Racism Series: Suicide – The Silent Killer E7
In this episode of Racism in Small Business & Arts we explore, yet another uncomfortable conversation, Suicide – The “Silent” Killer, with author/playwright Josh Rivedal, who shares his personal experience and the impact of suicide on subsequent generations. Rose Boerner, NAMI of Sedona, provides additional resources. Host Karen Nowicki emotionally shares her fight to keep the trauma of her husband’s recent suicide attempt from negatively impacting her teen son. Panelist Karen Loomis requested tools to handle those moments when when someone in your life says those words. Camilla Ross, produces Josh’s upcoming one-man show, Kicking my Blue Genes in the Butt, LIVE in-theater or LIVE Stream from Sedona, Arizona. Suicide prevention starts with suicide awareness.
Suicide Prevention starts with awareness. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of this healthy conversation about this uncomfortable subject. Tools and resources for you, or family are provided.
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. 
The goals of NAMI Sedona are to: (1) educate the public about mental health conditions; (2) work to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness; (3) support research to determine the causes and improve treatment for mental health conditions; (4) advocate for changes in state and national public policy to ensure that funding for mental health programs and treatment is available for individuals with mental health conditions and their families.
Rose Boerner retired from a multinational pharmaceutical company in 2004, after 28 years, in International Marketing, QA Labeling, and as Associate Director in Regulatory Affairs.
She served 3 years on Board of Trustees of Sedona Public Library and has been President of NAMI Sedona/Verde Valley (National Alliance on Mental Illness) from 2005 to the present.
Rose facilitates NAMI family support group meetings, educational programs for family members and peers, advocacy, fundraising, and administrative work.
Rose also served on the Board of Directors of Spectrum Healthcare in Cottonwood from 2011 through 2019. She has also been a member of the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Coalition Verde Valley since its inception in 2013 until the present.
The i’Mpossible Project is an organization that creates seminars, workshops, curriculum, books, music, and plays designed to entertain, educate, and engage on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health on college campuses, high schools, communities, and in the workplace.
Joshua Rivedal—speaker, actor, playwright, innovator, social entrepreneur—is the creator and founder of Changing Minds: A Mental Health Based Curriculum and The i’Mpossible Project. He has spoken about suicide prevention, mental health and nutrition, and diverse experiences across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia.
He is trained in human capital management with an emphasis in coaching from New York University, community counseling from the Southern California Counseling, Center, the teacher’s edition of emotional intelligence at Yale University’s Center for Emotional Intelligence, and is trained in suicide prevention modalities QPR and ASIST. His original coursework on suicide prevention is taught in Washington State to various professions such as dentists, pharmacists, and occupational therapists.
As an actor, Joshua’s voice has been heard on U.S. national commercials like Dell, McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, and Johnnie Walker; as well as on one of the Freckleface Strawberry Books, Cinderella Penguin, and as part of the award winning voiceover cast of The Art of Secrets by James Klise.
In the business world, Joshua has worked on the marketing team of the world’s best-selling author James Patterson. He is the author of six books and a co-author of three scientific peer-reviewed journal papers, one on the trajectory of the survivor of suicide loss, another on the art of living with chronic illness, the third on surviving trauma.
Connect with Josh on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
Crisis Resources
- If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
- If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (@800273TALK) offers free, confidential crisis counseling 24/7/365 – and you don’t have to be in crisis to call. #SPM20 #NotAlone
- If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis
- .@CrisisTextLine is free 24/7 mental health support at your fingertips. Text “NAMI” to 741741 for help. #SPM20 #NotAlone
- Suicide Prevention Resources – Maricopa and Yavapai Counties.pdf
Crisis episodes related to mental illness can be incredibly difficult. To help navigate through them, NAMI created this downloadable guide available in English and Spanish: nami.org/crisisguide #SPM20 #NotAlone
Camilla Ross is the President and Chairman of Emerson Theater Collaborative, Inc., Producer and Actress (Portray’s Harriet Tubman – Harriet Tubman’s Dream written by Lisa Giordano). She is also the President and Chairman of the Sedona Arts Academy.
“To be a catalyst for social change is really where it’s at for me,” Camilla said. “I believe theater should always be a venue for social change. I love the art of live theater and love what it does to the human soul and spirit. It moves us to look at life differently. To leave off the rose-colored glasses and really see the human condition.”ETC is a shining example. Founded in 2008 to give voice to actors’ innate talent for character development, Camilla has since produced more than 20 inspired, original performances. Emerging and professional cast and crew have blossomed under her guidance. And together they’ve created profound, can’t-ever-forget shows that illuminate social issues, and transform audience curiosity into concern and action. 
Camilla has a deep well of experience and mentorship to tap into for her ETC roles—from her days at Emerson College and then in regional theaters and commercials. Among her favorite portrayals? Capturing the heart, spark, and essence of Harriet Tubman in the one-woman show Harriet Tubman’s Dream. Camilla is also deeply involved with youth, their visions for social change, and the desire to see the world as a stage of peace. To that end, she’s a tireless advocate for children and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome. She gives kids and teen real-life theatrical experience through ETC’s Summer Youth Program and enlivens their eagerness to learn about the history and genuine heroes through ETC’s school programs. Camilla is a steadfast suicide prevention advocate too, helping teens and adults avoid this tragedy and move forward to a happier, more positive future.
Camilla has taught business courses part-time at Three Rivers Community College since 2005, Sat on the Emerson College Alumni Board for ten years, and is past president of the Connecticut Alumni Chapter. In May 2014 Camilla was honored by the Writer’s Block of New London, Conn., for her past work as an instructor. In June 2013 she was named Woman of The Year by the Women’s Network of Southeastern Connecticut, and she’s been featured in many periodicals for her community service. In 2019 Emerson Theater Collaborative was nominated as Collaborator of the year in Sedona AZ. A veteran of the U.S. Navy and member of Kappa Beta Delta, Camilla earned her BA in Performing Arts: Acting from Emerson College in 1985 and her MBA in Finance from Baker College in Michigan.
Connect with Camilla on LinkedIn and follow ETC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Karen Loomis, Oracle and Founder of No Moss Brands, is no stranger to the impact of racism; not only in her personal life, but professional life as well. In 2000, Karen moved from Spokane, Wa to Phoenix, AZ to find better opportunities as promised by the fifth largest city in the U.S. With only 2% AA, Spokane proved to be a challenging environment, as is Phoenix, with only 6% AA. 
Karen has never shied away from the many barriers racism presented. She has always felt her extensive education and professional experiences could overcome these often invisible challenges.
Unfortunately, institutional racism has proven to be too big of a hurdle for one person to take on. Using No Moss Brands as the vehicle, Karen will use her voice to open the eyes of others who are willing to join all People of Color on this journey to change. You in?
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow No Moss Brands on Twitter and Facebook.
