The holiday season can provide many folks with opportunities for celebrating traditions and gathering together, but for others, it can bring on increases stress, anxiety, and depression. As we approach the holidays during a globals pandemic, we may find this season a bit more challenging than in years past. Join us for a virtual community forum hosted by The Warehouse Theatre and Mallory Pellegrino that features NAMI Greenville Executive Director, Ken Dority! Panelists will discuss way to stay mentally healthy and mindful during this season.

Panelists include:

Susan Clark, retired Counselor at Furman University- Susan Clark recently retired from the Counseling Center at Furman University, where she was a licensed professional counselor with national board certification. She earned a BS from Tennessee Technological University, and MS degrees from Clemson University and Western Carolina University. Susan has long been an active performer in local musical ensembles and theatres, including The Warehouse Theatre. She looks forward to resuming participation and attendance after Covid. She and her husband are proud parents of two adult daughters.

Ken Dority, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Greenville (NAMI Greenville)- Ken is a native South Carolinian, born and raised in Darlington. He attended Clemson University and Francis Marion College completing studies in Industrial Engineering and Business Administration. Ken moved to Greenville in 1979 and began a 14-year manufacturing career. In 1993 he began a 20-year financial and investment services career. In 2013, Ken joined the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) as the Executive Director of the Greenville affiliate. Ken and his wife Kathy have been married for 39 years. They have two adult sons, Chase and Josh. In their spare time, Ken and Kathy enjoy the outdoors, especially hiking the trails of the upstate or western North Carolina. They also enjoy riding their road bikes as often as possible enjoying the scenery on the less traveled roads of the upstate and coastal areas.

Jessica Sharp, Founder and CEO of Sharp Brain Consulting- Jessica has a Master’s of Public Affairs from the University of Missouri and is currently a student at William James College where she is obtaining a Doctorate in Leadership Psychology. Her education at William James College focuses on organizational development, psychology, and leadership. She regularly speaks about various topics related to the brain and leadership. Jessica’s work experience includes work in the non-profit sector and work in diversity & inclusion. Jessica is committed to improving her community. She does this through her involvement in a variety of organizations including the Junior League of Greenville, the United Way of Greenville, and the Greenville Theatre. She is a graduate of Leadership Greenville and is a Diversity Fellow with the Riley Institute and has been recognized for her work to better the Greenville community.

Conversation will be moderated by Director of Education, Mallory Pellegrino.