Mental Health Era
Reputation Reset:
Entering the Mental Health Era
February 23, 2024
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Biloxi
Doors open at 7:30AM for breakfast | Event begins at 9AM
About the Event
Join Singing River Health System as we engage in open, honest conversation about mental health and its effects on all of us.
We are breaking barriers, removing stigmas, and resetting the reputation of mental health as a topic that should be discussed, addressed, and prioritized in our community and elsewhere.
Panelists include physicians, mental health professionals, and individuals with moving lived experiences to share, along with keynote speaker Emma Benoit, a Louisiana local with an inspirational story of triumph over tragedy following a suicide attempt.
Panel Topics
Crisis Management
Grief
Preventive Care
Anxiety and Depression
Societal Pressures
Doors open at 7:30am for breakfast and mingling, with panel discussions beginning at 9am, and concluding with time for attendees to meet with and talk to panelists.
We are entering our Mental Health Era and can’t wait to have you join us as we ignite conversations and pave the way for meaningful change in mental health in our community.
Engaging, Open & Honest Panel Discussions • Inspirational Keynote Speaker • Breakfast • Special Gifts • Mental Health Conversations • Resource Sharing • Networking
It’s time to break the barriers, ignite conversations, and pave the way for meaningful change in mental health in our community.
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Panelists
Our event’s panel discussion features a diverse group of healthcare professionals, each with their own unique clinical experience and insight into mental health topics that affect people of all ages on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Nufal
Pediatrician
Affectionately referred to as “Dr. MJ” by his patients and colleagues, Dr. Al-Nufal is a caring and compassionate pediatrician at Singing River Pediatrics.
Dr. Al-Nufal has born witness to the increase in demand for mental health services, especially for the younger generation, and he takes pride in passionately advocating for the needs of people in need of mental health services.
Dr. Al-Nufal’s true passion is in pediatrics because he “believe[s] that building a healthy community begins by building healthier children.”
When he is not going out of his way to provide quality care to the kids in his clinic or making rounds in the hospital, Dr. Al-Nufal enjoys sculpting, sports, and powerlifting.
Dr. Audrey Murphy
Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Dr. Murphy is a highly skilled OB/GYN providing the latest in women’s healthcare at Gulf Coast OB/GYN’s Pascagoula and Ocean Springs offices.
A graduate of University of South Alabama, Dr. Murphy is passionate about women’s health and forming lasting relationships with her patients.
As an OB/GYN, Dr. Murphy encounters many patients struggling with mental health conditions. These conditions are often heightened in pregnancy or postpartum, when it can be even more difficult to have adequate access to care during this time.
Dr. Murphy also notes that mental health conditions can also often be seen with patients during menopause. Her approach to treatment is an individualized approach to finding out what works best for the individual patient.
“It is important to advocate for and support patients suffering from any mental health condition.”
In her free time, Dr. Murphy enjoys traveling with her husband and neighborhood walks with her dog Charlie as well as biking, reading, cooking, and gardening.
Dr. Jasmine Padgett
Internal Medicine Specialist & Pediatrician
Dr. Padgett is a devoted Internal Medicine and Pediatric Physician with specialized training in diverse patient populations.
With expertise honed at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, she’s equipped to handle various acute and chronic illnesses for patients of all ages who she sees at Singing River Medical Clinic – Ocean Springs and Singing River Pediatrics.
While in medical school and during her residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Dr. Padgett regularly volunteered at the Jackson Free Clinic (JFC).
Her work and leadership were recognized with a Dr. Joyce Olutade Student Clinician Award, given to medical students who demonstrate commitment to helping the uninsured by leading a team at the JFC.
“Our physical wellbeing is linked to our mental health. I am passionate about mental health because I understand that improperly managed illnesses such as anxiety and depression may cause people to seek unhealthy ways to self-medicate and also increases your cardiovascular risk through time.”
A former student athlete, Dr. Padgett was captain of her D1 tennis team at Alabama A&M and voted Most Valuable Player.
