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Strength Not Stigma: How Our Mental Health Journeys Shape Our Lives

  • Northeastern University - Arlington Campus 1300 17th Street North, #1500 Arlington, VA, 22209 United States (map)

Join Rock Recovery for an evening of connection, community, and conversation surrounding mental health and how it impacts our every day lives.

Rock Recovery is closing out Mental Health Month with an evening of connection, conversation, and community! Offered as a hybrid event, we invite you to join us in-person or virtually for a special moderated panel that welcomes our community to explore a powerful truth: our mental health matters—it shows up in how we lead, collaborate, communicate, and care for ourselves and others at work and at home.

Together, we’ll hear from professionals across a range of industries (clinical, nonprofit, government, corporate, and more) as they share how their mental health journeys shaped their experiences, and how that influences both their personal and professional lives today.

Through honest dialogue and reflection, we’ll examine how our mental health journeys shape our home and work lives —and how vulnerability, support, and understanding can create more compassionate and resilient environments. Whether you’re a clinician, professional, leader, student, or community member, this event is for you. Come as you are and bring a friend to be part of this important conversation!

✨ What to expect:

🤝 Refreshments and connection before the panel

💬 In-person and virtual access to a moderated conversation featuring voices from across industries

🌱 Insightful perspectives on reducing stigma and supporting mental health at work

💛 A welcoming, inclusive space for learning, reflection, and shared experience

Proceeds from this event will support Rock Recovery's work in expanding access to mental health treatment, education, and support in our communities.

📅 Thursday, May 28th

🕠 5:30 – 7:30 PM

🎟 In-person tickets (networking and refreshments): $25

💻Virtual tickets (panel only): Free

Sponsorships are available for this event. Email Kristyn Soto at kristyn@rockrecoveryed.org to learn more.


Opening Remarks by


Hon. Julius D. Spain Sr.

The Honorable Julius “JD” Spain, Sr. is an Arlington County Board Member (elected 2024) and retired combat veteran with deep civic roots in the Arlington community and a passion for mental health advocacy.

Meet Panel Moderator Dr. Linda Lang

Linda Lang, MD is the Medical Director of Behavioral Health Services at VHC Health, a distinguished psychiatrist and visionary healthcare leader with over 25 years of experience in behavioral health, hospital administration, and human-centered care.

Meet Panelist Tonia Bock

Tonia Bock is a Rock Recovery Board member and executive with 25+ years experience in strategy, transformation, and change management across private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

Meet Panelist Nikia Bergan

Nikia Bergan is President at Equip Health with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. She is a past Get Well executive with 20 years in the health tech industry.

Meet Panelist Barry McNinch

Barry McNinch is a Rock Recovery Board member and Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in helping young and mature adults navigate challenges related to eating disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and mood disorders.


Special thanks to our generous event sponsors!

 
 
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May 20

Dine with Chipotle Ballston this Mental Health Awareness Month!