This Is My Brave - Eagle Valley Recap 2025

Storytelling Has the Power to Save Lives

Community members share their stories of mental illness, suicidal ideation and addiction at the 2025 This Is My Brave! Show at the Vilar Performing Arts Center on September 26, 2025.

View Event Photography by Michael Rawlings | Digital Playbill

Recording of the event by High Five Media

Testimonials

"Real people talking about real issues."

"Most impactful was understanding “Brave”. The meaning of Brave as presented by the “performers”. I’ve never thought about the power of it."

"The amount of support just felt by attending the event created a sense of belonging."

Cast

ALEX KANDALAFT (she/her)

Alex, a former kindergarten teacher and active presence in several Eagle County nonprofits, draws strength from surviving a life-threatening eating disorder. She now leads peer recovery meetings, collaborates with schools on youth prevention, and works to build community support for those affected by eating disorders. Her story is one of resilience, advocacy, and unwavering hope.

DANIELA RIOS (she/her/ella)

Dani, originally from Chile, has journeyed through struggle and rebirth to find her voice and strength. A mother, dreamer, and seeker of light, she shares a story of reclaiming power and embracing transformation.

BRENDA SAUCEDO (she/her/ella)

Born and raised in the Vail Valley, Brenda is a proud Mexican single mother breaking cycles of generational trauma and walking a path of recovery with courage and resilience. She hopes her story inspires other Latina mothers to embrace their strength and voice.

DEVÓN SULLIVAN

A spoken word poet and storyteller, Devón uses language to explore identity, trauma, and healing. His work challenges, awakens, and connects, inviting audiences to see themselves in new and powerful ways.

JOBY-BÉATRICE LINET

Originally from France, Joby-Béatrice blends wit, linguistic artistry, and emotional depth on stage. She uses storytelling to explore vulnerability and transformation, connecting with audiences through truth and authenticity.

JUSTIN ALLISON (he/him)

A guitarist, vocalist, and composer, Justin sees music as a portal to connection. His performance invites audiences to drop their guard, feel deeply, and remember that we are never as separate as we think.

KATIE KESSENICH (she/her)

Katie shares her journey of living with bipolar disorder and entering recovery from alcohol and drugs. Through her work with the RECONNECTED Foundation, she helps others find hope and healing in recovery.

MAURI CUMMINS

A lifelong Eagle County local, Mauri brings personal and professional insight to her story as both a suicide loss survivor and law enforcement professional committed to prevention and hope.

TSEVETELINA FUENTES (she/her)

Fluent in English, Spanish, and Bulgarian, Tsveti is a passionate educator, wellness advocate, and champion of inclusion. She uses storytelling to elevate conversations around emotional wellness and community connection.

Special Guests

IAN GRASK (he/him), Master of Ceremonies

A dedicated community volunteer and advocate, Ian brings humor, heart, and personal honesty to his role as host. His story is a reminder that appearances can be deceiving—and that asking, listening, and connecting matter deeply.

DAVE ANDERSEN (he/him), Brave Singer

A longtime Vail Valley musician, Dave shares not only his talent but also his story of living with hearing loss, resilience, and gratitude for the community that helped him continue to do what he loves.

Production Team

TRAVIS WILSON, Show Co-Director

Travis Wilson is delighted to once again return to This is My Brave as a co-director to help promote mental health awareness on the Western Slope. Born and raised in rural Georgia, Travis has lived in Colorado for ten years and is a graduate of Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs with a Bachelor's in Sustainable Studies and an Associate of Arts with a Theatre Emphasis. Travis has acted and worked with several theatre companies in the Roaring Fork Valley and sits on multiple art boards. Travis also works in the nonprofit world as a Youth Advocate with YouthZone. Being someone who has gone through their own mental health struggles and successes, Travis' long term goal is to help sustain mental health in the Western Slope and help others find the bravery that lives within them.

DR. COURTNEY RUSSELL, Show Co-Director

Dr. Courtney Russell is a Clinical Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst at The Vail Mind Center who primarily specializes in work with children and adolescents. Courtney generally enjoys being an extremely dramatic person and has been involved in theater from a young age. She is an actor with the Vail Valley Theatre Company and is passionate about the healing power of narrative and artistic expression. Courtney is thrilled to be a part of such a beautiful movement to encourage others to live authentically, increase connection, and end harmful mental health stigma.

CATHY SCHNEIDER, Mental Health Professional

Cathy is a licensed mental health provider in private practice in Avon. She serves clients who want to work on trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, and managing chronic medical needs. Having been in one middle school play only, Cathy does not have the dramatic chops for the stage. However, she advocates and encourages all kinds of expression. Her favorite mode of expression is singing loudly and off-key to her pets and while driving. Cathy is proud to be a part of This Is My Brave to support the participants and crew in all forms of self-expression.

Erin IvieOctober 21, 2025