HCS Community Wealth Fair - Presenter Bios

Shop Talk Wellness Session

Facilitator: Arron Muller, LCSW

Arron Muller is a dynamic force driving change in the mental health landscape. A certified licensed therapist, engaging speaker, and dedicated mental health advocate, Arron's mission is to redefine narratives, amplify voices, and dismantle stigmas. As the Chief Operating Officer and Therapist at Life Matters alongside his wife, Dr. Trudy-Ann Gayle, Arron orchestrates transformative individual and couples counseling using an eclectic approach. With a Master of Social Work degree from Adelphi University, he seamlessly blends expertise with empathy.

Arron's influence extends beyond therapy sessions. He founded Modify Wellness, a platform focused on making mental health understandable and relatable through digestible conversations. Collaborating with Adelphi University School of Social Work, he launched the groundbreaking Breaking the Ice Black Men's Conference, fostering crucial dialogues on black men's mental health and wellness.

Featured on notable platforms like Hot 97 and THE DOCTORS, Arron's insights reach diverse audiences. Recognized as one of the "15 Black Male Therapists You Should Know" by The Huffington Post and featured in Black Enterprise's BE Modern Man 100 Men of Distinction, Arron's impact is resounding. Through initiatives like "Black Kings Need Therapy Too" and NYC Brothers Thrive, he's challenging stigmas and fostering understanding. Arron's mission: changing perceptions, one conversation at a time.

Mindful Fusion: Integrating Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga for Mental Health Wellness Session

Facilitator: Yunjeong Shin, MSW, LCSW

Yunjeong was born and raised in South Korea. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Educational Administration from Yonsei University in South Korea. After obtaining her master’s degree of Social Work at Norfolk State University, she has been working at Hampton City Schools as a School Social Worker since 2006.

Yunjeong founded Peninsula Hanaro Korean School with the goals of teaching the Korean language and bringing together the Korean community of Hampton Roads. She served as its first principal for several years and now serves as a school board director. She also worked as a linguist contractor for the Department of Defense and designed online Korean courses for U.S. foreign officers. In 2009, she published an autobiographical essay titled “Mom, Who Am I?” in Korea, sharing her personal experiences as an immigrant, a mother, and a Korean-American.

Yunjeong is passionate about promoting cultural humility, mindfulness, and self-care. She is drawn towards a mindful way of living and mind-body connection. She enjoys exploring different styles of yoga and has made active efforts to implement mindfulness in her daily routine by practicing yoga and pilates. She has been able to integrate these techniques into her group counseling as an alternative means to Social Emotional Learning at her schools.

Social-Emotional Wellness: Cultivating Social-Emotional Wellness for Holistic Adult Development

Facilitator: Dr. Brittny Gainey, DSW, LCSW & Dr. Breshell Jackson-Nevels, PhD, LCSW

Dr. Brittny Gainey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over fifteen years of experience. She currently serves and supports students in Hampton City Schools as a school social worker. Her experiences in and outside of the public school system have given her a unique perspective of student achievement and how it intersects with emotional, mental, and behavioral health. Dr. Gainey believes in the Whole Child, Whole School, Whole Community concept. She is driven to help others understand how these factors influence one another and the value in giving children, their families and their community a voice. Dr. Gainey is a strong advocate for social work and stands on the values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of a person, and the importance of human relationships.

Outside of Hampton City Schools, Dr. Gainey is an adjunct instructor for Norfolk State University, School of Social Work, Hub Team Member for the Virginia Partnership for School Mental Health, Co-Owner of Mother to Daughter, LLC and Owner of The Middle Ground Counseling and Consulting.

Dr. Breshell Jackson-Nevels has over 25 years of experience in social work, education and clinical practice. As the MSW Program Director at Norfolk State University, she has led transformative curriculum redesign, guided the program through a successful Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation process, and doubled graduate student enrollment. She teaches across clinical and policy tracks with a focus on advanced generalist practice, assessment, family systems, and school social work. Her teaching reflects a commitment to culturally responsive pedagogy and evidence-based practice. In addition to her academic leadership, Dr. Jackson-Nevels has served as a field instructor, doctoral mentor, and faculty advisor. Her research addresses the intersections of race, gender, mental health, and educational equity, with numerous publications and national conference presentations.

Mirror Mirror: Building a Positive Self-Image and Affirmation Wellness Session

Facilitator: Rhonda Yancey, LCSW

I am a dynamic leader and goal oriented Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple responsibilities, create quality programs, ensure compliance with Medicaid and Medicare Licensure Regulations, as well as develop quality staff. My goal is to help individuals and families alleviate issues that have become barriers to achieving emotional and relational well-being. I seek to do this by building a therapeutic relationship with the clients as well as staff to explore alternative possibilities for problem solving and changing unhelpful thinking patterns through the use of Cognitive Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, and Emotional Freedom Techniques. I am a dedicated and organized therapist committed to professional growth and improvement; as well as delivering the most effective and caring interventions available. I am sure with my clinical exposure and in depth knowledge of working with individuals and families from all walks of life; I can be an effective member of your esteemed organization.

Trauma, Drama, and Yo' Mama

Facilitator: Candance Walton, MSW, LCSW

Experienced Clinical Social Worker with a demonstrated history in the mental health and academic industries. Skilled in individual, family and group therapy, public speaking, crisis intervention, case management, event planning, singing, song writing, thespian! Community human service professional with a Master of Social Work MSW and now, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW!

Massaging the Mind: Exploring the Transformative Benefits of Massage Therapy on Mental Health

Facilitator: HCS School Social Work MSW Interns

HCS Social Work Services Student Interns Bio

The Social Work Services Student Intern team at Hampton City Schools is dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being within the school community. Our interns come from diverse academic backgrounds and are committed to supporting students' social, emotional, and mental health needs through innovative programming and interventions.

This year, the team is leading "Massaging the Mind: Exploring the Transformative Benefits of Massage Therapy on Mental Health", a wellness session designed to introduce families to the powerful impact of massage therapy on reducing stress, improving focus, and enhancing overall emotional well-being.

Our social work interns, trained in holistic approaches to mental health, will guide participants through interactive discussions and demonstrations, showcasing how simple massage techniques can help manage stress and support mental health. By integrating this alternative therapeutic method into their social work practice, our interns aim to provide a unique and accessible approach to mental wellness.

The team is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where adults feel empowered to prioritize their mental health and well-being. They are excited to bring this transformative workshop to the community and continue advocating for mental health awareness and support.