtag<br />
#STORYTELLINGSAVESLIVES and tagging us @THISISMYBRAVE<br />
Help us tell <strong>the</strong> world that we’re here, and you’re watching!<br />
Laugh at <strong>the</strong> funny, be comfortable with <strong>the</strong> sad,<br />
be inspired by <strong>the</strong> resilience.<br />
Need a break during <strong>the</strong> show? We understand. Things 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 7
TELL THEM<br />
I’M BRAVE<br />
In July 2020, we launched our first singer/songwriter<br />
<strong>the</strong>me song competition and were so impressed with <strong>the</strong><br />
touching songs that came in. Ultimately, we had to select a<br />
final winner, and we landed on “Tell Them I’m <strong>Brave</strong>” which<br />
was submitted by Natalie Layne and Phoebe Scott, recent<br />
graduates of Belmont University in Nashville, TN. While<br />
we’re still using Sara Bareilles’ song “<strong>Brave</strong>” at many of our<br />
shows, we love having our very own an<strong>the</strong>m! Be sure to<br />
follow <strong>the</strong> artists on Instagram @natalielaynemusic and<br />
@phoebeisloud, and download <strong>the</strong> song on iTunes today!<br />
THIS IS MY BRAVE<br />
MERCH SHOP<br />
Are you looking to add some #<strong>Brave</strong>Gear to your wardrobe?<br />
Check out our new merch shop, and wear your <strong>Brave</strong> for all<br />
to see! We update <strong>the</strong> options frequently, so be sure to check<br />
back often. Visit our website to order yours today!<br />
8
A NOTE<br />
FROM THE PRODUCERS<br />
Thank you for joining us for this very special show, <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> - <strong>Stories</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Veteran</strong><br />
<strong>Community</strong>. We are so very proud of this group of individuals who have stepped forward to be <strong>Brave</strong><br />
with us and share <strong>the</strong>ir stories of managing <strong>the</strong>ir mental health while living well and thriving as<br />
proud <strong>Veteran</strong>s.<br />
We hope that you are inspired by what you see tonight and that you will take this show as a call to<br />
action to start conversations within your own circles about <strong>Veteran</strong>s’ mental health. Silence is no<br />
longer an option. The consequence of it is too great. Every <strong>Veteran</strong> deserves to know that <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
valued for <strong>the</strong>ir contributions to this great nation. We value <strong>the</strong>m for who <strong>the</strong>y are and what <strong>the</strong>y<br />
have to offer <strong>the</strong>ir communities and this world as a whole person! We’d like to thank our <strong>Brave</strong><br />
storytellers – Sarah, Tiffany, Greggory, Ernie, Elias, Tonja, and Bethany -- as well as our mental health<br />
professional, Dr. Jan, for all <strong>the</strong>y’ve done to make this show a success!<br />
The <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> Team<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 9
THE<br />
CAST<br />
SARAH ALDER<br />
Sarah E. Alder (she/her) grew up in Ogden, UT with a large family. She<br />
served in <strong>the</strong> Army <strong>from</strong> 2000-2008 and was deployed for Operation<br />
Enduring Freedom (ORF) and Operation Noble Eagle (ONE) for <strong>the</strong> Salt<br />
Lake City Olympics. Sarah completed two bachelor’s degrees at <strong>the</strong><br />
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) in Sociology and<br />
Professional & Technical Writing. In 2017, she started working at <strong>the</strong><br />
Department of <strong>Veteran</strong>s Affairs; concurrently, she served as President<br />
of <strong>the</strong> only LGBTQ <strong>Veteran</strong> Service Organization (VSO) in <strong>the</strong> state.<br />
Sarah continues to serve as a leader in <strong>the</strong> veteran community and<br />
is extremely passionate about Mental Health Awareness, healing and<br />
community engagement. She lives in Summit County with her wife,<br />
daughter and many animals and loves public speaking, cycling, hiking,<br />
coffee, and traveling.<br />
TIFFANY FREEZE<br />
I’m Tiffany Freeze, a <strong>Veteran</strong> with a struggle like many o<strong>the</strong>rs. I spent<br />
6 years in <strong>the</strong> Army as an Imagery Analyst, traveling to Colorado,<br />
Afghanistan, and Germany. I experienced Military Sexual Trauma early<br />
in my career and o<strong>the</strong>r trauma <strong>from</strong> deployment. For a long time I let<br />
that control my life, but I found outlets to release that anger. Fashion<br />
Design became my art outlet. Finding <strong>the</strong> right <strong>the</strong>rapist and getting<br />
