This Is My Brave - Stories from the College Athlete Community

MODERATOR SPECIAL GUEST
THURSDAY, SEPT. 29, 8 PM

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This virtual show is presented by Society of Valued Minds, a community using
self-expression to live boldly with mental health conditions. Bringing together
mental health advocates to share their lived experiences in their own unique
ways, SoVM is on a mission to shatter stigma, create actionable awareness, and
show the world the value of every mind.
Join the movement on Instagram @societyofvaluedminds.
Society of Valued Minds is brought to you by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.
www.thisismybrave.org
@thisismybrave
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Great Science
Deep Compassion
Real Impact
Working together
to address addiction,
serious mental illness
and cancer.
For more information about
Alkermes, please visit:
www.alkermes.com

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

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 partner, Anne Marie
Ames, never imagined at that time the success that Brave would realize. Since 2014, This Is My Brave has produced 81
more shows in 49 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.
The COVID pandemic presented us (and the world) with challenges we never could have expected. While our live events
had to pause, we at Brave were able to pivot our programming to a virtual platform and continue to offer inspiration and
hope to those who need it the most, maybe even those who didn’t need it before. As we all adjust to this “new normal,”
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 host this very special virtual event! I am incredibly honored that this cast of amazing college athletes
has come together to be with us here tonight to share their powerful personal stories. I know their stories will bring a
new understanding of navigating mental health challenges while also managing the pressures associated with athletic
and academic performance. Especially now, opening up conversations in our college athletic communities about
mental health through storytelling will have a lasting impact on all of us. Whether you are a college athlete, a parent of a
current or prospective college athlete, a coach, or an administrator at a university, we hope that the conversations you
hear tonight will spark similar ones in your circles!
Every time a story is told — every time we shine a light on mental illness and addiction — 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 could happen to you. It could happen to someone you
love. We need to acknowledge that mental illness is something that we may encounter in
our lifetime. We must break the silence that stigma has imposed on us and begin to speak
openly 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,
Interim Executive Director
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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.
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 7

THE
SHOW
We believe in the power of storytelling to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness. This
Is My Brave - The Show is a live theater presentation of touching essays, original music, poetry,
and comedy created and performed by individuals living with – or loving someone with – a mental
illness. Our storytellers are here to inspire you to find hope in your own challenges or give hope to
someone you love who may be facing similar circumstances. This Is My Brave is honored to work
with volunteer production teams around the country to produce these shows in order to normalize
conversations about mental health, break down stigma and offer hope.
ORDER OF SHOW
Layne Ingram | Michigan | Basketball
Frida Esparza | UCLA | Gymnastics
Brianna Moore | Salem College | Volleyball
Lindsey Kilpatrick | UMass Lowell | Field Hockey
Tony Diallo | UMBC | Lacrosse
Nicolette Caneda | Manhattan College | Soccer
Andrew Delaney | Adephi University | Basketball
Kelsey Goldring | Quinnipiac University | Soccer
Londale Theus Jr. | D-1 Basketball
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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 2022 NATIONAL SPONSORS
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 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!
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A NOTE
FROM THE PRODUCERS
Thank you for joining us for this very special show, This Is My Brave - Stories from the College Athlete
Community. We are so very proud of this group of college athletes who have stepped forward to be
Brave with us and share their stories of managing their mental health while excelling in athletics and
academics at their respective colleges and universities.
Many thanks to our sponsor this evening Society of Valued Minds and to our partner organizations
Morgan’s Message and I Love to Watch You Play.
We hope that you are inspired by what you see tonight and that you will take this show as a call to
action to start conversations within your own circles about college athletes’ mental health. Silence
is no longer an option. The consequence of it is too great. Every college athlete deserves to know
that they are valued for more than their athletic abilities. We value them for who they are and what
they have to offer their communities and this world as a whole person!
We’d like to thank our Brave storytellers – Andrew, Brianna, Frida, Kelsey, Lindsey, Nicolette, and Tony
– and our special guests – Layne and Londale – for all they’ve done to make this show a success!
The This Is My Brave Team
MANY THANKS TO OUR PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 11

