Talking Mental Health with Coach B. Von and Friends
Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month each week in May as Coach B. Von sits down with mental health experts to discuss trauma healing and repairing spiritual injury.
Dr. Michael (Mike) A. Sullivan Tibbs
Dr. Sullivan-Tibbs, D.S.W., M.S.W., M.A., ACSW, BCD, CSOTS, CCFC, LCAC, LCSW, has worked in the behavioral and psychiatric fields that spans more than twenty-five (25+) years. He started working at a Midwestern state psychiatric hospital in the early 1990s, while in undergraduate studies, then with two graduate degrees completed, worked for the state court systems in the early 2000s. Then earned his doctorate from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Dr. Sullivan-Tibbs has been with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) since 2010; working at VAMCs in Louisiana, Georgia and Tennessee. He was also an Adjunct Professor of the Department of Social Work at a local HBCU in Nashville, TN, for 5 years.
Outside of the VA much of Dr. Sullivan-Tibbs’ work is surrounding mental health in the Black community, lecturing on the multigenerational trauma that has often been unaddressed within the Black community. He also has been educating on sustaining an anti-racist society and building social equity among all marginalized communities.
One quote, immortalized on a golden plaque donated by Dr. Sullivan-Tibbs, is located at the University of Indianapolis, IN, one of his alma maters, states, “When we embrace the riches of diverse cultures [thoughts and ideas], we enrich and develop a community of harmony, peace and compassion”. Dr. Sullivan-Tibbs believes that accepting a state of uncomfortableness is the place where growth occurs. When discussing any form of isms, being uncomfortable is a reality that all must reconcile in order to move towards acceptance, respect, empathy and support.
Coach B. Von’s Conversation with Dr. Michael Sullivan-Tibbs
May 3, 2023
Shar’ron Mason
Shar'ron Mason, M.A., LMFT, wears many hats, the most important being child of God. Shar'ron has a passion for helping families, couples and individuals to become their best selves and to live fulfilling lives. She believes that there are no magic wands that can be waved to take away the deep pain and anguish that many experience; however, she knows that God is able to facilitate the healing process in ways that defy explanation or words. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, it is Shar'ron's desire to create an atmosphere of safety and trust in which each person is able to engage in generative conversations that bring them closer to where they desire to be.
Shar’ron received her Masters of Art Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Christian Theological Seminary and is currently a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in her private practice, Love That Relationship located in Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition to being a therapist, Shar’ron loves empowering others through her written works. She has written several books for children and adults which seek to encourage, empower and equip for greatness.
Shar’ron enjoys facilitating workshops and retreats that focus on mental wellness and healthy relationships. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends in her spare time.
Coach B. Von’s Conversation with Shar’ron Mason
May 10, 2023
Nathan Rush
An accomplished speaker, leader, educator, and consultant Nathan L. Rush, BS, IPRC, CAPRC II, CADAC II, currently sits on the leadership team for We Bloom and is the BIPOC Peer Expansion trainer. Nathan has vast experience in the field of addictions, mental health, and HIV/AIDS and is a champion voice for the community. He primarily serves as a training facilitator for the CCAR Addiction Peer Recovery Coaching model and Motivational Interviewing. As an advocate for individuals impacted by substance abuse and HIV, he is recognized nationally as an expert for his decades of experience as a trailblazer for evidence-based programs in the field of recovery. He is called on frequently to speak on a wide range of topics at conferences nationally and internationally.
Mr. Rush received his B.S. degree in Psychology from Martin University in 2001 and received a certificate in Business Management and Accounting from Clark College in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has obtained continued education and accreditation from many entities, including the Center for Disease Control under the IHPL HIV Institute and ICAADA, as a Certified Addiction and Drug Abuse Consultant.
Nathan has been integral in the development and implementation of a comprehensive continuum of care practice in Indiana. He was specially called upon to help address Indiana’s Scott County HIV epidemic for those living with intra-venous substance use disorder while affected by HIV/AIDS. Mr. Rush has served on over 30 boards and committees, including Neighborhood Task Force, under three different mayors and has received many acknowledgments and accolades during his career. In 2017, he received the Certificate of Nomination and was awarded the Mental Health and Addiction Professional Award at the Heroes for Recovery, Mental Health America of Indiana Awards Luncheon. In 2021, he was named Danny Ailes’ Lifetime Recovery Advocate by the Indiana Addictions Issues Coalition (IAIC). That same year, he was named the In Arms 2021 Lifetime Recovery Advocate for 25 years of service and advocacy to the recovery community in Indiana.
Coach B. Von’s Conversation with Nathan Rush
May 17, 2023
Jennifer Fentress
Jennifer has a remarkable story of trauma to triumph!! She is a Domestic Violence survivor who has gone on to recover her life from injury to invincible!! Her story of courage begins with trauma but ends in triumph as she has done the difficult inner work that led to her victory. Jennifer is an author, publisher, advocate, and friend. She has risen from nothing to accomplishing her Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
When Jennifer’s dream of becoming a wife and mother crashed down around her, she cried out to the God of her understanding for hope and healing. He answered her prayers, and she used poetry to cope with a series of traumatic life setbacks which helped lead Jennifer to a triumphant life including obtaining a Master's degree, a position with a major American corporation, and a future with endless possibilities.
Jennifer went from a defeated mindset to one of a champion!! She found her will to live and was able to tell herself the difficult truth! Now, with the ability to live life to the fullest, Jennifer shares her incredible journey with the Spirit Source Connection Community!! We are honored to Talk Mental Health with Ms. Jennifer Fentress as we wrap up Mental Health Awareness month.