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Check Out Kristi Roberts’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristi Roberts

Hi Kristi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am the CEO and Founder of the Behind the Smiles Foundation.

My journey to establishing this foundation began in honor of my son, Darius Roberts, known in the music world as ‘Donny Marvo’ (featured in VoyageMIA as a music artist). Darius struggled with severe depression and, tragically, lost his battle in January 2023, dying by suicide. In his memory, the foundation was created to support young adults facing similar challenges. Our mission is to provide support and resources before their struggles escalate to a crisis point.

Additionally, the foundation offers two Gift of Therapy sponsorships each year for individuals aged 18-30. These sponsorships cover three free therapy sessions with a licensed therapist of their choice or from our network of verified clinicians. Applicants must meet specific requirements to qualify for the Gift of Therapy, which is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the personal challenges I faced in the early stages of building the foundation was learning how to process and cope with my own grief. For my healing and growth, I chose to attend group sessions for parents who have lost a child to suicide. Hearing the stories of other parents often brings me back to the day I lost my son, forcing me to relive that painful experience. However, sharing with others who have undergone similar experiences has been a crucial part of my healing process.

While I will always grieve the loss of my son, these conversations support me on my journey toward healing. At times, speaking about my story at events and engagements can be difficult, but I believe that being open about my experiences and the motivation behind establishing the foundation is essential for helping young adults and their families.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My background spans technology, fitness, and photography, but I am most widely known for my passion for fitness. Early in my fitness journey, I recognized that mental health is just as crucial as physical health—your body follows wherever your mind leads. In 2016, I became a part-time personal trainer, driven by a desire to help people not only look good but also feel good and become the healthiest versions of themselves.

In 2023, my focus on mental wellness deepened following the loss of my son, Darius, who struggled with severe depression. Despite his outward demeanor of smiling, joking, and dedication to his music, he suffered in silence.

In honor of Darius, I created the Behind the Smiles Foundation, which stands as one of my proudest achievements, alongside my children’s accomplishments. What sets us apart is our commitment to assisting young adults before they reach a crisis point. We aim to provide the resources and tools they need to connect with licensed therapists or counselors.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me are my children, my family, and my closest friends, as they have been instrumental in supporting me throughout this journey.

The well-being of others, whether through physical or mental wellness, is deeply important to me. I’ve found that compassion and empathy foster a supportive environment for those navigating their own challenges. The foundation is dedicated to promoting resources and developing programs to break the stigma surrounding the need for help.

To learn more about our cause or to make a donation, please visit our website. Your support will help us expand our outreach and enhance our ability to provide the Gift of Therapy.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Alexus Washington
Will Hinson

 

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