I had the opportunity to give a talk about Owen and The Goldfinch Foundation to a Nashville high school last week, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. I was so grateful to be welcomed by another group of students who not only identified with Owen’s story, but also with the Goldfinch approach to addressing the mental health crisis and loneliness epidemic.
Students and faculty alike stayed afterward to talk, lining up to connect, to share, and to ask questions.
Moments like that allow me to reinforce two simple truths to the audience: 1) You are not alone. 2) There are solutions.
One of the administrators asked a central question: “How do we make room for this at our school?”
I loved that question, because it created an opportunity to clarify something important:
The Goldfinch Foundation is not just another mental health club.
Yes, we are aligned with other mental health organizations in reducing stigma and opening up conversation, but we go further…..
We are a creative space. A peer support network. A connection to nature. A place for movement, reflection, and real conversation. A place to learn about health and wellness in a way that is accessible and relevant.
We bring trusted health professionals into real community spaces, removing barriers, reducing intimidation, and meeting people where they are.
We offer tools and experiences that improve overall health and well being, even for those who may not identify as struggling.
Today’s challenges, including loneliness, disconnection, and the growing impact of technology, are not solved through awareness alone.
They are addressed through experience. Through building habits and behaviors that help young people live better. Through connection and community. Through doing life together.
That is what Goldfinch offers.
Unbiased education. Trusted knowledge. No marketing agendas. No unnecessary interventions. Just real people, real connection, and real tools that make a difference.
So is there room for another mental health club?
Maybe the better question is:
Is there room for something different?
Not to replace what exists. To expand what is possible.
Because nothing changes if nothing changes. And we can do hard things. We just cannot do them alone.
Warmly,
UPCOMING EVENTS
Illumination 2026 - Patron Party
This intimate gathering is a meaningful opportunity for supporters and friends of the Goldfinch Foundation community to come together ahead of the main event, celebrate the impact of Illumination, and deepen connections with fellow patrons in a warm, private setting.
With only a few tickets remaining, this exclusive evening promises a thoughtful atmosphere, engaging conversation, and a shared sense of excitement for what’s to come at Illumination 2026.
Join us for Illumination 2026, an evening celebrating the creativity and courage of young artists and musicians across Nashville.
This special gathering shines a light on the next generation of talent, bringing together community members, supporters, and guests for a meaningful night of performance, storytelling, and inspiration. Illumination 2026 honors the voices of young creatives and the impact of the arts in shaping a vibrant, connected city.
We are incredibly grateful to the sponsors who help make Illumination 2026 possible. Your support allows us to create a meaningful and memorable experience for our community, and we truly appreciate your partnership.
On April 30, I’ll be in Houston as a keynote speaker at the Grit and Grace conference hosted by Lockton for high-performance women leaders, and I couldn’t be more excited.
I’ll be sharing the Goldfinch Foundation’s Fill Up the T.A.N.K. framework—a simple, science-informed approach to building resilience and real wellness in a world that keeps pulling us in every direction.
It’s not complicated. It’s not another thing to add to your list.
Do you really know what you want? Getting to know yourself as you prepare to make college choices
In March, our Teen Ambassadors gathered for an inspiring and grounding workshop centered on college preparation and mental wellness. A current undergraduate and law school student from Vanderbilt University joined the group to share honest insights on choosing the right college and navigating the college essay process. Ambassadors then created personal vision boards, mapping out what they hope to find and feel in their next chapter. The session was designed to replace anxiety with clarity, giving students both practical tools and a moment to reflect on what truly matters to them as they look ahead.
University School of Nashville Upper School Assembly
Grateful to University School of Nashville for the opportunity to speak with such an engaged and thoughtful group of students and faculty. The level of interest in The Goldfinch Foundation after the presentation was incredibly encouraging and a powerful reminder of how much this work is needed. If your school is interested, please reach out to book a speaker for the fall—we would love to connect.
MBA Bake Sale
A special thank you goes to ambassadors Banks Pennington, Frazier Head, Ben Mantle, Owen Anderson, Charlie Willers, and Miller Reardon for leading the effort and helping make this fundraiser possible. Their leadership and energy are a great example of students coming together to support the cause.
MBA Trivia Night
Dr. Boyd did not make it easy, but two teams rose to the challenge. Congratulations to Schrodinger’s Cats (Science Faculty) and the Sherlock Homies (Students) on taking home Illumination tickets and GFF merch at MBA Trivia Night. A great night of competition and community. 🏆
We’re proud to showcase the creativity and talent of our student artists who will be featured in Illumination 2026. This collection highlights select submissions, along with the students’ own words about their work. Each piece reflects the unique perspectives and artistic voices of the young creators who help make this event so special.
