“After every storm, there is a rainbow. If you have eyes, you will find it. If you have wisdom, you will create it. If you have love for yourself and others, you won’t need it.” – Shannon L. Alder

Some of the most successful folks in our community thrive despite experiencing mental health challenges. We are inspired by their strength and honored that they would share their stories with us below.

Sarah Grassel

Back in high school, I had a major trauma in my life. Everything I knew kind of fell apart and pieces are still falling into play today. The only thing I knew to do was to keep moving forward. Onto better, onto bigger. When I got to college I poured myself into classes and work. My passion for photography blended with my trauma and sometimes my PTSD would bleed into projects. It wasn’t until my husband (then boyfriend) encouraged me to seek professional help that I started to heal. Read More>>

Abby Hileman

I have learned to lean into them instead of using them as an excuse. I have anxiety, complex ADHD, sleep issues, PTSD and severe Ulcerative Colitis resulting in the removal of my colon. None of these are fun to deal with and can be quite debilitating at times.

I have persisted through acceptance, receiving help from professionals, educating myself and learning to rely on others. I have since used my experiences with my own mental health to create an open dialogue among my team. Emphasizing the importance of my employee’s mental health and self care has led to positive results in our center’s culture, therefore, decreasing burnout and turnover. Read More>>

Sammie B

For as long as I could remember, I’ve battled with depression. I used to cope in a much more destructive way than I do now, thankfully. I’ve been able to overcome substance use disorder as well as my depression, and getting in a better place with both of those things went hand in hand. Read More>>

Kimara (Kim) Nicholas

I have been struggling with mental health issues since 2006 when I suffered a mental breakdown that left me with major depressive disorder, anxiety, and night terrors. It has not been easy dealing with this for so long. However, I am now at a point in my mental health journey where I have a better handle on my depression. I have persisted because I know that if I give up and let my mental health take me down then I am going to leave my children, my family, and my friends hurt and angry. After all, they have been my support system through this journey. Read More>>