Susan Crooks, M. Ed.
FOUNDer and Board Chair
Susan Crooks is an educator with over 25 years of teaching experience. She holds a M.Ed. from Clemson University and is a certified trainer and ambassador for the Foundation for Critical Thinking. Ms. Crooks and her son, Walt, worked at the same school for almost 10 years. They have presented their unique theory on the pairing of mindfulness and critical thinking at conferences across the United States. The loss of Walt due to anxiety and depression led Susan to establish Walt’s Waltz. A driven mother and educator, Susan strives to open conversations and change prevailing perspectives on Mental Health.
Brittany Mann, MSW
Vice-Chair
Brittany Mann has dedicated her life to the service of others. She received her MSW from Winthrop University. During her undergraduate studies as a student researcher in the personality psychology lab, she explored the development of human relationships through first impressions. From this experience, she passionately applied her understanding and continued curiosity of how societal environments impact the human condition in her post undergraduate work. She has worked 6 years in the human services field providing direct care to persons living with severe mental illness, developmental disorders, HIV/AIDS, and persons experiencing persistent barriers to quality-of-life (QoL). She is passionate about the entire spectrum of Social Work with a focused interest in macro level practice which allows her to impact larger societal systems through advocacy, research, and policy change.
Julie Burke
Secretary
Julie is Vice President of Sales at Selection.com with over 30 years experience in sales. She has worked on major campaigns winning large corporate accounts. Julie has personally developed over 3,000 new clients for Selection.com (background check sector). She advises/maganges her sales team helping them meet their sales goals, client retention, sales development, and training new clients. In this sector, she is known to be trustworthy and has a strong client satisfaction and retention. In addition to her business experience, Julie brings a wealth of knowledge in the area of fundraising. She has volunteered for countless fundraising events and was a co-chair of her children’s school galas.
Luigi B0ccuto, MD
Board Member
Dr. Luigi Boccuto is a clinical geneticist, interesting in autism spectrum disorder and related conditions, such as Phelan-McDermid syndrome, hereditary cancer, overgrowth syndromes and intellectual disability. He is currently employed as Faculty Member of the School of Nursing at Clemson University. He has worked as Research Scientist at the Greenwood Genetic Center (Greenwood, SC, USA) and as Chief Scientific Officer for STALICLA,SA (Geneva, Switzerland). He has been working on pathogenic mechanisms and metabolic profiling of several genetic conditions, in particular, he has been involved with Phelan-McDermid syndrome since 2007. Dr. Buccuto is a wealth of information concerning genetics and epigenetics. We are thrilled to have his input and advice as we advance our Mental Health Moonshot initiative.
Tracy Butler, Ph.D
Board Member
Dr. Tracy Butler holds a Ph.D in Curriculum and Instruction from Clemson University as well as an M.A. in TESOL from Furman University. She currently teaches English as a Second Language courses as well as research and assessment for K-12 teachers at the University of South Carolina Upstate and Clemson University. Prior to teaching at the university level, Tracy was a bilingual elementary and middle school teacher who observed the impact of anxiety and depression on youth and adults.
Barbara Castañeda
Board Member
Barbara Castañeda is a mixed media artist working mainly in painting but also including natural and found elements in her work. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2011 with a Bachelor's degree of Fine Art in Painting and a minor in Art History. She has exhibited in North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina where she currently lives with her husband and children. Her studio is in the Bank Building Studios in the Village of West Greenville.
Tracy Cooper, Ph.D. ICHS
Board Member
Dr. Tracy Cooper is a strong advocate for high sensory intelligence people, (aka, 'highly sensitive people') and those who are also high in sensation seeking (HSS/HSP). Tracy holds a Ph.D. in Transformative Learning and Change and is a professor at Baker University Graduate School of Education in the Ed.D. in Leadership in Higher Education program. Author of the following books: Thrive: The Highly Sensitive Person and Career; Thrill: The High Sensation Seeking Highly Sensitive Person; Empowering the Sensitive Male Soul - Tracy is Co-Producer of the documentary film: Sensitive Men Rising with Director | Co-Producer Will Harper. Walt is one of the dedications in this film. Walt - a highly sensitive man. Tracy provides a unique perspective into our dance as he highlights the challenges of being a highly sensitive man in our society, while celebrating our creativity, strengths as leaders, and as visionaries/healers.
Georgianna Connell, MSW
Board Member
Georgianna graduated with her Master of Social Work at Winthrop University December 23, interning with Walt’s Waltz for 1.5 years. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Clemson University, which sparked her interest in social work. Ms. Connell’s passion for service, advocacy, and change is a driving force, and she has played a significant role in our growth and program development here at Walt’s Waltz.