<strong>the</strong> right medications. Sharing my story with o<strong>the</strong>rs. I don’t let my past<br />
control my future.<br />
10
GREGGORY JENKINS<br />
Greggory Jenkins was born in Jasper, Texas. As a young boy, his family<br />
moved to Los Angeles, CA for several years before returning to Jasper,<br />
Texas, where he attended Jasper High School. He participated in<br />
many extracurricular activities such as sports and school leadership<br />
organizations. Shortly after graduation Greggory enlisted in <strong>the</strong> United<br />
States Marine Corps at 17, where he retired after over 20 years of<br />
honorable service. During his various deployments, he served in combat<br />
and humanitarian endeavors, while receiving a combat promotion and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. Upon retirement,<br />
Greggory found himself adjusting to various corporate environments<br />
which both ended after a short period. His experience of a lack of<br />
stability, <strong>the</strong> emotional rollercoaster of being unvalued, and a sense<br />
of being no longer relevant, led him to start his businesses where he<br />
can use his skills, experiences, and knowledge to help o<strong>the</strong>rs. He has<br />
spoken at many worldwide engagements concerning Substance Abuse<br />
Recovery and Living a New Life. He was contracted by <strong>the</strong> State of<br />
Louisiana’s Capital Area Human Services Department to work with men<br />
who wanted to break <strong>from</strong> various addictions. He is a strong advocate<br />
for higher education and is a student at <strong>the</strong> University of Houston. He<br />
is a man of faith and currently serves his church. Greggory volunteers<br />
with <strong>the</strong> All Glory Honor Guard of Houston for <strong>Veteran</strong>s and enjoys<br />
reading, fishing, coaching, and bowling; but his greatest passion is<br />
helping o<strong>the</strong>rs achieve <strong>the</strong>ir goals.<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 11
THE<br />
CAST<br />
ERNIE MARISCAL<br />
Ernie Mariscal is an inspirational speaker who endured abuse as a child,<br />
experienced homelessness as a teen, and eventually dropped out of<br />
high school. After facing a near-death experience that changed his life<br />
for <strong>the</strong> better, he went back to school, graduated, and joined <strong>the</strong> United<br />
States Army when he was 19 years old. Ernie proudly served his country<br />
for 21 years with two deployments to Iraq. His first deployment was<br />
<strong>from</strong> 2004 to 2005 with <strong>the</strong> 1st Cavalry Division; and his second <strong>from</strong><br />
2009 to 2010 with <strong>the</strong> 1st Infantry Division, as a combat advisor to Iraqi<br />
forces. However grueling his life and military career had been up until<br />
that point, Ernie was yet to face his most difficult task after retiring<br />
<strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> Army in 2012—figuring out how to adjust to civilian life. Ernie<br />
went through five different jobs within one year in his attempt to adjust<br />
to normalcy, but severe depression slowly crept into his life. Ernie began<br />
drinking heavily to cope with suicidal thoughts while his mental illness<br />
consumed him, until fate stepped into his life one day in <strong>the</strong> form of<br />
a phone call: A local high school administrator who had heard Ernie’s<br />
story invited him to speak to a classroom about his military career.<br />
The instant Ernie stood and spoke in front of those students, he felt<br />
something he had never felt before—his calling. Ernie realized that day<br />
that he was born to motivate and inspire o<strong>the</strong>rs to do better in life.<br />
Today, Ernie has spoken to staff at many corporations about <strong>Veteran</strong><br />
transitions and overcoming PTSD, workplace leadership, healing <strong>from</strong><br />
abuse, maximizing your opportunities in life. His motto is “ I am addicted<br />
to inspiring <strong>the</strong> world!”<br />
12
ELIAS MUNOZ<br />
Elias Munoz served in <strong>the</strong> US Army <strong>from</strong> 2000-2013, 11B Infantry, SFC,<br />
with <strong>the</strong> following deployments: Kosovo 4 Rotation, Operation Enduring<br />
Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served in 101st Airborne Division,<br />
Drill Sergeant Ft. Benning, GA, 2ID 4th SBCT. Currently, Elias works at VA<br />
Long Beach Healthcare System, CA -Environmental Management Services.<br />
TONJA MYLES<br />
Tonja served in The Louisiana Army National Guard for 9 years as a military<br />
police officer. Her military training and dedication to serve her state and<br />
