Sunshine From Darkness Announces Free Mental Health Summit

March 5, 2025 | Sarasota

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), in 2022, it is estimated that 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. – more than 59 million – live with a mental illness. Young adults ages 18-25 years had the highest prevalence, with over 36% experiencing some form of mental illness. And national data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for the year 2021-2022 indicates that 1 in 7 children ages 3-17 had a current, diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition.

In an effort to support mental wellness and reduce the stigma of seeking help, Sunshine From Darkness, a nonprofit organization committed to championing mental health wellness through transformative programing, education, collaboration and advocacy, has announced its “Step Into the Light Mental Health Summit.” The event – which is free and open to the community – takes place on Saturday, May 3, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Venue @ LEC (Harvest House campus at 3650 17th St., Sarasota).

The Summit, purposefully scheduled during Mental Health Awareness Month, is designed to raise awareness, provide valuable resources, and foster meaningful conversations about mental health. By promoting mental health wellness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness, Step Into the Light aims to make a real difference in the lives of those who attend.

The event will cover a diverse range of mental health approaches and topics, including anxiety, depression, generational trauma, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with community resources, learn about new coping skills and treatments, and connect with experts and peers in the mental health field.

“Step Into the Light is an opportunity for clinicians, clients, parents, advocates, and anyone interested in mental health wellness to come together and access valuable resources and support,” said Sunshine From Darkness Executive Director Marlene Hauck. “By sharing knowledge and experiences, attendees can build a stronger and more supportive mental health community.”

Keynote speaker is Dr. Jason S. Quintal, PhD, LCSW, who has spent over 25 years working with populations severely impacted by trauma; he has a counseling center in Lakewood Ranch. He will discuss “Parenting Beyond Trauma: Healing ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) and Unplugging Triggers in a Social Media World.

One panel discussion – featuring Dr. Stacie Herrera, PsyD, Johanna Cedillo, MSW, Katherine Bernal, LCSW and Lina Maldonado, MSW, BGCSDC – will address “Bridging Cultures and Therapy: Integrating Traditional Healing with Modern Mental Health Care.” Another session, “The Importance of Perinatal Mental Health and Building Collaborative & Coordinated Community Support,” features three panelists: Janice Houchins, MSW, LCSW, Carla Johanns, MA, LMHC/S, and Jennie DeLa, LMHC. Will Luera and Maria Schaedler-Luera will present “The Power of Now: Embracing Mental Health, Presence, and Mindfulness through Improvisation and Meditation.” Lina Maldonado, MSW will discuss “Let’s Heal with Sound.”

Additional speakers will be added as the Summit approaches. For more information or to register, visit stepintothelight.sunshinefromdarkness.org.