Growing up, sports allowed me to meet an array of people from various areas. I didn’t play AAU or travel ball like many young people today, but we did travel from county to county in our section of Northeastern, NC. In middle school, I had the opportunity to link with Randy and we competed against one another through high school.

We stay in touch to motivate, inspire, and congratulate each other through life’s changes. Recently, I was able to chop it up with Randy to see what unique stressors he faces as an Electronics Technician in the US Navy.

I used to think that I was in this fight all by myself. It wasn’t until I started to speak on issues that I have dealt with in life that my eyes were opened to others that have dealt with some things as well. Not only have they dealt/dealing with things, they are also making moves to help others. I was introduced to Kelly by a mutual friend. Kelly’s passion to make the world a safe place for individuals living with a mental health challenge is hard to miss and it is actually a breath of fresh air.

I was able to connect with Kelly to see what unique stressors she faces as a Yoga Teach and Mental Health America’s Manager of Peer Advocacy, Supports and Services.

Over the years, I picked up a few brothers and they are doing some amazing things around the world. Dorian is one of those people. We met over 10 years ago and helped each other grow as people.

Although we talk everyday, I had the chance to pick his brain about his perspective on stressors that he faces as a Pharmacist.

If you follow me, you know that I am from Bertie County, a rural community in Northeastern North Carolina. Many believe that nothing much comes from the area, but I can let you know that this is far from the truth. Kortney is a young lady that I have known for much of my life and someone that I use as a resource when I need help with coming up with ways to work with my clients that live with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

As the Lead Exceptional Children’s Pre-K Teacher, Kortney manages to perform at school as an educator and in school as a counseling student. I recently had the opportunity to chop it with her.

I am the only child, and throughout my life, I have been fortunate to gain people that are really like my siblings. Neils is definitely one of those people. Since 2005, he has been a major influence on my life and not only is he a great friend and influence, he is also a member of the Eustress board!

Neils is currently the Managing Director of Recruitment and Admissions for City Year and recently launched his own company, Heroes for Hire!

It is amazing to meet an individual when you are fresh out of high school and they are full of life, excitement and has a poetic way with words. That’s what I thought about Maya when we met almost 12 years ago in college. We never knew the direction would take us, but we ended up in the same field and have a passion for helping others, especially the youth.

Recently, I had the pleasure of catching up with homie, Maya M. Pittman. Be on the lookout for a dope project that we are cooking up as well.

I always say that Mental Health is not important to just one particular race, gender, or social class. It is also important to every nationality as well. In my travels, experiences, and connections, I have had the pleasure to meet an array of people and it is amazing to hear the stories that they have. Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with Madeline Foster from Australia and had the opportunity to pick her brain about mental health.

We all know there is a stigma surrounding going to therapy. So imagine the looks that one may get when they say they are getting help from a therapist that specializes in relationships and sexual wellness. Throughout my social media travels, I connected with Eliza Boquin. Recently, I was able to chop it up with her to learn how she incorporates Eustress in her life as a Relationship and Sex Therapist.