Mental Health Symposium
Mind Matters:
Navigating the Path to Wellness
Join us for a day of connection, learning, and growth.
Embedded Files
Keynote Speaker
Keynote Speaker
Steve Pemberton is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and human capital leader focused on dignity, purpose, and impact. A former CHRO and now Managing Director at Seramount, he helps organizations build cultures where people thrive and performance follows. His memoir, A Chance in the World, traces his journey from foster care to executive leadership and was adapted into a film and national curriculum; his follow-up, The Lighthouse Effect, challenges leaders to use their lived experience to guide others. A trusted voice in boardrooms, classrooms, and global HR forums, and a dynamic and compelling presenter, Steve’s work is grounded in a simple conviction: no beginning defines the end—and leadership, done right, changes lives.
Workshop Presenters
Workshop Presenters
Dr. Sonyia Richardson
Dr. Sonyia Richardson
Workshop:
Workshop:
Awareness to Action: Strategies for Youth Suicide Prevention
Description:
Description:
From Awareness to Action focuses on translating youth suicide prevention knowledge into meaningful, community‑level practice. The session highlights practical, evidence‑informed strategies to support young people both before a crisis occurs and during moments of heightened risk. It explores how providers, families, schools, faith institutions, and community organizations all shape how youth experience stress, seek support, and build hope. Participants will gain culturally grounded approaches to strengthening connections, recognizing signs of distress, and responding in ways that are respectful, trusted, and rooted in community strengths. Ultimately, these strategies will not only support youth survival but also help them thrive.
Bio:
Bio:
Dr. Sonyia Richardson is a nationally recognized speaker, clinician, and thought leader who helps high-achieving individuals and organizations move beyond barriers and step boldly into healing, growth, and purpose. With more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of mental health, suicide prevention, and wellness, she brings a rare blend of clinical expertise, cultural insight, and presence that resonates with discerning audiences. Dr. Richardson is the author of "Experiencing Greater: An Intimate Journey with God", a powerful guide offering 31 transformative lessons to dismantle internal and spiritual roadblocks and cultivate alignment, clarity, and faith. Whether in private sessions, on stage, or on the page, Dr. Richardson’s voice challenges individuals to move beyond survival and into intentional, values-driven living.
Dr. Richardson is the founder and CEO of Another Level Counseling and Consultation, where she has led a thriving practice for over 19 years, providing clinical services, executive coaching, corporate wellness programming, and national and international consultation. Her work spans Fortune 500 companies, universities, faith communities, and mission-driven organizations, always blending clinical rigor with cultural relevance and authenticity. A sought-after keynote speaker, Dr. Richardson has delivered messages at national conferences, leadership summits, university symposiums, and private executive gatherings. Her message is clear and compelling: healing is strategic, wellness is leadership, and transformation is not optional—it’s essential.
Omari Mitchell, MS, LCAS
Omari Mitchell, MS, LCAS
Workshop:
Workshop:
Fentanyl, Vaping, and New Age Drugs: What You Need to Know
Description:
Description:
Substance use trends are changing rapidly, bringing new and serious risks. From fentanyl contamination to vaping and emerging synthetic drugs, today’s landscape requires greater awareness and informed response. This session will highlight current trends, warning signs, and the connection between substance use and mental health, equipping participants with practical strategies to support individuals and communities.
Bio:
Bio:
Omari Thomas Mitchell, a native of North Carolina, obtained his Master's Degree in Clinical Counseling and Addictions from East Carolina University.
Mr. Mitchell is a devoted Addictions Counselor possessing over eight years of experience, with a specialization in substance use and dual diagnosis disorders. He currently holds the position of Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist on the JCDSS Clinical Team. Where he has spent the majority of his professional career. Prior to this Mr. Mitchell has worked in the judicial system alongside Probation and Parole Officers through the statewide TASC program and also served as a member of the DHHS DWI provider auditing team. Mr. Mitchell believes his most notable accomplishment is his contribution to developing client-focused, evidence-based treatment plans to assist the individuals and Families of Johnston County in achieving their substance use treatment goals and reunification.
