This Is My Brave - Heart Truth, Stories from the Deaf Community

DEAFinitely, Inc. presents 

SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 7PM 

DEAFinitely-Playbill-v10.indd 1 

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ASL THERAPIST 

AND MENTAL HEALTH 

SUPPORT RESOURCE LIST 

Use your phone to scan the QR code for a list of ASL 

Therapists and Mental Health Support organizations. 

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Production Team 

Co-Producer ANGIE BEDOYA 

Co-Producer & Storyteller JERALD CREER 

Mental Health Professional & Co-Producer CHRISTINE ELLIS 

DEAFinitely Inc. Founder & Co-Producer JAMIE ROBINSON 

DEAFinitely, Inc. Communications Director KRISTINA NASHOLD 

Show Director SHIRA GRABELSKY 

Brought to you by 

www.deafinitelyinc.com 

www.thisismybrave.org 

@thisismybrave 

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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 co-founder, 

Anne Marie Ames, never imagined at that time the success that Brave would realize. Since 2014, This Is My Brave has 

produced 89 more shows in 53 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 event with DEAFinitely, Inc! I am incredibly honored that this cast of amazing 

deaf and hard of hearing individuals has stepped forward to share their powerful personal testimonies in this first ever 

Brave show to feature storytelling primarily in American Sign Language. I know that this show will shine a light on the 

unique mental health experiences of the deaf and hard of hearing community and let others who are facing something 

similar know they are not alone. 

Especially now, opening up conversations in this community about mental health through storytelling will have a lasting 

impact on all of us. We hope that the stories you hear tonight will spark important conversations in your circles! 

Every time a story is told — every time we shine a light on mental illness and substance use disorders — 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 may affect you. It may affect someone you love. 

We need to acknowledge that mental illness is something that we may encounter in our 

lifetime. We must stop the secrecy that stigma has imposed on us and begin to share 

openly and honestly 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. 



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ORDER OF SHOW 

Angie Bedoya & Muna Abanoor - Welcome & Opening Remarks 

Lucy Howard-Karp 

April Scott 

Cai Steele 

Jerald Creer 

Jo-Anne Bryan 

Natasha “Courage” Bacchus 

Brandy “Unique the Deaf Dancer” Mimms 

Joe Ascheman 

Yusuf Jibril Umar 

Amy Rearick 

Cecilia James 

Ziva 

Niesha Washington-Shepard 

Sarah “Morrison” Morrison 

Original dance co-choreographed 

by Felicia McGinnis performed to 

“Courage” by Pink 

This Story is My Story {virtual} 

Wounding Words 

Invincible Absentee Father of Odds 

Discovering My Anxiety {virtual} 

We All Are Human Beings 

End of Tenebrosity 

uninvited passenger 

I Don’t Let My Hearing Loss Defeat Me 

{virtual} 

Good Future of My Life Emotional Arts 

Out of the Inside of the Shell 

A Phoenix Rising 

Me @ P.W.I 

Loving Myself as to Me, I Belong 

Jamie Robinson - Closing Remarks 

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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 2023 NATIONAL SPONSORS 



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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 

AbbVie remains committed to bringing 

Are you looking to add some #BraveGear to your wardrobe? 

Check together out our new merch the shop, and bipolar wear your Brave I for disorder all community. 

to see! We update the options frequently, so be sure to check 

back Visit often. Visit GettingHereToThere.com our website to order yours today! 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 

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A NOTE 

FROM THE PRODUCER 

It’s been an incredible journey to get to this moment. In 2020, our Deaf Youth Council consisting of Deaf 

youth ages 15-22 expressed mental health challenges that were seriously compounded by COVID. Our team at 

DEAFinitely, Inc. was compelled to respond. 

As a 2018 alumni of This is My Brave (TIMB), I was empowered to share my own truth of living a successful life 

despite mental illness. The strength of my cast using our stories to fight stigma was transformational. It made 

me wonder, would TIMB be willing to co-produce a show in collaboration with DEAFinitely? 

When we approached Erin Gallagher, Interim Executive Director of TIMB, over a year ago, her answer was a 

resounding, ‘Yes!’. Erin and her team have been committed to learning about mental health in the Deaf 

community and did not hesitate when we asked to change the national logo from a microphone to Heart Truth 

in ASL. We are deeply grateful to the TIMB leadership team for walking the talk of diversity and inclusion. 

