About Us
The Mental Health Moment's main goal is to bring awareness to mental health. Each of us has a unique journey; there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person may not work for another. Sometimes it’s not one approach or another—it could be a combination of many or none at all. There is no step-by-step manual for mental health, but together, WE BELIEVE WE CAN CREATE opportunities for our community to impact all generations.
Breaking the Stigma and Building Community
Shining a Light
on Mental Health
The Mental Health Moment is dedicated to bringing mental health into the spotlight—a big, bold spotlight, like one on the Vegas Strip! We aim to share real personal experiences and diverse perspectives, create an authentic community, offer opportunities to share different experiences, provide resources, and foster learning and growth. Mental health touches all aspects of our lives. The time is now to change the stigma attached to mental health.
Mental health growth and healing is a continual, daily work in progress. The work is never done; each moment prepares you for the next. A great example I recently heard was, “Healing takes time, this isn’t Amazon Prime.” There’s no quick fix. It takes effort to unlearn old habits, be open to change, and learn new things. Be gentle with yourself and others, and keep in mind that each of us learns and processes life differently. Please don’t compare your mental health journey to anyone else’s. It’s a trap that is, unfortunately, so easy to fall into. Stay determined to find and live your truth daily. There will be times when you feel uncomfortable and want to revert to your “old ways” because it’s familiar and comfortable. Even through the suffering, there is beauty to be aware of and growth that comes with each moment.
The Mental Health Moment is here to remind you that YOU ARE NOT ALONE ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH JOURNEY! Our goal is to use this space to uplift ourselves and others. It’s a place to understand and empathize with what others are going through. A space for vulnerability and healing, for the good and bad times, hard days and amazing days, setbacks, and growth. Together, we have the ability to change lives with each interaction. You may never know whom you impact, but you will know that you have the power to make an impact anywhere and anytime. It takes a ton of courage and bravery to become aware of your mental health and the mental health of those around you. Love yourself and love others always, in all ways.
Let’s move forward together!
Meet Our Team
Our Founder & CEO
Melissa Atwell
Melissa’s intention with this platform is to create a safe space for herself and others to express their views and experiences, and to learn and grow together. She wants to remind everyone that they are not alone on their mental health journey.
"Be true to yourself and keep going!"
Melissa, a 31-year-old Vegas-born and raised Millennial, is married to her best friend and has two beautiful children. Her mental health journey began at 19, though she wasn’t aware of it at the time. While working at a Vegas casino, she started experiencing out-of-body sensations, feeling like she was watching herself spiral and had accepted living that way. Several people, at different times, approached her to express concern, noting that she didn’t seem like herself and appeared to be neglecting her well-being. Some comments were kind and loving, while others were blunt and hurtful. One specific incident stood out: a manager, in front of others, harshly pointed out that her neglected toenail polish was a sign she didn’t care about herself.
Feeling like she had hit rock bottom but unsure of what to do, Melissa believed she needed to “fix” herself to keep her job and avoid judgment. She decided to seek help from a psychiatrist and a therapist, giving each one a single chance. At that time, therapy and medication weren’t discussed positively. The psychiatrist asked general questions and prescribed medication, scheduling a follow-up in a month. Melissa then had her first therapy session, but she quickly decided it wasn’t for her, as she had no interest in answering the deeper questions posed. She was more interested in the quick fix she believed medication would provide, thinking it would make her what everyone else wanted her to be.
Growing up, emotions were not discussed or acknowledged in her family, though they were certainly felt. The primary form of communication was yelling, and Melissa’s emotional state was unconsciously pushed deep inside her. This suppression led to reopening many old wounds later in life. She felt the need to be strong for everyone, taking on others’ emotions to help them feel better, which ultimately caused her to lose herself as she prioritized everyone and everything else. Melissa became the image others wanted her to be, conforming to societal expectations regarding her appearance, career path, and family role. At 31, she feels like she’s meeting herself for the first time.