Tanya Smith
Tanya Smith
Workshop:
Workshop:
Beyond the Diagnosis: Autism, Mental Health, and Building a Regulation-Ready Community
Description:
Description:
Autism is more than a diagnosis — it shapes a child’s emotional world. In this powerful session, Tanya Smith shares how anxiety, trauma, and regulation challenges often intersect with autism, and why early understanding can prevent long-term mental health struggles. Together, we’ll explore how communities can move from misunderstanding to support — creating spaces where autistic children and their families feel seen, safe, and supported.
Bio:
Bio:
Tanya Smith serves as the Regional Outreach Representative for Lighthouse Autism Center in North Carolina, where she builds partnerships with providers, schools, and community organizations to expand access to early autism diagnosis and intervention. She has supported the launch of multiple centers across the state. As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, Tanya brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her advocacy for early, regulation-informed care.
Walter Johnson
Walter Johnson
Workshop:
Workshop:
Reigniting the Passion: Strategies to Avoid Burnout
Description:
Description:
Burnout is often described as a loss of energy, idealism, and purpose. It is closely tied to environmental conditions and the stressors and demands those conditions impose. This workshop invites participants to define burnout, understand how it develops, and explore practical strategies to prevent and mitigate its impact.
Bio:
Bio:
Parent Educator and Trainer, brings 20+ years of experience working with children and families, with a focus on fathers, in varied settings - foster care, residential care, prisons, schools, and churches. He is creative and passionate about developing and delivering training for professionals and families, with a special focus on fatherhood and father engagement. He is certified as a Caring for Our Own facilitator, is certified in the 24/7 Dad curriculum through the National Fatherhood Initiative, and is a certified Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Instructor through the Crisis Prevention Institute. Walter has also completed Train-the-Trainer courses for the Resource Parent Curriculum: Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and ARC: Attachment, Regulation and Competency, and is certified in multiple levels of Triple P. Walter received his Bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, is a husband and father of three adult children, and currently resides in Greensboro.
Parent Educator and Trainer, brings 20+ years of experience working with children and families, with a focus on fathers, in varied settings - foster care, residential care, prisons, schools, and churches. He is creative and passionate about developing and delivering training for professionals and families, with a special focus on fatherhood and father engagement. He is certified as a Caring for Our Own facilitator, is certified in the 24/7 Dad curriculum through the National Fatherhood Initiative, and is a certified Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Instructor through the Crisis Prevention Institute. Walter has also completed Train-the-Trainer courses for the Resource Parent Curriculum: Caring for Children Who Have Experienced Trauma and ARC: Attachment, Regulation and Competency, and is certified in multiple levels of Triple P. Walter received his Bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, is a husband and father of three adult children, and currently resides in Greensboro.
Panelists
Panelists
Judge Joy Jones
Judge Joy Jones
Bio:
Bio:
Judge Joy A. Jones is a District Court Judge serving in North Carolina’s 11th Judicial District which includes Johnston County. She is a native of North Carolina and was raised in the McGee’s Crossroads area of Johnston County. She is a graduate of South Johnston High School, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the Indiana University (Indianapolis) School of Law.
Over Judge Jones’ legal career, she has served in position with the Marion County District Attorney’s office in Indianapolis, the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, and the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office. She later joined Attorney Jack O’Hale in private practice in Smithfield, North Carolina before establishing her own law office.
In 2015, Judge Jones was elected and sworn into her current position as a Judge. During her tenure, she has earned certification as a specialist jurist in Juvenile Delinquency and Child Protective Services courts. Judge Jones has presided over a wide range of cases and is known for her fair, balanced approach to justice. She is also actively involved in the community supporting initiatives that promote the well being of children and families.