It has been an honor to work alongside the DEAFinitely production team - Jerald Creer, Angie Bedoya and Christine 

Ellis. I was in awe of this team’s vulnerability to share their own mental health journeys as we connected with so 

many people over the past year. Special thanks to Kristina Nashold for her incredible communications work and 

maintaining our Heart Truth website, as well as to Shira Grabelsky for bringing her theater and access expertise, 

and personal perspectives as our TIMB Director. 

To our cast of storytellers, you are TRAILBLAZERS! You came to us not completely knowing what you were 

getting into, but you have powerful stories to share. Your vulnerability and courage exemplifies what the world 

needs to empower the conversation about mental health in the Deaf community. You have paved the way for 

others to come forward and are making a meaningful impact. 

Finally, this TIMB show honors the Deaf and hard of hearing youth of 

DEAFinitely, Inc. who were brave enough to express their mental health 

struggles, share their HEART TRUTHS, and inspire this movement. 

Let’s keep the movement going! 

Gaby Portillo - Deaf Youth Council 



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SHOW SPONSORS 

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SHOW SPONSORS 

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SHOW SPONSORS 

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SHOW PARTNERSHIPS 

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THE 

CAST 

JOE ASCHEMAN (HE/THEY) 

Joe hails from rural Minnesota, has lived in Southern California for 

several years and currently resides in southern Massachusetts. He has 

worked in human services for 25 years. Joe is passionate about social 

justice and animal rescue. He is a lover of animals and nature. In his free 

time, Joe enjoys thrifting and collecting oddities. 

NATASHA “COURAGE” BACCHUS (SHE/HER) 

Natasha “Courage” Bacchus is a former 3 times Deaf Olympian Sprinter. 

She began working as an actress in 2019 and has since performed 

in: ‘The Black Drum’, ‘The Two Natasha’s’, ‘21 Black Futures’, and 

season four of ‘The Corner’ on Netflix. Natahsha has participated as 

an art collaborator with numerous theater and film productions in 

Canada, including as an interdisciplinary visual artist, art accessibility 

consultant, and activist for BIPOC Deaf art community to expand BIPOC 

Deaf artists representation. 

JO-ANNE BRYAN (SHE/HER) 

Jo-Anne is an Ottawa-based artist experiencing life through the 

intersections of being Black, Deaf, Queer, and a woman. Her artistry 

includes American Sign Language storytelling and performance. She 

also does illustrations in her spare time. 



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THE 

CAST 

CECILIA JAMES (SHE/HER) 

Passionate, driven and determined to make a difference, Cecilia, MBA is 

the Founder and Executive Director of I Hear You, Inc.,a non-profit with 

the mission to maintain a comprehensive network of support services 

for children who are in need of hearing loss intervention in Grenada 

and the Caribbean islands. Through her non-profit, Cecilia organizes 

missions providing free hearing aids. Empowered with knowledge and 

convinced that her life experiences have purpose, Cecilia authored an 

inspiring book, Out of Inside of the Shell, chronicling her experiences 

with late diagnosed hearing loss and guidance with navigating the signs 

of hearing loss with children. 

BRANDY “UNIQUE THE DEAF DANCER” MIMMS (SHE/HER) 

Brandy “Unique the Deaf Dancer” is a professional dancer, choreographer 

and speaker from New Orleans. She currently resides in Arkansas and 

has been dancing since she was a child, teaching herself the art. Unique 

holds a BFA degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is 

the founder of the Listen With Your Eyes Dance Troupe. Her passion for 

dance led her to become a source of inspiration for people everywhere, 

regardless of their abilities. 

SARAH “MORRISON” MORRISON (THEY/THEM) 

Morrison is a consultant in the field of disability justice through the 

deafblind lens. They provide training in the area of educational and 

deafblind interpretation. Morrison’s dream is for a more unified society 

where everyone is respected with care and dignity. They dream to be 

equally admitted to compete on the national level with other paraathletes, 

as well as traveling the world without haste. Morrison dreams 

that there will be a way to restore sight and see the stars and rainbows 

again. They enjoy being active where they not only help others, but 

love the outdoors and around water, running, tandem cycling, and yoga 

classes that are authentically led. 

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AMY REARICK (SHE/HER) 

Amy is a sophomore at Bridgewater State University studying elementary 

education in art, math and science. Her goal is to become a theater arts 

director for the Deaf that is inclusive for all. Amy’s family enjoys going 

on cruises and also traveling to pageants, where she has developed 

modeling skills and built more confidence. She wants to move on from 

past PTSD and keep the faith. 

