Athena’s journey in mental health began with the National Alliance on Mental Illness through its Colorado affiliate, NAMI Colorado, and has grown into a life devoted to helping others find hope, healing, and purpose. Now serving as Peer Program Director, she leads with compassion and lived experience—empowering individuals to take ownership of their recovery, find their voice, and become active advocates for their own mental wellness.
A certified peer support coach and state trainer, Athena creates spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. She teaches life skills, facilitates support groups, and equips others to share their stories with confidence and purpose.
Athena has championed mental health awareness and policy from the Colorado State Capitol to Washington, D.C., using her voice to break stigma and elevate the importance of lived experience. Her willingness to share her own journey inspires others to move beyond silence and step into empowerment.
Driven by her faith, Athena founded THRIVING in RECOVERY Ministries, a faith-based mental health ministry that provides spiritual encouragement, practical tools, and self-empowering principles for those in crisis and recovery. She is also the creator of the SELF, INC. Life Program Handbook, a guide designed to help individuals strengthen emotional wellness, build life skills, and take an active role in shaping their mental health journey.
At the heart of Athena’s message is a powerful truth: recovery is not only possible – it is personal, it is purposeful, and every individual has the strength and the right to advocate for a life of hope, healing, and wholeness.
