Amanda was born into the world of music, dance, and theatre thanks to parents in the performing arts. Having spent most of her childhood in the studios of New Jersey Ballet, her parents’ decision to relocate to Colorado inspired new love of musical theatre and unconventional venues (Shakespeare Festivals on 16th Street Mall, anyone?). ​ Amanda studied dance, theater, choreography and education while appearing onstage at the Oriental Theater, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, and internationally at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. While in college, Amanda pursued mental healthcare, obtaining a Masters of Science degree in Counseling and becoming a Certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher specializing in Somatic and Attachment healing with attunement to the Autonomic Nervous System. ​ In 2020, Amanda decided to unite her love of acting and choreography with her expertise in trauma, somatic awareness, the body and its boundaries, and client advocacy to embrace the new role of Intimacy Coordinator and then pioneering and defining the role of Mental Health Coordinator for film. ​ Amanda’s training in Mental Health and Intimacy Coordination is international, including certification through Intimacy Professionals Association, and she’s learned from some of the most highly regarded pioneers in the field. Her passion for the work has her collaborating with productions across all genres, platforms, and budgets as she believes firmly that every production which requires Mental Health or Intimacy Coordination absolutely deserves to have that support. She still serves clients with trauma and other mental health conditions in her private practice located in Parker, Colorado in between productions on-location across the country.  ​ https://www.amandamedwards.com/

Claire is an Actor, Director, Intimacy Choreographer, and Certified Mental Health Coordinator for live theatre. She is passionate about creating stories that are bold, messy, honest, curious, and held with care. Based in the Midwest, Claire maintains a multi-faceted artistic practice spanning over 50 productions. She trained in Classical Acting, Directing, and Theatre at Buena Vista University, the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and has completed Intimacy Choreography training(s) with Theatrical Intimacy Education and Open Intimacy Creatives. Certified as a Mental Health Coordinator in 2024 by the Association of Mental Health Coordinators, Claire has been actively involved in the organization’s leadership, contributing to policy development, scholarship review, research, and education. She currently serves as Vice President of the Board, supporting the organization and industry-wide efforts to advance mental health practices in theatre and film. Claire’s professional work spans classical and contemporary texts, including Shakespeare, new-play development, and premiere productions, as well as producing and collaborating on projects in professional, educational, independent, and community-based settings. She is committed to fostering rehearsal rooms where artists feel valued, empowered, and supported in bringing their full selves to the work.

Sarah is a theater maker with a special focus in Shakespeare, movement, and artistic mental health. Based in Western MA, she has worked with companies throughout the Northeast, including Shakespeare Theatre Company, Shakespeare & Company, and New York Classical Theater. She has also co-founded two (and a half) companies, and is currently exploring sustainable creative practice through her latest venture, Cadent Shakespeare Co. She is Marketing & Development Director at Advice To The Players in New Hampshire, where she also directs, performs, and serves as VP on their Board of Trustees. She is certified with the Association of Mental Health Coordinators where she holds the positions of Director of Communications and Board Treasurer. Sarah received an MFA from the STC Academy (formerly the Academy for Classical Acting) at Shakespeare Theatre Company/GWU and is engaged in ongoing study of applying expressive movement and somatic modalities to Shakespeare training and performance. Learn more at SarahCorbynWoolf.com.

Karina is an LA-based executive assistant at Creative Artists Agency, where she supports dynamic teams with precision, intuition, and a calm, solutions-oriented approach. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from UCLA in 2020, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Film and Television Studies, and participated in UCLA’s Summer Institute for Creative Producing in 2019. Karina is actively involved with the Association of Mental Health Coordinators and is currently on track to receive her certification. Originally from Denver, she brings curiosity, warmth, and impeccable organization to everything she does—whether managing complex schedules or finding inspiration through music, fashion, travel, and time in the garden.