THE
CAST
NICOLETTE CANEDA
Nicolette Caneda, a sophomore at Manhattan College in New York, plays
women’s soccer. She is a dedicated sister to Adriana, daughter to Javier
and Isabella, and volunteer. She wants to raise awareness about eating
disorders, and promote both a heathy lifestyle and body positivity. She
started an Instagram page @nickifit22 this past January to tell her
story and inspire others. Nicolette is majoring in Exercise Science with
plans to become a Physical Therapist.
ANDREW DELANEY
My name is Andrew Delaney and I currently play college basketball at
Adelphi University up on Long Island, NY. I am originally from South
Jersey and aside from my own training, I currently coach a 16U AAU
Team based in the South Jersey/South Philly area throughout the year.
I am passionate about Student-Athlete Mental Health and actively lead
Morgan’s Message at Adelphi. I’m always working to learn, consult with,
and build teams with other Student-Athlete Mental Health groups and
have had the opportunity to guest speak on podcasts, and to local
schools, athletic departments, teams and camps within the East Region
about Student-Athlete Mental Health. I am currently working with an
amazing team within our athletic department to develop Student-
Athlete Mental Health resources and improve the mental health &
wellness environment overall for our athletes. My mission is that of
Morgan’s Message: to equalize the treatment of physical health and
mental health within the athletic community.
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TONY DIALLO
Tony Diallo, a senior at University of Maryland, Baltimore County, plays
men’s lacrosse. He is a Biology major and aspiring veterinarian. He is Co-
Founder and Trainer at Alpha Strength and Performance where he trains
high school athletes who wish to advance their performance on and off
the field. Tony also has a heart for service and has volunteered at Camp
PALS and Lift Me Up! Therapeutic Riding. Tony wishes to thank his sister,
Youme, and his parents Tracey and Tely for all of their love and support.
FRIDA ESPARZA
My name is Frida Esparza. I am a rising junior on the UCLA Gymnastics
Team and pursuing a degree in Political Science with a focus on
Race, Ethnicity, and Politics. Prior to college I represented Mexico at
international competitions. I’m sharing my story in hopes that someone
will learn from my experience and find help so they do not have to deal
with their mental health alone.
KELSEY GOLDRING
My name is Kelsey Goldring and I am a 24 year old former Division 1
soccer player for Quinnipiac University. I am currently still at Quinnipiac
in the graduate program studying to get my doctorate in Physical
Therapy. I am from Westchester NY and the youngest of three. My dad
had me kicking a soccer ball as soon as I could walk and it instantly
became a big part of my life. I fell in love with the feeling of scoring
goals and nothing ever compared. I’m hoping to share my experience
with mental health to show other athletes that they are not alone.
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 13

THE
CAST
LINDSEY KILPATRICK
Lindsey Kilpatrick is a former Division 1 student-athlete at the University
of Massachusetts Lowell where she played four years of field hockey
and received a BS in mathematics and political science. In her career at
UML, Kilpatrick was an integral member of the River Hawk backfield, and
senior captain. She was a two-time America East All-Academic Team
selection, a three-time NFHCA Scholar of Distinction honoree, an NCAA
Woman of the Year Nominee and recipient of the Chancellor’s Medal for
Student Service for her work in mental health advocacy. Kilpatrick is
also an ambassador for Morgan’s Message, a non-profit organization
working to end the stigma around mental health in college athletics.
She brought the program to her university, serving as the President of
Morgan’s Message at UML. As an avid mental health advocate, she has
served on panels, ran events, and started a petition with over 36,000
signatures to hold the NCAA accountable for the epidemic of suicides
among collegiate athletes. Kilpatrick is currently a graduate student at
the University of Chicago where she is pursuing an MS in Computational
Analysis and Public Policy.
BRIANNA MOORE
I am Brianna Moore. My pronouns are she/her. I am currently a junior at
Salem College majoring in Exercise Science and Minoring in Psychology
and Health Advocacy. I am a setter for the volleyball team as well as the
president of Salem College Morgan’s Message club, the vice president
of the Exercise Science Club, a SAAC representative, an Admissions
ambassador, and an RA. Outside of school and volleyball, I love to read!
I will be discussing in my piece “I Could Tell You,” my experience with
anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation/thoughts.
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MODERATOR
LAYNE INGRAM
Layne Ingram is an out-and-proud Transgender man with a passion
for raising awareness of and supporting the Trans community,
specifically youth and teens. He is a strong advocate for people being
exactly who they are and living their lives as authentically as they
can. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 2002 with his
bachelor’s in communications after a standout, four-year career on
the women’s basketball team. He was then drafted to the WNBA’s
Sacramento Monarchs. Over the course of his professional career,
Layne has worked in the non-profit, professional sports and highereducation
sectors and is also an accomplished public speaker and
national presenter. He also holds a Master of Science degree in
Leadership from Central Michigan University.
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 15

