Break|Through: Building Thriving Communities Through Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and at , we believe that healing happens in community. Join us for a powerful evening of connection that will explore how mental health shapes the way we connect, lead, and support one another.

We all want thriving communities, but today’s fast-paced and stressful world often makes that feel out of reach. Dr. Carylynn Larson, Founder of Rock Recovery and CEO of Creating Open Space, will deliver an engaging and thought-provoking keynote on how mental health drives the way we show up in our workplaces, friendships, and communities. She will explore how fear—of saying the wrong thing, of being vulnerable, of breaking the stigma—often holds us back from meaningful connection.

Through storytelling, research, and real-life strategies, Dr. Larson will introduce her "Recipe for Healing Community", offering a blueprint to:
✔️ Shift from surviving to thriving
✔️ Build resilient, high-performing, human-centered teams
✔️ Embrace a proactive approach to mental health

Following the keynote, we’ll host a panel discussion with local Arlington community members who are passionate advocates for mental health and experts in leadership and community building to dive deeper into how we can create spaces of true belonging and care. Light appetizers and refreshments will be served.

📍 Location: Marymount University's Ballston Center Auditorium
📅 Date & Time: May 8th, 5:30-7:30 PM

Dr. Carylynn Kemp Larson is an Organizational Psychologist, CEO of Creating Open Space, Founder of Rock Recovery, and a dynamic keynote speaker who brings research, real-world experience, and personal insight to the stage.

Stacy Huston is a renowned social impact expert, podcast producer, public speaker, and the Executive Director of Kevin Bacon's mental health nonprofit, SixDegrees.Org.

Hon. Julius D. 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.

Rebecca Kiessling is the Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northern Virginia, serving the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and the cities of of Alexandria, Fairfax, and Falls Church.

Christie Dondero Bettwy is the Executive Director of Rock Recovery. As an eating disorder survivor, she understands the depth of support needed to recover and is passionate about spreading the message that complete freedom is possible.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

1000 N Glebe Rd, 1000 North Glebe Road, Arlington, United States