APRIL SCOTT (SHE/HER) 

April currently works with the Urban Jazz Dance Company assisting 

with community engagement and outreach, social media, access, and 

vlogging. She dreams for a future continuing to build resources for the 

Black/Brown Deaf/HOH community, along with cultivating her artistic 

performance in acting, singing, dancing and modeling. April strives to 

be a motivational speaker and support the future of young people. She 

loves to research Black history through documentaries and learn about 

her own roots, building a loving community for all ages in the Deaf/HOH 

community, and having a daily ritual of self-spirituality. 

CAI STEELE (THEY/THEM) 

Cai is thrilled to be back on the stage after many years hiatus and 

excited to make his deaf theater debut with This Is My Brave. When not 

on the stage Cai is painting, practicing Silat, or teaching. You can find 

Cai and their artwork on Instagram @ArtistCai or www.caisteele.com. 



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THE 

CAST 

YUSUF JIBRIL UMAR (HE/HIM) 

Yusuf has wanted to be a lawyer all his life. Currently, he is a student 

and working at the University in Nigeria teaching sign language. He likes 

to socialize with his friends and be around his Deaf friends. The most 

important thing in his life is to be able to survive and support himself 

and family. He takes pride in his ability to work and go to school. 

NIESHA WASHINGTON-SHEPARD (SHE/HER) 

Niesha is a proud native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a Creole 

Black Deaf womxn with light skin who is involved in Deaf organizations 

in Washington, DC. She is also a social justice activist and a motherly 

warrior in the Black Deaf community. She is getting her Ed.D. at Maryville 

University in St. Louis, Missouri, where she is studying leadership in 

higher education. 

ZIVA 

Ziva teaches high school science and also works at Starbucks. Her 

dream is to go back to school for pharmacy or nursing. She loves to 

play soccer, swimming and running. She also loves doing digital art or 

sketching. Ziva loves traveling and learning about new cultures and 

more about the world. The most important things in her life include her 

wifey, her pets, having a positive attitude and having her independence 

and freedom. 

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PRODUCTION 

TEAM 

ANGIE BEDOYA (SHE/HER) 

CO-PRODUCER 

Angie moved to the US from Colombia at 4 years old and graduated 

from Gallaudet in 2019. She has worked as a Program Assistant for 

DEAFinitely, Inc. for almost a year as part of the Deaf Youth Council 

mentoring program. Angie is looking forward to growing more in her 

personal life while traveling and seeking more opportunities to succeed 

in herself. She hopes to be an author one day. 

JERALD J. CREER (HE/HIM) 

CO-PRODUCER & STORYTELLER 

Jerald J. Creer is Deaf - Low Vision native of Virginia living in the 

Rochester, NY area. He works with DEAFinitely, Inc., YMCA as Deaf 

Wellness Counselor, and NTID Performing Arts. Jerald has worked 

in education and nonprofit organizations. He has also worked as an 

actor, dancer, scriptwriting, and director of Artistic Sign Language. 

Jerald brings his love for stories, theater, and humanity to bring people 

together to share their stories to be seen. One of his dreams is to take 

on the role of producer and author. 



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PRODUCTION 

TEAM 

CHRISTINE ELLIS (SHE/HER) 

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL & CO-PRODUCER 

Christine Ellise is a licensed clinical social worker with two decades 

of providing clinical mental health experience. Christine comes from 

a holistic therapy perspective where it is a dance that involves the 

bonding of the mind, body and spirit to enhance one’s life and self-worth. 

Christine’s involvement included a range of experience that focused on 

the Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Deaf Blind as a victim’s advocate, program 

director, psychiatric social worker, school counselor, community mental 

health supervisor and a clinical director. Christine also provides multiple 

workshops and training for the professional audiences across the 

country on mental health, holistic practices and on creative leadership. 

JAMIE ROBINSON (SHE/HER) 

DEAFINITELY INC. FOUNDER & CO-PRODUCER 

Jamie founded DEAFinitely, Inc. 6 years ago. In 2019, it became a nonprofit 

with the mission to empower Deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, 

deaf-disabled and hearing youth to spark social change through the 

performing arts, mentoring and American Sign Language. As the Artistic 

Director, Jamie brings over 20 years’ dance and choreography experience 

to DEAFinitely’s performing arts program. Prior to DEAFinitely, Jamie led 

efforts nationally for 12 years to expand communication access in the 

public workforce system and financial mainstream. As an alumni of This 

is My Brave, Jamie is an impassioned advocate for celebrating differences 

and using them to drive one’s life work. 