SPECIAL GUEST
STORYTELLER
LONDALE THEUS JR.
Londale Theus Jr. is a native of Los Angeles, California where he is an
actor, stand-up comedian, improviser and writer. Standing at 6’5” and
making rooms full of people erupt with laughter on a regular basis;
everything about him is Tall, Dark and Funny.
Growing up, his first love was basketball. He was an accomplished
athlete and played Division 1 NCAA Basketball, where his team made it to
the NCAA Tournament his freshman year. Junior year he tore his ACL which ended
his hoop dreams. For the first time in his life he wasn’t able to play basketball, but it was also the
first time in his life he stepped into the acting and comedy world. Shooting comedy skits in his dorm
room peaked his creativity and passion for performing, which ultimately led him to enroll in the
theatre program at CSU Long Beach. He finished his last two years at CSULB and appeared in such
productions as Shakespeare’s As You Like It and Sarah Ruhl’s Late: A Cowboy Song, among others.
Since finishing school, he has dedicated himself full-time to stand-up comedy and has performed
at the World Famous Comedy Store, Flappers, and other venues around the Los Angeles area. Much
of his material derives from his unique life experiences, especially growing up as a vegetarian since
birth that has NEVER eaten any meat, chicken, fish, or eggs. To learn more about his vegetarian
upbringing and to see some of his favorite vegan recipes visit www.VeggieSoulFood.com.
As an actor, Londale has appeared on several sitcoms (2 Broke Girls, Comedy Bang! Bang!,
K.C.Undercover, Hulu’s Future Man and more) as well as national commercials for Mini Cooper, State
Farm, and Footlocker and he was also the face of the HP/Intel campaign. He has been training at the
Upright Citizens Brigade since the end of 2012, where he had been a recipient of the UCB Diversity
Scholarship and is now honored to be a member of the UCB Diversity Committee. He also enjoyed
3 amazing years on Harold Night at UCB with his team ROCOCO and 2 years on Maude Night as an
actor on the Maude Team BOMBARDIER. When he’s not at UCB you can catch him performing stand
up around LA or doing a rare performance with his all black male improv team PHI BETA NEGRO. He
was also a performer in the CBS Diversity Showcase 2016.
Londale spent the summers of 2011 and 2012 doing volunteer work in Tanzania with the Karimu
Foundation, working with the community of Bacho Village to help rebuild schools, develop theatre
projects with the students, and more. His experiences in East Africa have been life-changing and he
looks forward to the time when his comedy can bring laughter to people all over the world.
16

MENTAL HEALTH
PROFESSIONAL
SAM MANIAR, PHD.
Dr. Maniar is Principal and Owner of Center for Peak Performance,
LLC. He has worked with executives, highperforming athletes, and
organizations to help them improve their performance and achieve their
goals. With a strategic perspective and the ability to creatively develop
talent, Dr. Maniar uses performance psychology and his extensive
experience to help individuals and organizations pursue their potential.
His varied background gives him a true understanding of what it takes
to succeed, both in the business world and on the athletic field.
As a sport psychologist, Dr. Maniar has worked with thousands of
professional, Olympic, college, and high school athletes. In his roles as
executive coach & business consultant, he has worked with individuals
and companies in a variety of industries. He incorporates and applies
lessons from these various sectors into a unique, innovative approach
for obtaining peak performance.
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 17

2022 SHOWS / EVENTS
• SEASON 1 OF OUR TURN TO TALK PODCAST AVAILABLE NOW!
• Live Productions of This Is My Brave - The Show this fall:
Sept 22 - Broward County, FL
Sept 25 - Los Angeles, CA
Oct 9 - Philadelphia, PA
Oct 16 - DeKalb, IL
Oct 27 - Eagle Valley, CO
• Virtual Productions of This Is My Brave:
Sept 29 - Stories from the College Athlete Community
Nov 10 - Stories from the Veteran Community
18

IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE HELP
PLEASE CALL 911
THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION
LIFELINE IS:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
SUICIDEPREVENTIONLIFELINE.ORG
TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING...
IT’S EASY AND FREE!
THE CRISIS TEXT LINE CAN BE ACCESSED
BY TEXTING:
STORY TO 741-741
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
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 19

