FUMC Pensacola & Center for Sacred Space are hosting the 2nd Annual mental health symposium “Finding Light in the Darkness: Caring for Self and Others” on Sunday, September 24. The event is open to all people. We’ll be discussing the issues of anxiety, depression, trauma, substance misuse, grief & loss, and marriage & domestic partnerships. Participants will hear licensed clinical therapists speak, spend time in peer support with a clinician facilitating, and have a time of silent reflection.
No one should suffer with mental health diseases alone. Through this event we are trying to build a community that can become a place of hospitality and welcome to those dealing with mental health issues, where there is no judgment or stigma, and by which all people can find support as we walk alongside each other while we deal with mental health issues.
We are excited to provide this event & lunch FREE of charge to our community! We will also provide childcare for those attending (limited availability for infant – 5th Grade) (more info).
Date, time, & location
Sunday, September 24
When: Noon – 5:00pm
Where: First United Methodist Church of Pensacola, 6 East Wright Street, Pensacola, Florida
Schedule
11:45 – 12:15pm: Check-In
12:15 – 1:15pm: Lunch & Therapist Introductions
1:15 – 1:30pm: Break
1:30 – 3:00pm: Peer Support Group – Session 1
3:00 – 3:30pm: Break and Silent Reflection
3:30 – 4:30pm: Peer Support Group – Session 2
4:30 – 5:00pm: Closing
Lunch
ADULT LUNCH – Street Taco Bar from Tacos Mexicanos
The “Street Taco Bar” includes 2 tacos per person, side of rice & beans, chips & queso, and a drink. Taco bar options are corn tortilla, meat, red onion, cilantro, salsa & limes.
KIDS LUNCH
Pizza, treat, & a drink
childcare
We are providing childcare for those in attendance for ages infant – 5th grade (limited availability). During this time, your children will get to enjoy a pizza lunch, playtime in our gym/playground, as well as watching the movie Inside Out. Registration is required by September 18 for any children wishing to attend. Contact Lisa Bond with any questions.
About our Therapists
Anxiety
Facilitated by: Hailey Sliva, LCSW
251-550-5532
Hailey Sliva is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with a background in community mental health, military social work, and treating common mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. She is the owner of Hailey Sliva Counseling Services and specializes in helping clients of all ages use cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness therapies to overcome their mental health concerns. Hailey has extensive history in helping individuals who struggle with anxiety.
Depression
Facilitated by: Matthew Fortner, MA LPC
850-712-5402
Matt is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has over 20 years of clinical experience. He began working in community mental health as a residential substance abuse therapist in 2002. Shortly after, Matt began a private practice in Oxford, MS, working with individuals and families. Matt was also the Center Mental Health Consultant for several years at the Batesville Job Corps, where he oversaw the mental health needs of the 300-400 residents and provided training for staff. In 2017, Matt and his family moved to Pensacola and began a career in real estate. Matt continues to see clients one day a week in Daphne, Al.
Trauma
Facilitated by: Wendy DePury, LCSW
850-449-9697 | Wdepury70@gmail.com
Wendy Dupery graduated from Florida State University with her Bachelors degree in Psychology and Masters degree in Social work and has been a Licensed Clinical Social worker for 22 years. She has worked in non profit and independent practice settings providing psychotherapy and education to individuals, family and groups. Wendy has extensive experience in assisting individuals with depression and anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder as well as providing trauma focused care. Wendy has presented for local and state agencies, school districts and higher education on topics that include the emotional effects of bullying and trauma. Wendy is a native of Florida and for the last 14 years has been in private practice at Creekside Psychiatric Center in Pensacola.
Substance Misuse
Facilitated by: Brad Garraway, NCIP CRC2
and Wade Meadows, NCIP NCRC2
601-503-7711 | WMeadows521@gmail.com
brad@clearpathintervention.com
Brad Garraway is the founder of Clear Path Intervention. Wade Meadows is an interventionist at Clear Path Intervention. Brad and wade work to help individuals and families deal with issues related to substance abuse and mental health. They teach individuals and families about the realities of addiction and the path to freedom. Brad and Wade have extensive history of work in substance abuse recovery communities and both share openly about their past struggles with addiction. Brad and Wade have used their past struggles as a way to teach and guide others towards a happy and sober life.
Grief & Loss
Facilitated by: Debi Leech, MSW
850-687-5284 | debileechcounseling@gmail.com
Debi Leech is a social worker, who currently works for HCA healthcare at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center as a treatment coordinator in the acute inpatient behavioral unit. Debi holds a BS in human resources, a MA in education and a masters in social work (MSW). In addition, Debi is a 200hr Certified Yoga Teacher. Debi’s passion is helping others realize their unique gifts and potential, strive to find the best version of themselves, and design a plan to live their best lives.
Debi is married with two young adult children. She enjoys spending time with her family, playing games, doing anything that includes being on the water, or at the beach, as well as spending time with her two dogs.
Marriage & Domestic Partnerships
Facilitated by: Jane Beaulieu, LCSW
850-221-9578 | JaneBeaulieu850@gmail.com
Jane Beaulieu is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker holding a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Bachelor’s degree in English. Jane is also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an effective therapy for the treatment of trauma.
Jane works with individual adults and couples cultivating a warm, safe environment to explore feelings and patterns of behavior. She helps facilitate the learning of new skills and finding solutions in her clients’ pursuit of a healthier future. Her specialties include emotional awareness and regulation, relationship issues, addiction, and life transitions. Jane’s office is located in downtown Pensacola.
Students
3:00 – 5:00pm | Youth Building
(No cost & No Registration Required)
In addition to our event for adults, we are providing a special space for students. All 6th – 12th graders are invited to join us in the Youth Building for a special time to focus how to care for themselves and others through various mental health issues. Registration is not required, however, we as that you contact Denise Van Atta via email (DVanAtta@FUMCPensacola.com) to let her know you’re coming.
questions?
Contact Donell Seager at DSeager@CenterForSacredSpace.org.