Michelle Bizzell
Michelle Bizzell
Bio:
Bio:
Michelle Bizzell is the School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) Specialist for Johnston County Public Schools, where she supports the development and coordination of co-located services across schools and agency partners. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master’s in Social Work. She brings over 15 years of experience across School Social Work, Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) frameworks, and systems level mental health supports. Her career has included roles as a Substance Use Preventionist, School Social Worker with a focus on supporting students with Autism, Truancy Interventionist, and MTSS Coach. Michelle is passionate about strengthening SBMH systems, advancing MTSS practices, and fostering collaboration between schools and community providers. She has spent the past five years building and refining a district-wide program aimed at improving access to care, with a strong focus on case coordination to reduce barriers for youth and families seeking mental health assessments.
Dr. Sonyia Richardson
Dr. Sonyia Richardson
Bio:
Bio:
Dr. Sonyia Richardson is a nationally recognized speaker, clinician, and thought leader who helps high-achieving individuals and organizations move beyond barriers and step boldly into healing, growth, and purpose. With more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of mental health, suicide prevention, and wellness, she brings a rare blend of clinical expertise, cultural insight, and presence that resonates with discerning audiences.
Dr. Sonyia Richardson is a nationally recognized speaker, clinician, and thought leader who helps high-achieving individuals and organizations move beyond barriers and step boldly into healing, growth, and purpose. With more than 20 years of experience at the intersection of mental health, suicide prevention, and wellness, she brings a rare blend of clinical expertise, cultural insight, and presence that resonates with discerning audiences.
Dr. Richardson is the author of "Experiencing Greater: An Intimate Journey with God", a powerful guide offering 31 transformative lessons to dismantle internal and spiritual roadblocks and cultivate alignment, clarity, and faith. Whether in private sessions, on stage, or on the page, Dr. Richardson’s voice challenges individuals to move beyond survival and into intentional, values-driven living. Dr. Richardson is the founder and CEO of Another Level Counseling and Consultation, where she has led a thriving practice for over 19 years, providing clinical services, executive coaching, corporate wellness programming, and national and international consultation. Her work spans Fortune 500 companies, universities, faith communities, and mission-driven organizations, always blending clinical rigor with cultural relevance and authenticity. A sought-after keynote speaker, Dr. Richardson has delivered messages at national conferences, leadership summits, university symposiums, and private executive gatherings. Her message is clear and compelling: healing is strategic, wellness is leadership, and transformation is not optional—it’s essential.insert bio here
Dr. Kimberly Johnson
Dr. Kimberly Johnson
Bio:
Bio:
A native of Kentucky, Dr Johnson pursued her undergraduate degree at Ohio Wesleyan University where she received a BA in Chemistry. She remained in Ohio and obtained her Medical Degree at The Ohio State University. She then moved to North Carolina and completed her Internship and Psychiatric Residency at East Carolina University. Her professional career has covered multiple areas. She started her career at Cherry Hospital, the state hospital in Goldsboro. She then worked for a time at the private hospital, Holly Hill, in Raleigh. She then moved to a private practice outpatient clinic in Rocky Mount. She has been working for Johnston County Health Department Behavioral Health Division since 2014. She is currently the Behavioral Health Medical Director. Her time is divided between patient care and administrative duties.
Stephanie Thompson
Stephanie Thompson
Bio:
Bio:
Stephanie Thompson, MSW, brings over 30 years of experience in social services, education, and government. She is both a parent of a young adult with special needs and a kinship caregiver to another, offering a unique perspective on the mental health needs of children, young adults, and families. She is committed to fostering open communication, collaboration, and solutions that strengthen individuals and communities.
Schedule
Schedule
Symposium Schedule 2026.pdf
The Venue
The Venue
Johnston Community College
Johnston Community College
245 College Rd, Smithfield, NC 27577
245 College Rd, Smithfield, NC 27577
TART Building / Paul A. Johnston Auditorium
Johnston Community College
Johnston Community College
We are grateful to Johnston Community College for allowing us to host this event and for providing access to their facilities, which offer a professional and welcoming environment for our symposium.
We are grateful to Johnston Community College for allowing us to host this event and for providing access to their facilities, which offer a professional and welcoming environment for our symposium.
Sponsors
Sponsors
714 North St, Smithfield, NC 27577 | Phone: (919) 989-5472 | James.Turner@johnstonnc.gov
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