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KRISTINA NASHOLD (SHE/HER) 

DEAFINITELY INC. COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR 

Kristina, otherwise known as “Krissy” behind the scenes, is the 

Communications Director for This Is My Brave - Heart Truth. Since 2018, 

she has also served as the Communications Director and provided backend 

office support for DEAFinitely, Inc. With a background in Project and 

Event Management, she has been honored to be a part of DEAFinitely to 

help them grow and achieve their goals. Outside of DEAFinitely, she is a 

mother of 2 and a singer in and out of the shower. 

SHIRA GRABELSKY (SHE/HER) 

SHOW DIRECTOR 

Shira is a DeafDisabled native New Yorker living in the Boston area after 

living in Washington DC, Colorado, California, and New Mexico. She works 

in education and in the community in various capacities and is currently 

at The Learning Center for the Deaf. Shira has worked in education and 

the nonprofit sector in various roles. In theaters, she has worked as 

producer, director, actor, and Director of Artistic Sign Language (DASL). 

She brings to this production her love for stories, the theater, and the 

nuances of humanity. 



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SPECIAL 

GUESTS 

MUNA ABANOOR (SHE/HER) 

DEAF YOUTH MENTOR, DEAFINITELY, INC. 

Muna is a senior in high school at Horace Mann School for the Deaf and 

Hard of Hearing in Allston, MA. She hopes to become a social worker to 

help students with mental health issues. She loves playing basketball 

and watching criminal tv shows. 

LUCY HOWARD-KARP (SHE/HER) 

DANCER 

Lucy is a freshman at Newton North High School. She is an assistant 

dance coach with DEAFinitely Crew and lives and breathes hip hop. Lucy 

dreams of being a dancer, baker, and lawyer. Lucy is opening the show 

with an original dance performed to “Courage” by Pink. 

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2023 SHOWS / EVENTS 

• Live Productions of This Is My Brave - The Show: 

March 4 - Stories from the Deaf Community, Boston MA 

April 5 - College Edition at Dean College, Franklin MA 

April 21 - College Edition at USF, Tampa FL 

May 23 - Flourishing Families, Boston MA 

• Brave the Storm {virtual} 5k - June 9-18 

• Jay Walkers - Suicide Prevention Awareness Campaign - September 

LET’S 

GET SOCIAL! 



WANT TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE AT THIS IS MY BRAVE WITH OTHERS? 

TAG @THISISMYBRAVE AND BE SURE TO USE ONE OF OUR FAVORITE HASHTAGS 

WHEN POSTING: 

#STORYTELLINGSAVESLIVES 



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IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE HELP 

PLEASE CALL 911 

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known 

as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) provides 

free and confidential emotional support to people in 

suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 

7 days a week, across the United States. 

CALL OR TEXT THE LIFELINE ANYTIME, 24/7. 

Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis: 1-888-628-9454 

OPTIONS FOR DEAF + HARD OF HEARING 

For TTY Users: 

Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. 

Photo credit: Em 

THE CRISIS TEXT LINE CAN BE ACCESSED 

BY TEXTING: 

STORY TO 741-741 

Envía un mensaje de texto con la palabra AYUDA al 741741 para 

comunicarte de manera gratuita con un Consejero de Crisis. 

TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING... 

IT’S EASY AND FREE! 

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 

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LEADERSHIP 

Photo credit: EmmiClaire Photography 

ERIN GALLAGHER 

Interim Executive Director 

NATASHA WEST 

Director of Marketing 

Erin (she/her) 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 

alsov 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 (she/her) 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). 

ting: 

N 

KATIE GRANA 

Director of Programming 

Katie Grana (she/her), Director of Programming with This Is 

My Brave, has been with the organization since 2019. 

With a history in sales and client management, her transition 

to the world of mental health advocacy was natural, as 

she herself lives with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Katie 

believes in the mission and vision of This Is My Brave and is 

inspired to do this work every day. 

Katie lives in St. Louis, MO and is a proud St. Louis Cardinals 

and St. Louis Blues fan. She loves spending time with her 

dogs, her partner, and her family and friends. 

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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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. 

