PROJECT DIRECTOR

Assistant Professor and Field Placement Coordinator in Counselor Education at Longwood University

What does mental health mean to you?

"Mental health is an essential part of having a fulfilling, happy, and meaningful life. It is about taking care of our psychological, emotional, and spiritual health just as much as our physical health. Having good mental health means proactively doing things to that promote wellness while also having a strong set of tools to reactively handle life's inevitable challenges."

What is the importance of introducing mental health awareness and resources to Southside, Virginia?

"Unfortunately, many rural communities like Southside, Virginia face significant challenges with providing adequate mental health services. It is so important to the grant team and me to try to meet this urgent need by bringing awareness to various resources, increasing knowledge of common mental health challenges, reducing barriers to seeking mental health support like stigma, and facilitating referrals where we can."

Fun fact?

"My husband and I were living in Corpus Christi, Texas, and were going to have a surprise wedding in Richmond, Virginia in April 2020. The pandemic thwarted our plans to get married in front of our friends and family, so we instead got married in our backyard in Texas in July 2020. We dressed up our two cats in tuxedo collars and gave our dog a "maid of honor" scarf, and they served as our bridal party while one of my doctoral students graciously took our photos. It was the most magical day, and I wouldn't change it for anything :)"

PROJECT LEAD

Associate Professor of Counselor Education at Longwood University

What does mental health mean to you?

"To me, mental health goes beyond a lack of illness and so also includes wellness, a level of resiliency, some self-care, and, hopefully, knowing how and when to reach out for support from others, whether that's within a network of family and friends or with professionals."

What is the importance of introducing mental health awareness and resources to Southside, Virginia?

"I think this will be very important to help educate people about how they can help and support others to get help when needed. I hope this will also reduce the stigma that still surrounds talking about mental health issues."

Fun fact?

"I live on a farm with cows and a couple of horses, and I am an avid knitter and crocheter."

STAKEHOLDER COORDINATOR

Dean of the College of Education, Health, and Human Services

What does mental health mean to you?

"Mental health is the big umbrella term that incorporates so many aspects of how we feel, relate, connect, learn, and understand. Mental wellness, to me, means having resources internally and externally to navigate life's ups and downs along with an appropriate amount of supportive and challenging experiences."

What is the importance of introducing mental health awareness and resources to Southside, Virginia?

"I hope that, through this project, the Southside community can become more aware of the resources that can help people who need support."

Fun fact?

"I love dogs and always have had at least two dogs in my family. Right now I have a big beagle-hound mix named Oliver and a tiny little Yorkie named Cody Browne. Of course the little one is the boss!"

PROJECT COORDINATOR

“I am delighted to be joining the Southside Mental Health team. With a passion for mental health and raising awareness, I am eager to contribute to this dedicated team. Together, I know we will make a positive impact on the community”

Fun Fact: "All of my dogs are named after characters from movies and my favorite Holiday is 4th of July."