THIS IS MY BRAVE
LEADERSHIP
Photo credit: EmmiClaire Photography
ERIN GALLAGHER
Interim Executive Director
NATASHA WEST
Director of Marketing
Erin 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 also
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 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 (she/her) was diagnosed with PTSD-induced anxiety
and depression after being robbed at gunpoint in 2010. Not
really understanding how trauma can have such powerful
mental and physical effects, her tipping point was losing
a friend in a car accident the following year. She spent her
20’s redefining herself and learning to heal through trauma.
Katie found This is My Brave after a close friend died by
suicide in June 2018 and quickly decided to produce a show.
This is My Brave was something she wanted to share with
her community. When a full time position opened up with
This is My Brave, Katie knew it was time to move from the
corporate world back to her roots in nonprofit. Katie lives in
St. Louis MO with her two dogs. She volunteers as a coach
for an all girls high school racquetball team. She loves
spending time with her friends and family - especially her
niece and nephew.
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.
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THIS IS MY BRAVE
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 Connor
Tammy George
Kristine Haataja
Ric Waldman
Advisory Board
Doreen Gentzler
Dr. Mark Komrad
Dr. Robert Post
Hayley Sherwood, PhD
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.
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 21

THIS IS MY BRAVE
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
22

“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.
THIS IS MY BRAVE
IS DOING THIS
ONE PERSON
& ONE STORY
AT A TIME
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 23

THIS IS MY BRAVE’S IMPACT
Since 2014, This Is My Brave has...
produced
80
shows
2022
College Edition - USF
New Hampshire
Broward County, FL
Los Angeles, CA
Philadelphia, PA
Stories from the College
Athlete Community*
DeKalb, IL
Eagle Valley, CO
Stories from the
Veteran Community*
•
2021
Stories from the
Black Community - vol 1*
Stories from the
Black Community - vol 2*
College Edition - season 2*
New Hampshire*
National Teen Show*
Stories from the
APIDA Community*
BraveTV*
Brave Beyond the Stage*
#BraveDays*
•
2020
BraveTV pilot*
Napa Valley
& St Helena, CA
Houston, TX*
St Louis, MO*
Washington, DC-area*
Hampton Roads, VA*
New Hampshire*
24
with over
900
storytellers
2019
High School Edition Pilot
College Edition Pilot
Baltimore, MD
Concord, NH
DeKalb, IL
Houston, TX
Orlando, FL
Columbus, OH
Carroll County, MD
Northwest AR
Boise, ID
•
2018
Arlington, VA - Spring
Arlington, VA - Fall
Baltimore, MD
Bentonville, AR
Bethesda, MD
Boise, ID
Boston, MA - Spring
Boston, MA - Fall
Charlotte, NC - Spring
Charlotte, NC - Fall
Elkins Park, PA
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Iowa City, IA
Lansing, MI
Los Angeles, CA
Mullumbimby, Australia
www.thisismybrave.org
17,250+
audience
members
in 49 cities
in the U.S.
and Australia
New York City, NY
Orlando, FL
Philadelphia, PA
Sterling, VA
•
2017
Bentonville, AR
Boise, ID
Boston, MA
Canberra, Australia
Cedar Rapids, IA
D.C. Women’s Summit,
Washington, DC
Des Moines, IA
Germantown, MD
Jacksonville, FL
Kansas City, MO
Lewiston, ME
Los Angeles, CA - Spring
Los Angeles, CA - Fall
Napa, CA
Perth, Australia
Sedona, AZ
Valparaiso, IN
Washington, DC
Wheeling, WV
and 300k
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video views
2016
Arlington, VA
Baltimore, MD
Denver, CO - Spring
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Greenville, SC
Iowa City, IA
Oklahoma City, OK
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Washington, DC
•
2015
Arlington, VA
Boston, MA
Harrisburg, PA
Iowa City, IA
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2014
Arlington, VA
* indicates virtual programming
@thisismybrave

AND
PRESENT THE UPCOMING FILM
OUR TURN TO TALK
Teens today are at the center of a mental health epidemic
in America. Anxiety, trauma, depression, eating disorders
and addiction are responsible for the highest rates of
suicide ever recorded among young people.
OUR TURN TO TALK is a documentary film focused on
teenagers who say they’re the generation to put an end to
mental health stigma. To do it, they’re telling their own stories
– raw and unfiltered. From skyrocketing rates of anxiety and
depression to the impacts of racial and intergenerational
trauma, these teens share their struggles and triumphs and
carry a powerful message: Storytelling Saves Lives.
COMING FALL 2022
OUR TURN TO TALK is a production of Principle Pictures
for WETA in partnership with Well Beings, a major public
media, multi-platform campaign from WETA committed to
demystifying and de-stigmatizing our physical and mental
health through storytelling. OUR TURN TO TALK features
storytellers from This Is My Brave, Inc. an organization
committed to destigmatizing mental health issues through
live storytelling and scientific research.
www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 25

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
26

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www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 27

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.