President of the Board
Mike Bruley
Mike Bruley is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of experience in sales and business consulting. As the owner of Clearly Driven, a training and consulting company, he specializes in corporate training, emotional intelligence leadership development, and personal coaching. His proactive approach to building lasting relationships is key to his success.
Mike has also made significant contributions to the Las Vegas community, serving as an executive sales leader in a renowned lab operations firm for over 20+ years, earning national recognition for his performance. He holds various certifications and is dedicated to continuous learning.
A passionate advocate for equality, family values, and healthcare, Mike has held leadership roles in local charities, including as chairman of Quest Cares, where he has led impactful fundraising initiatives. His diverse clientele includes healthcare organizations and businesses of all sizes, and he offers valuable leadership development skills to empower individuals and organizations in the community.
Director of Resources
Stephanie Hymas
Stephanie Hymas is a dedicated wife, mother, massage therapist, energy healer, neurofeedback provider, essential oils educator, and mental health advocate. Born and raised in Idaho as the youngest of seven siblings, her mental health journey began when she was just 13. Having been a patient of the mental health system for most of her life, Stephanie recognizes the significant lack of knowledge, understanding, and resources available to patients.
Growing up in a time when mental health was rarely discussed and being open about it was uncommon, Stephanie faced many challenges. She is grateful for the positive changes over the last 10 to 15 years, as society has become more vocal about mental health, leading to increased awareness and resources. These changes have inspired her to be open and honest about her journey, hoping to help others feel less alone. She believes there is power in knowing you are not the only one experiencing these struggles.
Stephanie is excited to be part of The Mental Health Moment and is passionate about encouraging those who are struggling to keep going. Her mission is to support others on their mental health journeys, emphasizing that it does get better.
Vice President of the Board
Tony Simpson
Tony Simpson is a certified mental health coach, meditation and manifestation guide, and Vice President of the Board for The Mental Health Moment. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Tony brings a deeply personal perspective to his advocacy work, shaped by a life of service, loss, and inner transformation.
After serving in the Nevada Army National Guard with deployments to Kuwait and Iraq, Tony returned home committed to self-discovery and healing. He stepped away from distractions and immersed himself in mindfulness, coaching, therapy, and spiritual practices—reconnecting with himself through silence, discipline, and compassion.
His journey through grief, trauma, and emotional healing—including the loss of his mother after a prolonged medical battle—has fueled his mission to create safe spaces for others. As the host of a mindfulness-focused podcast and founder of a transformational coaching practice, Tony helps individuals reprogram limiting beliefs, process emotional pain, and align with their true selves.
Tony believes that when we slow down and courageously look inward, we open the door to freedom, wholeness, and love. His leadership reflects that belief—and his passion for making mental health support accessible across the Las Vegas community.
Treasurer of the Board
Tanner Frigaard
Tanner Frigaard brings over a decade of financial experience as the founder of Protect What You Built. A seasoned Financial Consultant specializing in life insurance and business finance, Tanner has helped hundreds of small and mid-sized businesses protect their assets and pursue sustainable growth.
His approach emphasizes practical strategies that serve both immediate needs and long-term goals. In addition to his professional work, Tanner is deeply committed to service. He’s built homes in Mexico and supports local Las Vegas charities.
As Treasurer on the board of The Mental Health Moment, he helps lead community round tables focused on wellness, stress management, and burnout prevention. His guiding belief is simple: financial security creates a foundation for meaningful impact—personally, professionally, and across the community.
Our social media controller
Katie Waechter
Katie Waechter was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. She graduated with a BA in psychology in 2012 and an MS in Information Science with a focus on Health Informatics in 2018.
She has 20 years of combined experience in creative writing and poetry, 15 years of experience writing research-driven health content, and 10 years of experience in social media marketing and content marketing. She is a published poet and has articles published in national and local magazines. She’s given speeches and workshops on social media, content marketing, and mental health to crowds big and small. Katie is a mental health advocate and blogger.
Her passion in life is to make mental health information more attainable for the people who need it most. She also hosts the Watching Mental Health podcast and runs an inspirational poetry website in her spare time.