country enhanced her servant leader skills and ability to mobilize to action<br />
quickly is a part of what makes her so successful today.<br />
She is one of <strong>the</strong> founding members of The Bridge Center of Hope board,<br />
which is <strong>the</strong> first crisis stabilization center in <strong>the</strong> city of Baton Rouge. She<br />
is also trained in some of <strong>the</strong> country’s top suicide prevention programs<br />
such as ASIST and SafeTALK.<br />
Tonja gets her “hand on <strong>the</strong> pulse of <strong>the</strong> community “in her role as a weekly<br />
radio talk show host for Cumulus media in Baton Rouge called The Tailgate<br />
Show. She discusses topics related to her listeners’ concerns, with her<br />
“real and raw”communication style. Tonja believes”it is vital to educate<br />
and encourage o<strong>the</strong>rs so that <strong>the</strong>y can do greater works than I have<br />
accomplished in my lifetime”.<br />
Tonja’s message is that with proper treatment, family, friends support,<br />
faith and self-care toge<strong>the</strong>r it can equal to living a productive life. Her goal<br />
is to reduce stigma and bring hope that recovery is real. She says that<br />
her greatest accomplishment is being married to her husband Darren, of<br />
twenty-eight years.<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 13
THE<br />
CAST<br />
BETHANY RYAN<br />
Bethany Ryan grew up in <strong>the</strong> Midwest and joined <strong>the</strong> Army shortly after<br />
graduating <strong>from</strong> high school. She served for six years, with a deployment<br />
to Iraq in 2005. She currently lives in Leesburg, VA with her partner<br />
Mike and her two children, Natalee and Matthias. Bethany credits much<br />
of her recovery to non-traditional <strong>the</strong>rapy types such as music, art,<br />
and equine-assisted. A piece of her <strong>the</strong>rapeutic art titled, “Bursting<br />
Out Of Silence” has been displayed at <strong>the</strong> Military Women’s Memorial,<br />
Washington Dulles International Airport, and Library of Congress. She<br />
has a passion in advocating for mental health awareness and reducing<br />
<strong>the</strong> stigma that surrounds it. She believe silence is deadly and hopes her<br />
story resonates with o<strong>the</strong>rs in a way that normalizes conversations and<br />
expressions of personal struggle. Learn more about Bethany and her<br />
artwork at Bethanyryan-art.com<br />
14
MENTAL HEALTH<br />
PROFESSIONAL<br />
DR. JAN LAUGHINGHOUSE<br />
Jan Laughinghouse is a licensed clinical social worker and board approved<br />
clinical supervisor, and license addictions counselor who serves in <strong>the</strong><br />
capacity of Executive Director at Capital Area Human Services. She has<br />
over 22 years of experience in <strong>the</strong> treatment of substance use disorders<br />
and has worked extensively with women, veterans, individuals with cooccurring<br />
disorders, those who have experienced trauma and chronic<br />
homelessness, and re-entry populations.<br />
A North Carolina native, Dr. Laughinghouse received her B.A. in<br />
Psychology <strong>from</strong> Bennett College, a Master of Social Work <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
joint degree program at North Carolina A & T State University and<br />
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a Ph.D. in Human<br />
Development and Family Studies <strong>from</strong> The University of North Carolina<br />
at Greensboro.<br />
Dr. Laughinghouse has served on <strong>the</strong> faculty at Guilford Technical<br />
<strong>Community</strong> College, Bennett College, and Sou<strong>the</strong>rn University. She<br />
has successfully married her love of education with her clinical skills<br />
to promote understanding of substance use disorders and to reduce<br />
stigma by presenting to audiences at <strong>the</strong> LSU School of Social Work,<br />
UNC-Greensboro, <strong>the</strong> Partners Ending Homelessness Academy,<br />
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, East and West Baton<br />
Rouge Sheriff’s Offices, West Baton Rouge Probation and Parole,<br />
Rubicon/Huntsman, Nova Chemical, OHCC OPEN TALKS Conference, and<br />
faith-based opioid forums.<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 15
2022 SHOWS / EVENTS<br />
• SEASON 1 OF OUR TURN TO TALK PODCAST AVAILABLE NOW!<br />
• Live Productions of <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> - The Show this fall:<br />
Sept 22 - Broward County, FL<br />
Sept 25 - Los Angeles, CA<br />
Oct 9 - Philadelphia, PA<br />
Oct 16 - DeKalb, IL<br />
Oct 27 - Eagle Valley, CO<br />
