Taunie Blackburn
I am from South Jordan, Utah and I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love playing the piano, reading, and doing things outdoors. Right now, I am studying Accounting at Brigham Young University-Idaho. Before coming to Rexburg for school, I served a full-time mission for the Church in Bakersfield California where I taught others about the hope that Christ has to offer to all. In the spring of 2017, I married Conner, that cute guy in the picture with me. I have seen first-hand how mental illness can affect someone and especially, how it affects their family. I believe that the content of this website is helpful because there is no greater resource of strength and comfort in our trials than the Savior Jesus Christ. I have found hope in difficult times myself as I have turned to Christ and relied on my faith in His plan.
Sariah Bosted
My name is Sariah Bosted. I'm 18 years old and a Freshman at BYU-I. I am the oldest of 5 kids and I am the oldest grandchild on both sides of my family. I'm from Washington State and have lived in Washington for most of my life. I have suffered from depression and anxiety knowingly since I was 12 years old. One of the things that helped me get through was my faith. Having Heavenly Father be in my corner while I was going through this hard time truly helped me grow as a person.
Isaac Malmstrom
My name is Isaac Malmstrom. I am 23 years old and attend Brigham Young University-Idaho. I am the second youngest of 5 kids and and engaged to be married to the best girl ever, despite what many other guys may claim about their fiancee or wife. I have had moments throughout my life that have lead me to experience mental health issues to a degree or another and I've certainly had it affect others that are close to me in my life. The best thing I can think of that has helped through those times has been God and Jesus Christ. Because they've been able to shed light during those times that show that life isn't as narrow or limited as those moments. There is so much more to it and that we just need to hold on.
Derek Nelson
I am 25 years old and I am attending Brigham Young University Idaho (BYU-I) majoring in Public Administration. I have had many opportunities to travel in my life. I have seen the Statue of Liberty, walked the royal mile in Edinburgh Scotland, seen the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and lead tours in Ketchikan Alaska. But home for me will always be Brigham City, Utah where I was raised with my three brothers by my mother and father. Growing up one member of my immediate family member had diabetes and as I grew older, I saw first-hand how hard is was to control and manage. As I have lived with this person, I have come to see that what illness a person has does not define them, instead it is just one small piece of who they are.
Deanna Bodine
I am Deanna Bodine and I am 18 years old. I am a Freshman at Brigham Young University-Idaho and I am majoring in Psychology. I am from Yuma, Arizona and I am the youngest in my family.