Step Into the Light: A Mental Health Summit Video Gallery | Sunshine from Darkness

Step Into the Light: A Mental Health Summit Video Gallery

SSFD 2026 RECAP SUMMIT Sunshine from Darkness is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to raising funds for local charities that provide mental health and addiction disorder services in the Sarasota community and funding cutting-edge research. Founded as a subsidiary of the Lee and Bob Peterson Foundation, Sunshine from Darkness hosts major events throughout the year. These events serve to bring mental health and addiction awareness and education to the community and provide local professionals and philanthropists the opportunity to engage with the broader mental health community. Our Mission Sunshine from Darkness is dedicated to raising awareness of mental health and addiction disorders and erasing the stigma of both. Sunshine from Darkness is committed to providing resources, education, and advocacy for those who have mental health and addiction challenges. We believe … We need to close the gap in local funding of mental health services and research We need to reduce the stigma attached to mental illness and addiction We believe … there is Sunshine from Darkness

SSFD 2026 RECAP SUMMIT
May 6, 2026
Johnny Crowder Invites You to Step Into the Light | Mental Health Summit 2026 What if the thing you’ve survived could become the thing that helps someone else keep going? In this powerful invitation, keynote speaker Johnny Crowder—suicide and abuse survivor, touring musician, certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and founder of Cope Notes—shares why you need to be in the room for Step Into the Light: A Mental Health Summit. Living with multiple mental health diagnoses, Johnny brings raw honesty, lived experience, and practical insight that goes beyond surface-level inspiration. This isn’t theory—it’s real life, real struggle, and real tools that actually help. Join us for a transformative day of connection, education, and hope—where stigma gets challenged, stories get shared, and healing gets real. 📅 Saturday, May 2, 2026 ⏰ 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Doors open at 8:00 AM | Program begins at 8:45 AM) 📍 Mote SEA Science Education Aquarium This annual summit by Sunshine From Darkness is designed to empower attendees with practical coping strategies, meaningful connections, and tools to strengthen mental wellness in everyday life. 🎟️ Reserve your spot now: https://stepintothelight.sunshinefromdarkness.org/ If you’ve been waiting for a sign—this is it. Step into the light. #MentalHealthMatters #StepIntoTheLight #JohnnyCrowder #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthAwareness

Johnny Crowder Invites You to Step Into the Light | Mental Health Summit 2026
Apr 8, 2026
Parenting Beyond Trauma: Healing ACEs and Unplugging Triggers in a Social Media World Step Into the Light: Mental Health Summit 2025- Keynote Speaker Parenting Beyond Trauma: Healing ACEs and Unplugging Triggers in a Social Media World Dr. Jason S. Quintal, PhD, LCSW Dr. Quintal & Associates Counseling Center Trauma doesn’t just affect individuals—it shapes families and future generations. For parents, unresolved trauma and the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can influence their parenting in profound ways. Trauma Resolution Treatment (TRT) provides a non-retraumatizing approach to “unplugging” emotional triggers, helping parents heal and break generational cycles.

Parenting Beyond Trauma: Healing ACEs and Unplugging Triggers in a Social Media World
May 19, 2025
The Power of Now: Embracing Mental Health, Presence, and Mindfulness Step Into the Light: Mental Health Summit 2025 Interactive Session The Power of Now: Embracing Mental Health, Presence, and Mindfulness through Improvisation and Meditation Will Luera & Maria Schaedler-Luera Co-Founders and Owners of Atomica Arts and Co-Executive Directors of LifeLine Productions Inc. This experiential session invites participants to explore the transformative impact of living in the present moment. Through interactive improvisation and guided exercises, we’ll engage in practices that promote mindfulness and bolster mental health. Join Lifeline Productions Co-Executive Directors, Will and Maria, for a dynamic, hands-on journey into the power of now.

The Power of Now: Embracing Mental Health, Presence, and Mindfulness
May 19, 2025
Bridging Cultures and Therapy: Integrating Traditional Healing with Modern Mental Health Care Step Into the Light: Mental Health Summit 2025- Panel Discussion A panel discussion on the intersection of cultural traditions and modern mental health care. The conversation will explore how diverse communities—particularly Black, Latino, and Filipino populations—have historically fostered mental well-being through community, spirituality, and ancestral wisdom. Panelists will discuss innovative ways therapists are integrating these cultural strengths into therapeutic practices to reduce stigma, increase accessibility, and enhance mental health outcomes. Stacie M. Herrera, Psy. D. Owner, Herrera Psychology and Telement.AI G. Orlando Pickens, LMHC, GO Approach Life Counseling Katherine Bernal, LCSW, Growth through Healing LLC Dr. Abby Hamilton, Ph.D., Industrial/organizational psychologist; Director of Student Services at Everglades University; Vice Chairman of the Philippine Cultural Foundation in Tampa, FL Lina Maldonado, MSW, Social Worker/Behavioral Health Team and SSIS-School Counselor (K-5)

Bridging Cultures and Therapy: Integrating Traditional Healing with Modern Mental Health Care
May 19, 2025
Sound Healing Session at Step Into the Light: Mental Health Summit 2025 Let’s Heal with Sound Lina Maldonado, MSW Social Worker Sound healing is an ancient practice that uses various sound frequencies to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve physical and mental well-being. This therapeutic technique has gained popularity as more people are seeking natural and holistic approaches to healing.

Sound Healing Session at Step Into the Light: Mental Health Summit 2025
May 19, 2025
The Importance of Perinatal Mental Health and Building Collaborative & Coordinated Community Support Step Into the Light: Mental Health Summit 2025- Topic #1- "The Importance of Perinatal Mental Health and Building Collaborative & Coordinated Community Support" Three speakers who will share their knowledge and expertise on the importance of Perinatal Mental Health and Innovative solutions. Janice Houchins, MSW, LCSW, Coordinator, First 1000 Days Suncoast Carla Johanns, MA, LMHC/S, Chief Program Officer, Forty Carrots Family Center Jeanie DeLa, LMHC, Outpatient Mental Health Supervisor, Health Families Mental Health Counselor, The Florida Center for Early Childhood

The Importance of Perinatal Mental Health and Building Collaborative & Coordinated Community Support
May 19, 2025
Step Into the Light: Mental Health Summit 2025 Recap Step into the Light: A Mental Health Summit is your chance to take control of your mental health and wellbeing! This free event is open to the public and designed to empower attendees to learn new coping skills, promote mental health wellness in their environment, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Whether you’re a client, clinician, parent, or advocate, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn from experts, connect with others, and access valuable community resources. Join us next year for an interactive and immersive experience that will transform how you think about mental health!

Step Into the Light: Mental Health Summit 2025 Recap
May 5, 2025
Step into the Light: Mental Health Summit- Saturday, May 3rd! Step into the Light: A Mental Health Summit is your chance to take control of your mental health and wellbeing! This free event is open to the public and designed to empower attendees to learn new coping skills, promote mental health wellness in their environment, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Whether you’re a client, clinician, parent, or advocate, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn from experts, connect with others, and access valuable community resources. Join us for an interactive and immersive experience that will transform how you think about mental health! For more information visit: https://stepintothelight.sunshinefromdarkness.org/

Step into the Light: Mental Health Summit- Saturday, May 3rd!
Apr 2, 2025
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