• Virtual Productions of <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>:<br />
Sept 29 - <strong>Stories</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> College Athlete <strong>Community</strong><br />
Nov 10 - <strong>Stories</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Veteran</strong> <strong>Community</strong><br />
16
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 />
Taking a mental health screening is one of <strong>the</strong> quickest and easiest ways to determine whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />
you are experiencing 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 17
THIS IS MY BRAVE<br />
LEADERSHIP<br />
Photo credit: EmmiClaire Photography<br />
ERIN GALLAGHER<br />
Interim Executive Director<br />
NATASHA WEST<br />
Director of Marketing<br />
Erin (she/her) is proud to be a part of <strong>the</strong> <strong>This</strong> is <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong><br />
team as Interim Executive Director. Following <strong>the</strong> suicide<br />
of her son, Jay, in 2016, Erin and her husband became<br />
passionate mental health advocates and have worked<br />
tirelessly to influence policy on appropriate responses,<br />
particularly in <strong>the</strong> public schools, to suicide warning signs.<br />
She enjoys working with <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> volunteers towards<br />
ending <strong>the</strong> stigma associated with mental health and<br />
substance use disorders in honor of Jay. When Erin is not<br />
working, she enjoys spending time at her alma mater, James<br />
Madison University, visiting her oldest daughter, Lindsay. She<br />
alsov loves logging hours with husband Tim while watching<br />
fastpitch softball played by her youngest, Laurenne, who is a<br />
student at Mt. St. Mary’s University in Maryland.<br />
Natasha (she/her) joined <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> in 2022 as<br />
<strong>the</strong> Director of Marketing, with more than eight years of<br />
marketing experience in mental health and health care.<br />
Prior to joining <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>, Natasha worked for various<br />
mental health nonprofits as a digital marketing consultant<br />
where she focused on data-driven strategy development.<br />
Natasha received a B.A. in Communications with an<br />
emphasis in Social Media and Communication Technology<br />
and a M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications <strong>from</strong><br />
West Virginia University. When Natasha is not working, she<br />
loves backpacking, hiking, concerts, and planning future<br />
travel with Peanut and Khaleesi (dog and cat).<br />
KATIE GRANA<br />
Director of Programming<br />
Katie (she/her) was diagnosed with PTSD-induced anxiety<br />
and depression after being robbed at gunpoint in 2010. Not<br />
really understanding how trauma can have such powerful<br />
mental and physical effects, her tipping point was losing<br />
a friend in a car accident <strong>the</strong> following year. She spent her<br />
20’s redefining herself and learning to heal through trauma.<br />
Katie found <strong>This</strong> is <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> after a close friend died by<br />
suicide in June 2018 and quickly decided to produce a show.<br />
<strong>This</strong> is <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> was something she wanted to share with<br />
her community. When a full time position opened up with<br />
<strong>This</strong> is <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>, Katie knew it was time to move <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
corporate world back to her roots in nonprofit. Katie lives in<br />
St. Louis MO with her two dogs. She volunteers as a coach<br />
for an all girls high school racquetball team. She loves<br />
spending time with her friends and family - especially her<br />
niece and nephew.<br />
MARLON DELEON<br />
Program Coordinator<br />
Marlon (he/<strong>the</strong>y) is a lot of things, and among <strong>the</strong>m he is a<br />
husband, fa<strong>the</strong>r, disabled Navy submarine veteran, retired<br />
grade school violinist, budding guitarist, aspiring writer,<br />
recovering alcoholic, and strives to love all neighbors. In<br />
2016 he took <strong>the</strong> stage in Valparaiso, Indiana for his first<br />
<strong>This</strong> is <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> Show. After that, his life was peaches<br />
and unicorns forever. Actually, in some ways, it was just<br />
<strong>the</strong> beginning. In 2017 he married his best friend, Andrea,<br />
and later that year <strong>the</strong>y welcomed <strong>the</strong>ir first child. 2018<br />
