Let’s Face It: Meet Rachael Perillo
Rachael’s mental health journey began after the birth of one of her children, when she was diagnosed with postpartum depression. Prior to that, she had managed anxiety with coping skills and therapy as needed, but this experience was different. It was the first time she felt a loss of control over her mental health. She […]
Let’s Face It: Meet Rob Santos
Growing up, Rob knew something felt off but didn’t have the language to describe it or ask for help. When he was just seven years old, teachers told him he lacked self-control. At home, support didn’t always follow through, and when he tried to talk about what he was experiencing, he was often blamed instead […]
Let’s Face It: Meet Bliss Kern
“As a clinician and friend, my biggest strength and liability are the same: I don’t really know how to be inauthentic.” From an early age, Bliss understood that per experience of identity did not fit neatly into traditional expectations. Bliss reflects on how much emphasis society places on appearance when discussing gender identity. In per […]
Let’s Face It: Meet Kai Belton
Kai Belton is a mother, grandmother, social worker, woman of faith, and the State Representative for Middletown’s 100th District. Throughout her career, she has worked in spaces where support is needed most, serving children in schools, supporting families experiencing domestic violence, responding to crises in the community, and assisting individuals facing food insecurity and housing […]
Let’s Face It: Meet Aaron Hawkins
Aaron Hawkins is a veteran, musician, proud father, Certified Peer Specialist with the Veterans Health Administration, certified yoga instructor, and a dedicated human rights and environmental advocate. He is also the son of a U.S. Army Vietnam-era veteran and a mother who immigrated to the United States from Dominica on a student visa. Growing up, […]
Let’s Face It: Meet Corey “Pheez” Lee
Corey’s story was recently highlighted by NBC. Watch the powerful feature on Instagram. Corey Lee, better known as Pheez, is a hip-hop artist, Navy veteran, father, husband, homeowner, podcast host, and advocate for people with disabilities. But behind that list of accomplishments is a journey marked by hardship, overcoming, and personal transformation. Born in Hartford […]
Let’s Face It: Meet Julia DiCola
At 68 years old, Julia DiCola is living proof that it’s never too late to become who you truly are. A proud transgender woman, community advocate, and founder of OurTransLife, Julia began her transition at 57, an age when many people are looking toward retirement, not reinvention. But for Julia, embracing her authentic identity wasn’t […]
Let’s Face It: Meet Evelyn Alejandro
For Evelyn Alejandro, mental health isn’t just a topic, it’s a journey she’s lived. A business owner based in Connecticut, Evelyn has experienced firsthand the ripple effects of silence and stigma within families. Today, she shares her story not to dwell on the past, but to help others see that healing is possible, and that […]
Let’s Face It: Meet David Haberfeld
A landlord by trade, David has witnessed a wide range of human experiences, including housing instability, addiction, loneliness, and hoarding, some of which he has also encountered within his own family. His father lived for decades with an undiagnosed hoarding disorder. “It’s something you don’t really notice all at once,” David says. “Looking back, the […]
Let’s Face It: Meet Mimi Gonzalez
An award-winning social impact strategist, mental health advocate, LinkedIn influencer, and founder of griefsense, Mimi Gonzalez is reshaping how we talk about grief and mental health, especially in the workplace. To get here, Mimi has gone through a deeply personal journey through grief, identity, and the radical act of living with intention. “I’ve lost 36 […]
