Break|Through: Building Thriving Communities Through Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and at Rock Recovery we believe that healing happens in community. Join us for a powerful evening of connection that will explore how mental health shapes the way we connect lead and support one another.

We all want thriving communities but today’s fast-paced and stressful world often makes that feel out of reach. Dr. Carylynn Larson keynote speaker and founder of Rock Recovery will deliver an engaging and thought-provoking keynote on how mental health drives the way we show up in our workplaces friendships and communities. She will explore how fear—of saying the wrong thing of being vulnerable of breaking the stigma—often holds us back from meaningful connection.

Through storytelling research and real-life strategies Dr. Larson will introduce her "Recipe for Healing Community" offering a blueprint to:

✔️ Shift from surviving to thriving

✔️ Build resilient high-performing human-centered teams

✔️ Embrace a proactive approach to mental health

Following the keynote we’ll host a panel discussion with local Arlington community members who are passionate advocates for mental health and experts in leadership and community building to dive deeper into how we can create spaces of true belonging and care. Light appetizers and refreshments will be served.

📍 Location: Marymount University's Ballston Center Auditorium

📅 Date & Time: May 8th 5:30-7:30 PM

Speaker/Panelist bios:

Dr. Carylynn Kemp Larson is a dynamic keynote speaker and Rock Recovery's Founder. A recognized expert on leadership team dynamics coaching and mental health she inspires audiences to rethink well-being and build cultures of resilience and connection.

Stacy Huston is a renowned social impact expert podcast producer public speaker and the Executive Director of Kevin Bacon's nonprofit SixDegrees.Org.

Hon. Julius D. Spain Sr. is an Arlington County Board Member (elected 2024) and retired combat veteran with deep civic roots in the Arlington community and a passion for mental health advocacy.

Rebecca Kiessling is the Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northern Virginia serving the Counties of Arlington Fairfax Loudoun and the cities of of Alexandria Fairfax and Falls Church.

Christie Dondero Bettwy is the Executive Director of Rock Recovery. Having gone through recovery from an eating disorder she understands the depth of support needed to recover and is passionate about spreading the message that complete freedom is possible.

Learn More and Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/breakthrough-building-thriving-communities-through-mental-health-tickets-1311879640319?aff=oddtdtcreator

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Arlington, Business events in Arlington.