DeAsia Danladi
Board Member
DeAsia Danladi, Founder and CEO of Gene Xcellence, is an advocate for the advancement of teenagers and young adults. Currently enrolled at Spartanburg Community College, she aspires to transfer to the University of South Carolina Upstate to pursue a Bachelor's in Family and Child Development with a minor in Nonprofit Management. Committed to bridge the achievement gap in the Upstate, she and her organization consistently collaborate with partners such as Walt's Waltz. Together, they strive to impart essential skills in mental health, personal finance, education, career development, and exploration.
Tara Davis
Board Member
Tara is a photographer from Georgia living in Greenville, SC. She has a Bachelors in English Literature and Language from Valdosta State University. She runs a content creation studio called Studio Dispatch with her business partner and delights in helping organizations stand out from the noise. Her breadth of experience in a myriad of fields has given her an incredibly broad skillset to create a distinctive visual voice for each of her clients. Tara strives to show authenticity, positivity, hope, and perseverance and provide an open space for people to feel safe.
Debra King, Ph.D, LPCS, NCC, LAC
Board Member
Dr. Debra King is a former psychology professor who became a licensed clinician in 1996 and supervisor in 2001. As career academician with 30 years experience, she now serves as a Chief Clinical Officer in Behavioral Health. Her site specializes in training undergraduate and graduate interns majoring in rehabilitative behavioral health, counseling, public health, health information technology, business and social work. Dr. King brings to Walt’s Waltz a depth and breadth of knowledge in the field behavior health.
Cary Mobley, Ph.D.
Board Member
Dr. Mobley is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutics and teaches Drug Delivery and Dosage Forms, Problem Solving, Integrated Case Studies and Pharmaceutical Compounding. A core element of Mobley’s teaching philosophy is to motivate students to engage in effortful and meaningful learning. Cary’s approach to teaching is centered on the concepts of benevolence, integration and skill cultivation, particularly critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills. He is committed to respecting diverse talents and different learning styles. He regularly reads literature on education, philosophy and cognitive psychology and strives to integrate what he learns from the literature, with feedback from students and colleagues, to optimize the student learning experience. Dr. Cary Mobley was named UF College of Pharmacy’s 2021-22 Teacher of the Year.
Tailor Pickens
Board Member
Tailor Pickens is actively pursuing a Bachelor's in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources Management. She is the c0-founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit, Gene-Xcellence and Executive Assistant at Dream Preparatory Academy. Her dedication to education, community service, and organizational development has cultivated a diverse skill set, blending leadership, compassion, and business acumen. Ms. Pickens’ work with our youth provide keen insights to further improvement of our programs.
Hal Roach, ESQ
Board Member
After graduating from law school in 1987, Hal Roach was assigned as a member of the U.S. Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) at the Charleston Naval Base. After being honorably discharged from the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1991, he moved to Greenville, South Carolina where he began working as an Assistant Solicitor in the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Greenville, South Carolina. In years since he has opened his own law firm operating in both South Carolina and his home state of Kentucky.
Kathy Sakelos
Board Member
Kathy Sakelos is an advocate in the field of mental health. She worked 40 years in a variety of capacities in both clinical and educational settings. Over the years, Kathy has worked side-by-side with clients helping them though personal and/or family crises. Kathy holds a Human Service Degree and resides in Cincinnati, OH. Recently retired, her life’s work of giving is still aflame. Walt’s Waltz will greatly benefit from her experience, energy, and empathy she brings to our board.
Francie Tanner
Board Member
A native of Switzerland, Francie has spent 30 years growing companies in the tech space by enabling people with technology. She raised her kids on a developing-country island and learned a lot about mental health, creative problem solving, cultivating a network of Global, NGO fundraising, sustainable relationships and how to activate people from afar. Those lessons also led to impactful disaster relief work, combining technology and grassroots community activism to save and improve lives for people on 15 Caribbean islands after the 2017 hurricanes.
Maya Ward
Board Member
Maya works in Public Relations firm at a firm in Charlotte, NC. Maya previously served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with BirthMatters in Spartanburg, and has interned with national non-profits such as MADRE and Dining for Women. Maya provides insight into the our advocacy role as well as brings a wealth of knowledge from her work in the nonprofit sector.
Honey Gilmore
Lead Communications and Marketing Strategist
Honey Gilmore is an artist living in the upstate who believes that everyone is entitled to compassion, care, dignity, and the provision of mental health services. They currently want to pursue a career in education, but enjoy any volunteer opportunity to support and give back to their community. Everyone is our neighbor, and that means they are our responsibility.
Gracen Eddy
Marketing
Gracen Eddy is a junior at Clemson University pursuing a degree in marketing. She is dedicated to fostering community involvement and raising awareness of mental health issues. Gracen is eager to promote mental health literacy and help support an amazing cause through Walt’s Waltz.
