Speak your mind Team.
Mario Spano | Founder, Executive Director
Speak Your Mind began with one man’s struggle within isolation.
Mario followed the path he thought would bring fulfillment—pushing humself to succeed in personal and professional life—yet he felt hollow, disconnected, and without real support. His mental health spiraled to the point of suicidal thoughts. But in his darkest moments, he found a connection—to community, nature, and ultimately, himself.
Realizing he wasn’t the only man suffering in silence, he spoke openly about his struggles, and others showed up to help. What began as a deeply personal struggle has grown into a thriving community, offering support to ALL by creating safe space for others to Speak Up about their normal human struggles.
With multiple business degrees and several years experience in Corporate America and entrepreneurship, Mario utilized his greatest gifts to build a lasting organization that strives to elevate the mental well-being of millions long after he is gone. Speak Your Mind is a mental health movement that is gaining traction in Arizona and beyond, quickly becoming a prominent alternative mental health service for those who can’t afford or can’t muster up the courage to break through stigmas and seek the traditional counseling they may need.
No one should have to suffer alone.
Tanner Hanks | Board Member, Chief Marketing Officer
I’m joining Speak Your Mind because mental health has shaped both my life and my business journey.
In the early stages of building my business, I faced deep struggles with depression—days when I couldn’t get out of bed or connect with my family. At the time, I didn’t fully understand how much my mental health was holding me back. But through that darkness, I learned just how deeply mental well-being affects every part of our lives—our work, our relationships, and our overall sense of purpose.
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve gained is that mental health isn’t just something to be "fixed"—it’s an ongoing process woven into our daily choices, from how we care for our bodies and minds to the environments we create for ourselves. It’s about building resilience, developing tools for self-growth, and pushing through challenges without being defined by them.
As CMO and Board Member of Speak Your Mind, I’m honored to help make mental health more accessible, approachable, and openly discussed. By sharing our struggles and supporting one another, we can break the stigma and create spaces where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered. This cause is personal to me, and I’m committed to ensuring that no one feels like they have to go through it alone.
Alexander Mott | Board Member, Brand Ambassador
Hey! I'm Alex Mott and I'm stoked to be a part of this journey.
I have a degree in Construction Management with a focus on Sustainable Building Systems. I'm blessed to say my construction career has taken me to 3 different countries to work in disaster relief and affordable housing with Samaritan's Purse, Pacific Hope, and Habitat for Humanity. I'm currently a site superintendent for a home builder in Durham, NC "building" a family with my wife and two dogs.
I know well the stigmas around what society wants masculinity to look like, and I have pushed myself to align with those standards in the past. The pressures to adhere to expectations are at times crippling. But listening to someone say "Wear these clothes. Talk this way. Play these sports." isn’t the path to truth or happiness. The people I have always admired the most are those who grow up to become successful (whatever that means to them) yet never lose their childhood sense of wonder and authenticity. I hope to never lose that wonder and I hope to support other men doing the same through this organization.
Elizabeth Birch | Programs Director
Hi, I’m Elizabeth Birth, and I’m so grateful to be part of Speak Your Mind as the Programs Director!
Mental health has always been close to my heart, and I believe that no one should have to go through their struggles alone. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to creating safe spaces where people can connect, heal, and grow together. In Phoenix, I lead a women’s empowerment group, giving women a space to share openly, support one another, and build lasting connections.
I’m also the founder of the Peace of Mind 5K, an event that brings people together to raise awareness and support for mental health through movement and community. Whether it’s through running, conversation, or simply showing up for each other, I believe that small moments of connection can create powerful change.
As Programs Director, I’m excited to help grow our groups, events, and impact—ensuring that Speak Your Mind continues to be a place where everyone feels heard, supported, and valued. I can’t wait to connect with more of you and keep building this incredible community together!
Rachel Harding | Chief Mental Health Strategist
Hello, I'm Rachel Harding!
I hold an MS in Psychology and an MA in Early Childhood Education. I am a former preschool teacher and Assistant Director who is passionate about supporting the self-actualized development of children; which means supporting the healing of both dads and moms. As a second-year Clinical Psychology PhD student with an emphasis on Trauma and Pediatric Behavioral Health, I am a member of the M.A.D.R.E.S. lab which focuses on digital and equitable interventions for maternal mental health.
As part of my research role, I am collaborating on the development of an online intervention geared towards supporting fathers in the transition to their new role. As a student therapist, my clinical interests are in supporting parents in healing their past traumas so that they can fully step into their role as parents.
Personally, I am working towards a societal shift where men's vulnerability is valued as much as masculine toughness. I believe that emotional awareness and attunement in men is a sign of strength and that supporting men's mental health is crucial for the wellbeing of women, children, families, and society.
Marina Chislett | Website Designer
On September 2, 2018, I found myself doubled over with exhaustion on the false summit of Nevada’s Boundary Peak, battling altitude sickness. My friend was crying on the phone with her father. Though less than a mile from the summit, we still had 2,500 feet to climb and fading daylight. We had to turn back. As I began my descent, the realization hit me—I was walking on the moon. This was my first mountain. For years, I believed I wasn’t strong, fast, or athletic enough to belong in the outdoors. But my body had carried me here.
That moment shattered my self-limiting beliefs. As a BIPOC neurodivergent woman (OCD + BPD), I had struggled with imposter syndrome and self-doubt, often mistaking my sensitivity for weakness. But mountaineering demands immense physical and mental strength. That failed attempt became a powerful lesson. I now use that visualization in hypnotherapy and somatic practices. Since then, I’ve summited Boundary Peak, broken a world record in Switzerland on the largest all-women’s roped team to summit a 4,000-meter peak, and founded an underrepresented climbers’ club. As a mental health advocate, I help others challenge their self-doubt and embrace radical self-love.
Join Our Team!
We are growing quickly and lifting our team members up along the way. If you’re seeking a supportive organization with a meaningful mission to improve mental health, Please contact us and tell us why you’re passionate about mental health!
Our ideal candidate is a passionate, coachable, and dependable individual with a deep connection to mental health, a balance of practical and emotional intelligence, a love for nature, movement, and community building, and the ability to commit at least five volunteer hours per week—with a desire to grow WITH our organization.
We are Currently Looking for:
Entrepreneurial Co-Founders
Business Development Specialist
Fundraising Coordinator
Marketing/Social Media Manager
Administrative Volunteers
Outdoor Empowerment Group Leaders
If any of these interest you, contact us and share why you’re passionate about mental health and Speak Your Mind!