brought <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong>ir second child, and 2019 brought Marlon<br />
<strong>the</strong> diagnosis of Bipolar Type II. In 2021 Marlon shared more<br />
of his story in <strong>the</strong> virtual APIDA <strong>Community</strong> show, and he<br />
ecstatically joined <strong>the</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> staff in 2022. Marlon truly<br />
believes that #StorytellingSavesLives and he will never<br />
underestimate <strong>the</strong> importance of sharing <strong>the</strong> message that<br />
it’s ok to ask for help.<br />
18
THIS IS MY BRAVE<br />
OUR FOUNDERS<br />
Photo credit: Alicia Bruce<br />
JENNIFER MARSHALL<br />
Co-Founder<br />
Jenn (she/her) was diagnosed with Type 1 Bipolar Disorder in 2006 at <strong>the</strong> age<br />
of 26. She’s had four hospitalizations within five years – two in 2005 before any<br />
diagnosis was reached, and two more because she was trying to protect her<br />
newborn son (postpartum psychosis) in 2008 and her unborn daughter in 2010 –<br />
and all were because she was unmedicated at <strong>the</strong> time. Writing her way through<br />
life with a mental illness became her way of healing, and her award-winning blog<br />
BipolarMomLife became an inspiration to many. Jenn created <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong><br />
because she learned first hand how powerful and <strong>the</strong>rapeutic it was to live<br />
openly and not hide her diagnosis. She wanted to give brave individuals <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
community a platform through which to creatively share <strong>the</strong>ir stories of living with<br />
mental illness to educate and inspire o<strong>the</strong>rs. After leading <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>, Inc. for<br />
seven years, Jenn stepped down <strong>from</strong> her role as Executive Director in 2022. She<br />
lives outside Washington, DC with her husband and two children.<br />
Board of Directors<br />
Jessica Kennedy, Chairperson<br />
Adam Bromberg<br />
Dr. Kyaien Connor<br />
Tammy George<br />
Kristine Haataja<br />
Ric Waldman<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 positions throughout<br />
her career, but her favorite job was creating and producing <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>. She<br />
found her passion and her mission – to help o<strong>the</strong>rs share <strong>the</strong>ir stories – and made<br />
tremendous contributions to <strong>the</strong> organization <strong>from</strong> launching <strong>the</strong> initial concept to<br />
strategizing on growth and expansion over <strong>the</strong> four years of her tenure. Anne Marie’s<br />
sudden passing on August 23, 2017, was a shock to <strong>the</strong> many who loved her, and she<br />
is deeply missed.<br />
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 19
THIS IS MY BRAVE<br />
RESEARCH<br />
KRISTIN KOSYLUK<br />
Lead Researcher<br />
Kristin Kosyluk is an Assistant Professor of Mental Health Law & Policy at <strong>the</strong> University<br />
of South Florida in <strong>the</strong> College of Behavioral and <strong>Community</strong> Sciences. She also directs<br />
<strong>the</strong> STigma Action Research (STAR) Lab at USF. The STAR Lab conducts communityengaged<br />
research aimed at understanding and addressing <strong>the</strong> stigma surrounding<br />
mental illness in order to promote recovery among people living with mental illness.<br />
<strong>This</strong> past spring, Kristin served as <strong>the</strong> as <strong>the</strong> Production Manager for <strong>the</strong> <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong><br />
<strong>Brave</strong> College Edition: a OneUSF Production and has served as <strong>the</strong> lead evaluator of<br />
<strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>’s programming for <strong>the</strong> past seven years. Eliminating <strong>the</strong> stigma around<br />
mental illness in order to promote treatment seeking and recovery and prevent suicide<br />
is Kristin’s passion, fueled by her clinical experiences as well as her own experiences<br />
with depression and anxiety and those of friends and loved ones. When Kristin is not<br />
conducting stigma research or teaching <strong>the</strong> amazing students at USF about recovery<br />
and evidence-based practices, her greatest joy is spending time with her husband,<br />
David, and five-year-old daughter, Emma. Kristin is a lover of crafting, especially crochet<br />
and dollhouse miniatures.<br />
20
THIS IS MY BRAVE’S IMPACT<br />
Since 2014, <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> has...<br />
