The show must go on.

We tossed and handed out hundreds of beads

It was a rainy, cold morning on February 27 and the thought of walking in a parade was challenging. However it’s Mardi Gras and it must continue. So we gathered our Krewe de Pride and proceeded to walk through the South Slope for Asheville’s Mardi Gras Celebration. WOW- we had so much fun. We had some wonderful support including a couple of ladies from ‘Free Mom Hugs’ who showed so much compassion. We tossed and handed out hundreds of beads and shared our vision for an inclusive community. Throughout the parade we heard so many ‘thank yous’ and ‘keep up the good work’ comments. Each one made us proud!

Thank you to the Asheville Mardi Gras organization, the City of Asheville and the many citizens and tourist along the parade route for your beauty. Together you helped show what a welcoming and diverse community we are in Asheville.

For more information about Blue Ridge Pride, to get involved or engaged please visit us at www.blueridgepride.org

Cheers!

Mental Health Providers

Eric Davis MS, LCPA, NCC, Counselor

Willow Wellness and Recovery, PC 9 All Souls Crescent Suite B, Asheville, North Carolina 28803 Phone: (828) 490-4137 | Website I am a firm believer in empowerment and self-determination. In the past, I have worked well with folks experiencing a range of issues, such as anxiety, depression, substance-use, sleep disturbances, relationship issues, and issues unique to the LGBT community.

Scott Thomas, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCAS

Silver Lining Therapy 70 Woodfin Place STE 21, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 Phone: (828) 705-3084 | Website I believe humor can be a powerful tool for healing and seek to incorporate this into our time together. Unique to my practice is an approach that truly puts you at the center of the counseling experience, and I draw from a wide variety of techniques to help you see and experience real change in your life. To see if therapy might be a good fit, I offer free phone consultations.

James Harrison, PhD Psychologist

12 Westridge Dr , Asheville, North Carolina 28803 Phone: (828) 348-6300 | Website I enjoy helping people achieve physical and emotional intimacy whether they are young or old, straight or gay, in healthy, responsible, and mutually affirming ways. I also enjoy helping people improve their earning and manage their assets. And I like working with older people. I offer free phone consultations.

Judy Maris, Counselor, LPC, LCPC, MA, MS

Maris Psychotherapy 41 Clayton St, Suite 301, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 Phone: (828) 537-4489 | Website We can explore troublesome patterns that tend to repeat themselves in your life or look at new issues that have just come up. The important thing is for us to work together to get to the bottom of your difficulties and resolve them. I will assist you in becoming more aware of what you are feeling and thinking in the present moment. The untapped wisdom within you is a powerful healing force. Let me help you gain access to your full inner resources. I offer free phone consultations.

Elizabeth Heaney, Counselor, MA, LPC

166 E Chestnut Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801 Phone: (520) 447-3319 | Website I work with individual adults with concerns like: family history issues, relationship concerns, life satisfaction issues (related to jobs, living situations or relationships), anxiety and depression. I’ve had a particular focus on working with couples, addressing every aspect of relationship challenges – relationship dissatisfaction/boredom, affairs, sexual/intimacy issues, etc. And I was a civilian counselor on military bases for several years, so I have a clear understanding of the unique pressures and challenges facing service members and families. I offer free phone consultations.

Siljoy Maurer

Holistic Perspectives P.O. Box 333, Enka, NC 2872 Phone: (828) 333-0103 | siljoy@me.com or www.HolisticPerspectives.com For many years now I have been mentoring men and women from all walks of life. It continues to be my greatest joy to accompany someone from “just being ok” into thriving! As a Mentor & Healer I partner with my clients in creating authenticity, wellness and deep contentment, in whatever area of their lives they are seeking change. The combination of giving very practical, livable tools for direct “next steps” while “holding the big picture” and then manifesting that big picture often feels like this: a new client brings me their life or life situation in a jigsaw puzzle box, they lost the lid and forgot what the picture on it looked like. I am good at knowing that picture and then guiding my clients/mentees to put all the puzzle pieces together.