Join us at the waterfront for an unforgettable evening of storytelling and community connection — all in support of mental health programs across Coastal Virginia.
Did you know that nearly 1 in 4 adults in our region live with a diagnosed mental health condition? Chances are, you or someone you know has experienced a mental health challenge.
Come hear everyday people share their personal journeys and coping strategies. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience these powerful stories firsthand and connect with our community.
.png)
Speakers
.png)
Emcee
Sandra Parker is an Emmy-winning journalist and Hampton Roads native with more than 25 years of experience in Television news. As an anchor and reporter, she covered major events like the Oklahoma City bombing and the 9/11 attacks. After a successful career at 13News Now, Sandra moved into public relations and in 2019, she founded SPARKER Productions, offering PR consulting and content creation services to businesses across Virginia. Sandra also lends her voice talent to Studio Center and serves on the board of the Alzheimer’s Association of Southeastern Virginia. She’s a member of the Virginia Beach Mayor’s Commission on Aging and hosts podcasts for the Tidewater EMS Council and the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.
Special Guest Speaker
Theresa Zano-McMillan is a skilled Environmental Engineer who recently earned her Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis, further blending her professional expertise with her deep commitment to the disability community. As a Virginia Medicaid Mentor and Executive Board member for the local Autism Society, she is a cornerstone of regional support.
A dedicated mother of three, she navigates the complex care required for her youngest daughter, who lives with non-verbal autism, pica, and Prader-Willi Syndrome. Driven by a mission to "unleash boundaries," Theresa advocates for inclusion within the disability community. She recently launched a bakery to ensure her daughter has meaningful and safe employment and plans to expand her impact by developing skill-building support services for the wider adult disability community.
.png)
.png)
Speaker
Jennifer L. Novotny, a mental health advocate whose life was transformed by the support, education, and hope she found through NAMI. She serves as a Connection Support Group facilitator and an In Our Own Voice presenter, sharing her lived experience to inspire others and highlight the life-changing power of community. Jennifer also serves as the leader of our NAMI Llama Social Club and currently sits on the NAMI Coastal Virginia Board of Directors, where she continues to advance the organization’s mission of support, education, and advocacy. She will share a powerful story of resilience and hope that reflects exactly what Coastal Voices is all about — amplifying lived experience and building a stronger, more compassionate community.
Speaker
Zollie Russell Jr. is a Chesapeake native, and a Public Health focused Operations Manager in local government. His advocacy journey began as a caregiver for a family member, a personal experience that now drives his mission to bridge the gap between public service and personal well-being. Zollie leverages his leadership experience to
champion mental health awareness and to destigmatize the conversation around mental illnesses. As a husband and father, he is driven to build a community where mental health is prioritized as much as physical health, creating a lasting culture of care and
engagement.
.png)
Speaker
Jessica Huffman, PhD, LPC is a public safety mental health professional with the Virginia Beach Police Department and an adjunct faculty member and alumna of Old Dominion University. Her relationship with NAMI Coastal Virginia began during her master’s program in clinical mental health counseling and has grown to include speaking, youth programming, graphic design, office support, and serving on the Board of Directors. Through NAMI, Jessica has found both the language and community to share her own mental health journey, turning personal experience into advocacy. She is passionate about person-centered care, believes mental health support is a right, and remains committed to NAMI’s work in advocacy, accessibility, and removing barriers to care, honoring the organization that has been a vital part of her own story.
Speaker
Dr. Kurt Hooks brings over 26 years of experience in behavioral health, spanning executive leadership, clinical care, education, and advocacy, and currently serves as CEO of Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center, the largest private acute care behavioral health facility in Virginia. A Licensed Professional Counselor and LPC Supervisor, he holds a Ph.D. in Counseling and Behavioral Health Leadership from Old Dominion University and serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Healthcare and Hospital Association, where he previously chaired the Behavioral Health Committee and helped shape statewide priorities and legislation. Dr. Hooks is also a member of the Virginia Beach 5/31 Memorial Committee and is widely recognized as a thought leader in mental health and substance use across Hampton Roads, remaining actively engaged in federal advocacy while leading innovative initiatives focused on crisis diversion and opioid intervention.
.png)
Sponsors
If you’re interested in learning more, click the button below or reach out to our Director of Development, Katie Rossman, at development@namicoastalvirginia.org.
Thank you to our Coastal Voices: Stories That Carry Sponsors
.png)