produced<br />
80<br />
shows<br />
with over<br />
900<br />
storytellers<br />
17,250+<br />
audience<br />
members<br />
2022<br />
College Edition - USF<br />
New Hampshire<br />
Broward County, FL<br />
in 49 cities and 300k<br />
Los Angeles, CA<br />
2019<br />
in <strong>the</strong> U.S. YouTube<br />
Philadelphia, PA<br />
High School Edition Pilot<br />
and Australia video views<br />
<strong>Stories</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> College College Edition Pilot<br />
Athlete <strong>Community</strong>* Baltimore, MD<br />
New York City, NY<br />
2016<br />
DeKalb, IL<br />
Concord, NH<br />
Orlando, FL<br />
Arlington, VA<br />
Eagle Valley, CO<br />
DeKalb, IL<br />
Philadelphia, PA<br />
Baltimore, MD<br />
<strong>Stories</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Houston, TX<br />
<strong>Veteran</strong> <strong>Community</strong>*<br />
Sterling, VA<br />
Denver, CO - Spring<br />
Orlando, FL<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Denver, CO - Fall<br />
Columbus, OH<br />
2021<br />
2017<br />
Greenville, SC<br />
Carroll County, MD<br />
<strong>Stories</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Bentonville, AR<br />
Iowa City, IA<br />
Black <strong>Community</strong> - vol 1*<br />
Northwest AR<br />
Boise, ID<br />
Oklahoma City, OK<br />
<strong>Stories</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Boise, ID<br />
Boston, MA<br />
Valparaiso, IN<br />
Black <strong>Community</strong> - vol 2* •<br />
Canberra, Australia<br />
Washington, DC<br />
College Edition - season 2* 2018<br />
Cedar Rapids, IA<br />
•<br />
New Hampshire*<br />
Arlington, VA - Spring D.C. Women’s Summit, 2015<br />
National Teen Show*<br />
Arlington, VA - Fall<br />
Washington, DC<br />
Arlington, VA<br />
<strong>Stories</strong> <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Baltimore, MD<br />
Des Moines, IA<br />
Boston, MA<br />
APIDA <strong>Community</strong>*<br />
Bentonville, AR<br />
Germantown, MD<br />
Harrisburg, PA<br />
<strong>Brave</strong>TV*<br />
Be<strong>the</strong>sda, MD<br />
Jacksonville, FL<br />
Iowa City, IA<br />
<strong>Brave</strong> Beyond <strong>the</strong> Stage* Boise, ID<br />
Kansas City, MO<br />
Los Angeles, CA<br />
#<strong>Brave</strong>Days*<br />
Boston, MA - Spring<br />
Lewiston, ME<br />
New York City, NY<br />
•<br />
Boston, MA - Fall<br />
Los Angeles, CA - Spring<br />
2020<br />
Charlotte, NC - Spring Los Angeles, CA - Fall 2014<br />
<strong>Brave</strong>TV pilot*<br />
Charlotte, NC - Fall<br />
Napa, CA<br />
Arlington, VA<br />
Napa Valley<br />
Elkins Park, PA<br />
Perth, Australia<br />
& St Helena, CA<br />
Ft. Lauderdale, FL<br />
Sedona, AZ<br />
Houston, TX*<br />
Iowa City, IA<br />
Valparaiso, IN<br />
St Louis, MO*<br />
Lansing, MI<br />
Washington, DC<br />
Washington, DC-area* Los Angeles, CA<br />
Wheeling, WV<br />
Hampton Roads, VA*<br />
Mullumbimby, Australia<br />
* indicates virtual programming<br />
New Hampshire*<br />
www.thisismybrave.org 21<br />
www.thisismybrave.org<br />
@thisismybrave @thisismybrave 21
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 writing helped her begin to heal. She<br />
titled it: Bipolar Mom Life. Jennifer wrote anonymously<br />
at first, because she was afraid of being judged. She<br />
also worried that disclosing her mental illness may make<br />
future employment opportunities difficult. For eighteen<br />
months, Jennifer wrote and found community online.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r writers who were openly sharing <strong>the</strong>ir stories of<br />
overcoming mental illness inspired her, and when she<br />
landed her first paid writing job, Jennifer decided to stop<br />
hiding behind a pen name.<br />
When WhatToExpect.com published her first article with<br />
Jennifer’s byline, it was also picked up by AOL.com (<strong>the</strong><br />
parent company). The outpouring of support and gratitude<br />
when that piece hit <strong>the</strong> Internet with her real name was<br />
overwhelming. She knew immediately that disclosing was<br />
<strong>the</strong> right decision. She could finally talk about all parts of<br />
her life, and not just <strong>the</strong> shiny, fun moments.<br />
About six months later, Jennifer had <strong>the</strong> idea to launch<br />
a <strong>the</strong>ater show. A simple storytelling show where<br />
individuals <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> community could tell <strong>the</strong>ir stories<br />
through creative expression to break down <strong>the</strong> stigma<br />
associated with mental illness. She wanted to give<br />
individuals <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> community <strong>the</strong> same opportunity<br />
