NASHVILLE, TN — Nashville Rep and Mental Health America of the MidSouth (MHAofMS) are partnering to host “Coping with COVID-19 — Mental Health Strategies for Artists,” a free online wellness workshop designed specifically to help performing artists navigate loss of work and other stressful changes amid the pandemic.
“Coping with COVID-19 — Mental Health Strategies for Artists” will take place online on July 28, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Desireé Kelly, the Public Health and Education Manager of MHAofMS, will lead the workshop, discuss the unique mental health challenges that artists are currently facing, and offer coping skills and strategies. After the workshop, Amber Hampton, LMSW will lead a Q&A to address attendees’ specific questions.
Attendance is free, but space is limited. Attendees can reserve free tickets on Eventbrite. A full list of resources will be provided to attendees and also made available via www.nashvillerep.org.
Dr. Desireè Kelly is the Public Health and Education Manager at Mental Health America of the MidSouth, where she oversees the Erasing the Stigma Youth Program and the Mind the Workplace Wellness Program. She has over 27 years of combined experience as a public speaker, curriculum developer, and trainer. She specializes in designing and implementing curricula for various generational cohorts in diverse public health topics, specifically mental health education and self-care management resources. Recently, Dr. Kelly completed her certification at IAP Career College as an Executive Coach for individuals and corporations. She holds various certifications in suicide prevention, as well as a bachelor’s degree from the University of Memphis, a master’s degree from University of Central Arkansas, and a doctorate in public health advocacy and leadership from Capella University. In 2020, Dr. Kelly was nominated for the Education Award for Nashville 2020 Women Who Rocks. Dr. Kelly’s personal mission is reach then teach. This allows her to provide resources and education to everyone who desires to be the best version of themselves.
One of Dr. Kelly’s favorite quotes is, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ” – Dr. Maya Angelou
Amber Hampton graduated summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee College of Social Work with her master’s degree in Evidence Based Interpersonal Practice and a secondary graduate certificate in the Treatment of Trauma. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker with an emphasis in trauma and healing. She began her career working in gang territory in El Salvador, where she worked with children and youth. Upon returning to the states, she continued doing crisis counseling and therapy with Youth Villages and as a pro-bono counselor in low income areas. Over the last decade, she has actively worked to promote restoration and healing for trauma survivors from all walks of life. She previously served as the Director of Survivor Care for the Single Point of Contact for human trafficking survivors in Middle Tennessee. Amber currently serves as the Executive Director of Murfreesboro Cold Patrol, an outreach organization working to help those experiencing homelessness obtain access to healthcare, mental health services, and permanent housing. She also works as the program manager at Mental Health America of the MidSouth where she supervises mental health education and programming for unaccompanied minors, human trafficking survivors, mental health education, aging, and much more.
Since 1985, Nashville Repertory Theatre has been Nashville’s premier regional theater, creating the highest quality professional productions and serving as a cultural, educational, and economic resource in Nashville and Middle Tennessee communities. Nashville Rep produces work that is designed, built, and rehearsed in Nashville by highly skilled actors, designers, directors, and technicians. A non-profit theatre, Nashville Rep is committed to bringing classic and contemporary theatre to Nashville that inspires empathy and prods intellectual and emotional engagement in audiences.