Kristina is a certified Mental Health Coordinator through the Association of Mental Health Coordination and a SAG-AFTRA accredited and certified Intimacy Coordinator through Intimacy Professionals Association. Kristina has worked with studios like Netflix, Paramount, Showtime, Starz, Amazon, and ABC. Recent credits include Regretting You, Reasonable Doubt, and Weapons. They also have over 12 years of experience in the TV/film industry as a director, AD, and actor, and 10 years in theatre as a director, scenic designer, and actor. Kristina holds a BFA in Acting and BA in Theatrical Design and Production from Elon University. Kristina has spoken about set safety strategies involving mental health and intimacy work at universities and events including the United Nations General Assembly, Cannes Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, Women in Film, Out on Film Festival, Actor Empowerment Summit, and the Women in Production Summit.

With over 35 years of experience in mental health, Michelle is a licensed clinical social worker in Maryland, New York and D.C. and a certified Mental Health Coordinator through the Association of Mental Health Coordinators. A native New Yorker who grew up surrounded by creative artists and immersed in vibrant artistic spaces, she developed an early passion for the arts, including acting, writing, and visual storytelling. As Director of Behavioral Health Partnerships, Michelle serves as the liaison for licensed mental health professionals looking to navigate the unique crossover between clinical practice and the creative demands of the entertainment industry. Her role encompasses advising on the necessary experience to perform these roles with competence, as well as engaging in discussions with leading Behavioral Health entities to foster collaborative training and strategic partnerships. Additionally, she has a special interest in documentary work—specifically in providing participant support and advocacy, as well as offering pre- and post-production support for crew while engaging with activating material. Michelle has worked on a number of projects that range from high school theater, short films, documentaries and a feature film. Beyond her professional achievements, Michelle brings a personal perspective to her work as a dedicated theater mom. With two children pursuing acting and another developing as a visual artist, she understands firsthand the challenges and rewards of a creative career. This dual commitment to mental health and the arts drives her mission to create psychologically safe, supportive environments in film, television, theater, and documentary projects, ensuring that every creative professional has the opportunity to thrive both personally and professionally.

Heike is the founder of DramaCare GmbH and is considered a pioneer in mental health coordination in Europa. As a recognized expert in mental health, she has been supporting people with severe emotional challenges for over 15 years. As the first certified Mental Health Coordinator (AMHC, USA) in Germany, she is setting new standards in culture, media, film, and television. Her in-depth expertise in crisis intervention and her proven know-how in stress and conflict management make her a reliable partner for resilience and well-being — in rehearsals, productions, editorial offices, and on set. With DramaCare – the specialist center for well-being and social sustainability in the cultural and creative industries – she has established the first specialized company in Germany dedicated specifically to mental health in culture, media, film, and television. She translates evidence into practical structures: safe workspaces, clear processes, and effective prevention and support services for ensembles, crews, and teams. As a lecturer and keynote speaker, she trains specialists and managers to deal professionally with stressful situations, incorporating content from psychotraumatology, psychotherapy, neuropsychology, and knowledge of mental illness in a way that is understandable and relevant to everyday life. Her approach combines many years of field experience with a deep understanding of the dynamics of creative work environments, thereby strengthening professionalism, protection, and creative performance in the long term. In her role as a board member of the Mental Health Coordination Association, she is committed to further advancing quality standards, exchange, and the sustainable anchoring of mental health coordination in the industry.