she had – a stage on which to share <strong>the</strong>ir story of living<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 <strong>the</strong> project out to <strong>the</strong> world.<br />
Jennifer and Anne Marie launched <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong><br />
on Kickstarter in October of 2013 and <strong>the</strong> excitement<br />
surrounding <strong>the</strong> project grew and grew. They offered<br />
tickets to <strong>the</strong> first show and handmade “BRAVE”<br />
bracelets, among o<strong>the</strong>r items, as rewards for financial<br />
pledges of support. Within 31 days, <strong>the</strong> campaign had<br />
surpassed <strong>the</strong>ir goal of $6,500 to fund <strong>the</strong> first show,<br />
ending up with over $10,000 in contributions. It was clear<br />
that <strong>the</strong> community wanted to help bring this show to life<br />
– <strong>the</strong>y believed in <strong>the</strong> vision and Jennifer and Anne Marie<br />
were dedicated to delivering an exceptional production.<br />
After <strong>the</strong> success of <strong>the</strong> debut show in 2014, Jennifer<br />
and Anne Marie began receiving interest <strong>from</strong><br />
individuals in o<strong>the</strong>r cities to bring <strong>the</strong> show to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
community. <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong>, Inc was formed<br />
as a 501(c)(3) and <strong>the</strong> organization began to<br />
expand to new cities through <strong>the</strong> support of<br />
volunteers willing to donate <strong>the</strong>ir time and<br />
expertise to coordinate shows.<br />
Photo credit: Jim Folliard<br />
22
“I finally feel comfortable with my mental<br />
health story in a way I never have before.<br />
Like <strong>the</strong> power it used to hold over me is gone.”<br />
ERIN TROIA, 2018 ARLINGTON STORYTELLER<br />
FROM ONE SHOW TO NATIONWIDE + AUSTRALIA<br />
Since 2014, <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> has produced more than 65<br />
unique shows in cities across <strong>the</strong> United States featuring<br />
over 800 storytellers sharing true, personal stories on<br />
overcoming depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD,<br />
psychosis, OCD, postpartum depression, borderline<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 internationally with <strong>the</strong><br />
help of mental health advocate Tim Daly, who leads our<br />
NPO in Canberra, Australia – <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong> Australia,<br />
or TIMBA for short.<br />
Jennifer and Anne Marie may have created <strong>the</strong> space<br />
for <strong>the</strong>se brave stories to exist, but <strong>This</strong> <strong>Is</strong> <strong>My</strong> <strong>Brave</strong><br />
wouldn’t be <strong>the</strong> incredible community it is if it weren’t<br />
for all <strong>the</strong> amazing people who have bravely come<br />
forward to share <strong>the</strong>ir stories. “It’s my opinion that we<br />
won’t be able to end <strong>the</strong> stigma surrounding 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 23
THIS IS MY BRAVE’S<br />
PROGRAMS<br />
THIS IS MY BRAVE IS MORE THAN JUST A SHOW...<br />
• Opportunities for transformation and community building<br />
• Youth and young adult initiatives<br />
• Virtual programming<br />
• Inspirational speakers bureau<br />
• Integral research on <strong>the</strong> power of storytelling<br />
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE<br />
DESTIGMATIZING<br />
MENTAL ILLNESS<br />
ONE PERSON AND<br />
ONE STORY AT A TIME<br />
24
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is a thing of <strong>the</strong> past.<br />
We are Janssen, <strong>the</strong> Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.<br />
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www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 25
SUPPORT<br />
THIS IS MY BRAVE TODAY!<br />
Were you inspired, moved, or transformed by<br />
WHAT YOU HEARD ON STAGE TODAY?<br />
Are you ready to join <strong>the</strong><br />
movement and help end<br />
<strong>the</strong> stigma surrounding<br />
MENTAL ILLNESS?<br />
Your tax-deductible gift helps build a trusted platform for individuals<br />
to share <strong>the</strong>ir stories of recovery <strong>from</strong> mental illness and addiction.<br />
YOUR GIFT ALLOWS SOMEONE TO BE BRAVE.<br />
Scan this QR code now<br />
Join as a<br />
to make a one-time donation<br />
right <strong>from</strong> your phone<br />
https://bit.ly/donatebrave<br />
and become a sustaining member<br />
for 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.