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Join the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network for an honest conversation about mental wellness during September Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This panel brings together mental health professionals, and lived experience voices to break down stigma and provide practical tools for supporting yourself and your peers.
Our speakers will address common mental health challenges, share warning signs to recognize when someone might be struggling, and connect you with resources. Whether you're looking to support a friend, understand your own mental health journey, or learn how to be part of the solution, this panel offers real talk without judgment.
Come ready for an open dialogue about building resilience, finding help, and creating a culture where mental health matters.
Dr. Erica Adkins is an Assistant Professor in the Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program at Austin Peay State University, a board-certified counseling psychologist, and a U.S. Army Reserve Major. She specializes in military psychology, suicide prevention, trauma, resilience, and the behavioral health needs of service members, veterans, and their families. Dr. Adkins has extensive experience as a clinician, educator, researcher, and military leader, and is committed to advancing evidence-based suicide prevention through education, advocacy, and community collaboration.
Proudly born and raised in Clarksville, Tennessee, Alyshia Anderson-Bonds is a 2005 graduate of Kenwood High School. Her journey in service and mental health began with earning a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Western Kentucky University. She later obtained both a Master’s degree in Counseling and a Doctorate in Human Services from Capella University.
With deep roots in the criminal justice field, Alyshia has served as both a therapist and a parole officer within Tennessee’s prison system. This work provided her with a profound understanding of trauma, resilience, and the power of second chances.
Currently, she is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a clinician with Youth Villages, where she specializes in crisis response. In this role, she works closely with youth, families, and community systems to stabilize high-risk situations, providing compassionate support and critical coordination during times of need.
In all that she does, Alyshia is driven by a mission to turn breakdowns into breakthroughs. As a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, she upholds the organization’s legacy of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood.
Dr. Joshua Simpson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological
Science and Counseling’s clinical mental health graduate program at Austin Peay State
University. In addition, Dr. Simpson is a licensed professional counselor, active
researcher, and ordained faith leader. His clinical and scholarship works center on
healing, meaning-making, and culturally responsive mental health care within
marginalized communities. His clinical practice services adolescents, adults, couples, and
families across schools and communities along with faith-based organizations. Dr.
Simpson is most known for his clinical expertise with those who’ve experienced religious
trauma and spiritual abuse. Dr. Simpson’s research interest explores the intersections of
spirituality, culture, identity, and mental health. His current scholarship lends particular
attention to marginalized communities, religious trauma, and counseling resistance
among religious communities. His work integrates approaches such as Logotherapy,
Emotionally Focused Therapy, and N’Tu Psychotherapy to promote holistic wellness,
restorative justice, and communal healing. As a speaker, educator, and advocate, Dr.
Simpson is passionate about bridging the gap between academia, diverse faith
communities, and clinical practice. His presentations challenge audiences to think
critically about wellness, leadership, and the importance of culturally affirming care
while empowering communities toward healing and transformation
The closest parking lot on campus is lot 40.
Contact Mid-Cumberland Regional Director Darrell Bouldin at dbouldin@tspn.org for more information.