Emma Hudson
USC upstate Lead Walt’s Watlz Ambassador
Emma is a sophomore at USC Upstate with a major in exercise science and a minor in health communications. Additionally, she is earning a certificate in leadership. Ms. Hudson is commited Walt’s Waltz misson and was the driving force in their becoming a Walt’s Waltz Stigma-Free Enviornment. Emma works at Greenville Drive, Greenville Triumph, and Swamp Rabbits. She is a diehard Atlanta Braves fan! We welcome her positiveity and boundless engery to our team.
Aidan McNew
Business Analyst/Development
Aidan McNew is a sophomore at Furman University who is majoring in Mathematics-Economics and German. He is passionate about economics and how it can be applied to better the lives of those struggling with mental health issues. Connecting with people on a personal level is how Aidan likes to make sure his friends are ok and are literate of mental health.
Brooke Knight
marketing/Graphic Design
Brooke Knight is a freshman at Clemson University pursuing a degree in Architecture with a minor in Entrepreneurship. She is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and the need for promoting programs in schools. She is beyond excited to give back to the community through supporting Walt's Waltz and their mission.
Lydia Morris
Policy Analyst and Grant Writer
Lydia Morris is a junior majoring in Political Science at Clemson University. Lydia hopes to advance her education next year as she pursues studies in law school. She has extensive experience with research writing and has competed in academic contests with mental health research. Lydia is eager to continue using her skills as our dedicated grant writer and researcher. Lydia hopes to channel her enthusiasm into creating real change by implementing practical work and community-driven initiatives with Walt's Waltz.
Flynn Nisbet
Data Analyist
Flynn is a Junior Computer Science major, minoring in Data Analytics at Furman University. He has a passion for helping others through leadership and an aptitude for finding trends and solutions through technology. Flynn hopes to propel Walt's Waltz through interpreting survey and ad analytics to make educated business decisions, as well as connecting the non-profit to Furman and other universities.
Walt’s Waltz Interns
We wish our interns much success in their future careers and are grateful for their service.
Phil Jones | Business Administration | Furman ‘22- I decided to join Walt’s Waltz because I truly believe in their mission and their desire to affect true change. As a member of the Walt’s Waltz team, I plan to use my background in college athletics and social organizations to help the organization expand its reach.
Rebecca Cowles | Communications & Art Studios | Furman ‘23 - The Walt’s Waltz team is making real strides towards changing the stigma surrounding conversations around mental health. Their message is so important, and I want to help share it. I am so excited to work with this amazing group of people and learn more about social media strategy and promoting a message.
Kennon Saad | Communications & Art Studios | Furman ‘23 - Being connected with the founder of Walt’s Waltz throughout the course of the internship is one of the reasons I chose to work with Walt’s Waltz. Given my work with the Ability Experience and other community service projects, we could benefit one another greatly. Additionally, I love the work they are doing in our community.
Kayla Hejlik | Marketing & Management | Clemson ‘23 - I decided to join the Walt’s Waltz team this summer because I want to be apart of their mission and work with an organization that is so passionate about what they do. I am looking forward to expanding my professional experience in the world of social media and working with the marketing team to raise awareness for this cause.
Hannah Clark | Marketing | Clemson ‘22 - After understanding their core values and purpose to end the stigma surrounding mental health conditions, I decided to join the Walt's Waltz team. I am excited to participate in their mission while growing the Walt's Waltz online community and expanding my skill sets through various social media marketing endeavors.
Zachary Garland | Hopewell High School ‘22 - I decided to be part of Walt’s Waltz team to support their work and expand my creativity as their Visual Inspirationalist. My plan for the future is to work in the theatre/film industry.
Alsu Kiiamova | Operations & Supply Chain, Finance & Management concentration in Business Analytics | University of South Carolina ‘24 - I am passionate about neuroscience and wants to develop my career in the Health/Medical industry. I was introduced to Walt’s Waltz though a school project and wanted to become an intern to help advance their mission and vision.
Joy Wang | Finance & Music | Southern Methodist University ‘23 - The mission of Walt’s Waltz called me to apply. I believes that music can be a powerful tool in helping people navigate their mental health challenges and desires to write songs that inspire and bring hope to people.
Lillian Perry | Business Administration - Marketing | Converse University ‘23 - Seeing this was a local nonprofit doing work I strongly believe in, I wanted to work with them.
Krysta Latawiec | Marketing | Clemson University ‘23 - I have always been passionate for promoting overall health and wellness. As our society has become more open to the topic of mental health, I stress that humans need to prioritize taking care of their overall well-being to become the best version of themselves!
Cecelia Nobles | Psychology w/ Minors in Women’s Studies & Cognitive Science | UNC at Chapel Hill ‘24- I excited to advocate for mental health literacy, with an emphasis on the arts and human connection as methods of healing. I am involved in clubs and organizations on UNC’s campus with a focus on psychological research, mental health awareness, music, and connecting with her community, which are my passions.
Makenna Masters | Graphic Communications | Clemson University ‘24- Working with Walt's Waltz as their graphic design/ marketing coordinator is exciting as I will gain experience be part of this awareness movement.