9:30am-3pm

Rev. K (she/her/hers) focuses on curating spiritual well-being practices across a broad range of religious and philosophical ideologies. Rice joined the Wake Forest University community in July of 2012 and has had an expansive impact on religious, spiritual, and ethical affairs.

Keisha is a Licensed Professional School Counselor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)
and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate (LCASA) with more than 15 years of experience working with adolescents and adults.

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Dr. April Ruffin-Adams is an engagement strategist and facilitator at Northington and Associates in Winston-Salem, NC, where she collaborates with a team to support non-profit organizations in strategic planning and D.E.I. mission development.

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Johnette Walser is an Assistant Professor and Co-Director of Field Education in the Department of Social Work and Gerontology at the UNCG. Licensed clinical social worker, therapist, mindfulness teacher, change agent and circle keeper with over 15 years of experience in social work, activism and community organizing.

Bryant C. Foriest is a seasoned healthcare leader and advocate dedicated to advancing mental
health equity and improving healthcare access. Currently serves as a Commissioner on the NC Medical Care Commission, helping shape healthcare policies and
initiatives across the state.
 

Dr.Rogers has published and presented research on disability related issues, co-occurring disorders, clinical supervision, multicultural issues in counseling and has facilitated trainings locally and internationally.

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 Dr. Barnett is the founder and Principal Consultant at Barnett Consulting Solutions, and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Human Resources Operations at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

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Malika is the inaugural Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence. Prior to this role, she served as the inaugural Director of Wellbeing at Wake Forest University leading the development, institutionalization, and collective impact of Thrive – Wake’s comprehensive approach to wellbeing.

Nicole’s dedication to community extends beyond her practice. As an active member of community boards such as Triad Restorative Justice, Disability Advocates of Northwest North Carolina and the Under 40 Advisory Board of Greater Winston Inc., she is deeply involved in shaping future leaders.

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Rashawn Grissom Meekins is a passionate and accomplished educator with over 13 years of experience in leading, supporting, and coaching school leadership, staff, and students to achieve excellence. She currently serves as the Principal of Anderson Academy, a new charter school located on the campus of Crossnore Communities for Children.

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Owner and CEO of Knew era Consulting PLLC-Brandon Lowe, MS, LCMHC, LCAS CCSI, MAC, CSOTP  I specialize in mental health, addictions (substance abuse), and sex offender treatment (Certified Sex Offender Treatment Professional, CSOTP). I have been in the Mental Health field since 2006 (19 years). ​​​​​​

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Madelyn (Maddie) Hanes, a native of Winston-Salem, NC, graduated from Mount Tabor High School in 2024. Maddie’s passion for mental health advocacy began when she took on creating her mental health blog, Minds Matter, during her junior year, providing a platform for students to hear fellow mental health challenges, share personal stories, and access well-being resources.

Khristian is a confident and driven 7th grader with a passion for helping others and making the world a better place. She is an active student at Jefferson Middle School where she excels in English and Science. She believes in using her voice to inspire others and is excited to share her perspective as a panelist.

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