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RESEARCH 

son 

KRISTIN KOSYLUK 

Lead Researcher 

Kristin Kosyluk is an Assistant Professor of Mental Health Law & Policy at the University of South Florida in the College of 

Behavioral and Community Sciences. She also directs the STigma Action Research (STAR) Lab at USF. The STAR Lab conducts 

community-engaged research aimed at understanding and addressing the stigma surrounding mental illness in order to 

promote recovery among people living with mental illness. This past spring, Kristin served as the as the Production Manager 

for the This Is My Brave College Edition: a OneUSF Production and has served as the lead evaluator of This Is My Brave’s 

programming for the past seven years. Eliminating the stigma around mental illness in order to promote treatment seeking 

and recovery and prevent suicide is Kristin’s passion, fueled by her clinical experiences as well as her own experiences with 

depression and anxiety and those of friends and loved ones. When Kristin is not conducting stigma research or teaching the 

amazing students at USF about recovery and evidence-based practices, her greatest joy is spending time with her husband, 

David, and five-year-old daughter, Emma. Kristin is a lover of crafting, especially crochet and dollhouse miniatures. 




2/28/23 4:42 PM


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 

30 


2/28/23 4:42 PM

“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. 


IS DOING THIS 

ONE PERSON 

& ONE STORY 

AT A TIME 

www.thisismybrave.org @thisismybrave 31 


2/28/23 4:42 PM

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 

32 


2/28/23 4:42 PM

THIS IS MY BRAVE’S IMPACT 

Since 2014, This Is My Brave has... 

produced 

90 

shows 

with over 

1000 

storytellers 

18,500+ 

audience 

members 

2022 

College Edition - USF 

New Hampshire 

Broward County, FL 

in 53 cities and 300k 

Los Angeles, CA 

2019 

in the U.S. YouTube 

Philadelphia, PA 

High School Edition Pilot 

and Australia video views 

Stories from the College College Edition Pilot 

Athlete Community* Baltimore, MD 

New York City, NY 

2016 

DeKalb, IL 

Concord, NH 

Orlando, FL 

Arlington, VA 

Eagle Valley, CO 

DeKalb, IL 

Philadelphia, PA 

Baltimore, MD 

Stories from the 

Houston, TX 

Veteran Community* 

Sterling, VA 

Denver, CO - Spring 

Orlando, FL 

• 

• 

Denver, CO - Fall 

Columbus, OH 

2021 

2017 

Greenville, SC 

Carroll County, MD 


Bentonville, AR 

Iowa City, IA 

Black Community - vol 1* 

Northwest AR 

Boise, ID 

Oklahoma City, OK 


Boise, ID 

Boston, MA 

Valparaiso, IN 

Black Community - vol 2* • 

Canberra, Australia 

Washington, DC 

College Edition - season 2* 2018 

Cedar Rapids, IA 

• 

New Hampshire* 

Arlington, VA - Spring D.C. Women’s Summit, 2015 

National Teen Show* 

Arlington, VA - Fall 


Arlington, VA 


Baltimore, MD 

Des Moines, IA 

Boston, MA 

APIDA Community* 

Bentonville, AR 

Germantown, MD 

Harrisburg, PA 

BraveTV* 

Bethesda, MD 

Jacksonville, FL 

Iowa City, IA 

Brave Beyond the Stage* Boise, ID 

Kansas City, MO 

Los Angeles, CA 

#BraveDays* 

Boston, MA - Spring 

Lewiston, ME 

New York City, NY 

• 

Boston, MA - Fall 

Los Angeles, CA - Spring 

2020 

Charlotte, NC - Spring Los Angeles, CA - Fall 2014 

BraveTV pilot* 

Charlotte, NC - Fall 

Napa, CA 

Arlington, VA 

Napa Valley 

Elkins Park, PA 

Perth, Australia 

& St Helena, CA 

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 

Sedona, AZ 

Houston, TX* 

Iowa City, IA 

Valparaiso, IN 

St Louis, MO* 

Lansing, MI 


Washington, DC-area* Los Angeles, CA 

Wheeling, WV 

Hampton Roads, VA* 

Mullumbimby, Australia 

* indicates virtual programming 

New Hampshire* 

www.thisismybrave.org 33 


@thisismybrave @thisismybrave 

33 


2/28/23 4:42 PM

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2/28/23 4:42 PM


2/28/23 4:42 PM

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. 


2/28/23 4:42 PM

This Is My Brave - Heart Truth, Stories from the Deaf Community

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