Ashley Pearson
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Ashley Pearson, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Seaside Psychotherapy, brings 22 years’ experience in clinical social work to her patients.
Ashley graduated first in her class from Tulane University New Orleans and loves working with a variety of populations.
“I joke that I specialize in keeping it real. I use motivational interviewing to meet a client where they are and to develop a thorough treatment plan with tangible and attainable goals.
I have a great sense of humor with a background in stand-up and improv comedy. I appreciate a client that values similar things and is willing to be completely honest. We can tackle your issues together!”
Ashley specializes in addictive, mood, and co-occurring disorders, and has experience in inpatient, outpatient, group, family, couples, and individual counseling (adolescents to geriatrics).
Recent areas of clinical interest and skill include bariatric issues and pre/post weight loss surgery counseling.
She resides in Ocean Springs with her husband Bill and children Liam, age 9, and Charlie, age 7.
Dr. Roger Ridgeway
Psychiatrist
Dr. Ridgeway is a Psychiatrist and the Director of Outpatient Behavioral Health for Singing River Health System.
He has devoted his career to providing mental and behavioral health services to patients on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
A graduate of St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine in Grand Cayman, he completed his residency at UAB Medical Center in Birmingham, AL and is board certified in psychiatry.
Devoted to helping his patients through their mental health struggles, Dr. Ridgeway states, “I believe it’s most important to empower people to tell their story and validate their challenges through active listening. We must meet them where they are and despite their struggles, instill in them hope.”
Dr. Ridgeway enjoys golfing and travel in his spare time.
Heather Rowley
Hospital Administrator
Registered Nurse
Heather Rowley currently serves as the Hospital Administrator for Singing River Gulfport & Executive Director of Support Services and has been a dynamic leader in hospitals for 20+ years.
From the very beginning of her nursing career, Heather’s drive has been process improvement that benefits patient outcomes and streamlines the work of the bedside caregiver.
She has a passion for helping other people achieve their goals and is successful at building high functioning teams. She believes that leaders are not bosses; they are teammates that are your biggest cheerleader.
Heather started her career with an Associate of Science in Nursing followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
She has bedside and leadership experience in various hospital settings, including medical-surgical, labor and delivery, surgical services, nursing administration, risk management, and education.
Heather’s community involvement includes serving on various boards, including Goodwill Industries of South Mississippi, Rotary Club of Orange Grove, and Gulf Coast Heart Walk.
Heather currently lives on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Her biggest role outside of work is mother to her children and her cats. She enjoys thrift and antique shopping, volleyball, crafting and DIY, and traveling to places that tourists do not frequent.
Angel Myers McIlrath
Emcee
19th Circuit Court District Attorney
Born and raised in Jackson County, Angel Myers McIlrath has devoted her life to the citizens of her beloved community.
She has been practicing law since 2004, serving as Assistant District Attorney for Jackson, George, and Greene counties from 2006-2019, when Governor Phil Bryant appointed her to fulfill the unexpired term of Tony Lawrence.
She has since become the first female elected to serve as District Attorney of the 19th Circuit Court District and is serving in her second term.
Angel has a passion for bettering her community and is a life member of Biloxi-Ocean Springs Junior Auxiliary, Jackson County Republican Women, and serves in various capacities for both the Mississippi Bar and the Mississippi Prosecutor’s Association.
Angel has spent her career fighting for and protecting children. When her own 7-year-old daughter, Sophia Ann Myers, was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a terminal brain cancer, Angel fought for Sophia in her life and continues to fight for Sophia after her death.
Angel founded the SoSo Strong Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation to honor Sophia’s life, to support other pediatric brain cancer families, and to find a cure for this devastating disease.
Keynote Speaker
Emma Benoit
Emma Benoit is an inspiring motivational speaker who triumphed over her suicide attempt in 2017. Her miraculous story and message of hope inspire audiences across the country. Following the program, attendees will have the opportunity to engage one-on-one with Emma and the panelists.
Sponsors
Thank you to the following sponsors and media partners for their support of mental health in our community.
Judge Neil Harris
Media Partners