Carrie is an actor, director, intimacy choreographer, and mental health coordinator based in eastern Iowa. Carrie has her BA in theatre from Simpson College and has extensive training in intimacy choreography and coordination with Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE), Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC), and Open Intimacy Creatives. Carrie has been the intimacy director for over 56 shows at the community, collegiate, and professional levels since beginning this work in 2020 and is a certified Mental Health Coordinator through the Association of Mental Health Coordinators where she holds the position of Director of Administrative Services and is a member of the 2026 Board of Directors. Carrie spent a decade living and working in Chicago, IL, collaborating with Red Tape, Tinfish, MidTangent, Gorilla Tango, Pyewacket, and Appetite Theatres, as well as completing additional training with Annoyance Theatre and Acting Studio Chicago. Since moving to Cedar Rapids, she has worked in all of her artistic capacities at Riverside Theatre, Theatre Cedar Rapids, Mirrorbox, City Circle, Dreamwell, University of Iowa, Kirkwood Community College, Coe College, Cornell College, and University of Northern Iowa. Notable stage roles as an actor include performing the role of Emmaline Pankhurst in the world premiere of the new musical "The Suffragist" at the Strayer-Wood Theatre and the role of Annie Wilkes in "Misery" at Theatre Cedar Rapids. Notable productions she has directed include the Iowa Premieres of "Artemisia" by Lauren Gunderson and "Cycle Play" by Megan Tabaque, Lauren Gunderson's "The Revolutionists", and a new adaptation of "A Doll's House" by Joanie Schultz . Notable intimacy direction and mental health coordination include the Regional Premieres of both "Waitress"(Theatre Cedar Rapids) and "Eureka Day"(Riverside Theatre), "In the Next Room (or the Vibrator Play)" (TCR), and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf" (Riverside) Carrie is dedicated to creating grounded, human characters and building collaborative, trauma informed working environments where artists can thrive. https://carriepozdol.com/

Amanda is a certified Mental Health Coordinator, educator and actor living bi-coastally between New York and San Diego. A champion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Amanda is passionate about partnering with organizations to help build inclusive and positive work cultures that center mental health and wellness, specializing in working in theatrical spaces as well corporate institutions.Client list available on request. Amanda holds her MFA from the University of Texas and is currently on the board of trustees and the Director of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) for Association of Mental Health Coordinators. www.theamandasalazar.com

Human connection and healing drives everything that Jacq does. They are especially passionate about sexual violence prevention and intervention, and believes media can be a powerful tool to show healthy relationships and help survivors heal. In addition to their work with AMHC, they are currently the COO of Project Contrast, a non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas. They also moonlight for Peace Over Violence, working for the 24-hour Rape and Battery emergency hotline to help survivors of domestic and sexual abuse find the support, resources, and healing they need. While earning their psychology degree, Jacq was actively involved in campus-wide sexual prevention initiatives and worked for CAPSA, a trauma-shelter for survivors of abuse, sexual trauma, and trafficking. They are pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in order to better serve those who survived the unimaginable. Jacq is involved in a number of trauma prevention and intervention research studies, and her most recent publication explores ways culture and popular media can positively or negatively influence people’s perception of healthy, enthusiastic, consensual sex. Jacq’s passion for people and empathetic story-telling carries over from psychology into their acting. They care about connecting with the pain, healing, hope, and joy of their characters, with the goal of giving others permission to do the same in their own lives. Like a forest fire, Jacq hopes to portray the optimistic beauty of rising from ashes. A trauma survivor herself, she believes in growth from pain and that “We are all connected by our broken pieces.” Their empathetic, trauma-informed approach has resulted in numerous award-winning films, including Nine Days (Sundance 2020) and Get Away (Academy Award Qualifying 2023) where they won numerous "Best Film" and "Best Actress" awards, and stars in To Die Alone and I Really Love My Husband, which premier Fall 2024. In their free time, you can find Jacq baking, rock climbing, surfing, reading, stopping to smell the roses (literally), and petting neighborhood dogs.

Alyson is a NYT best-selling author of Semi-Well-Adjusted and the founder/CEO of Movement Genius, a mental health company providing therapist-led content to improve wellbeing. As writer and host of the award-winning Dear Hollywood podcast, Stoner advocates for industry and policy reform in traditional and digital media. Also a certified mental health practitioner, they've contributed to programming for the United Nations, World Health Organization, LGBT centers, and universities. During childhood, Stoner worked in 200+ films, TV shows, and music projects. Today, they focus on impact-driven initiatives, like designing Artist Wellbeing Essentials, a digital toolkit helping performers pursue their passion in a healthy, sustainable way.