Quarterly Report Volume 2 - Flipbook - Page 4
Mental Health is Health
Born in Phoenix, Weslyne Snipes lived in various places due to military service before settling in Macon. A mom
of three, Weslyne served as a paraprofessional in the Bibb County school system for 12 years before developing
a psychotic disorder.
When Weslyne developed a mental illness, she initially sought treatment in Atlanta before selecting River Edge
as her treatment and supports provider. In addition to receiving nursing and psychiatric care from River Edge,
day services and supported employment were important contributors to her - now several years of - continuous
recovery.
For example, River Edge supported employment services helped Weslyne secure a role to provide community
inclusion supports to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) through that service line at
River Edge. Weslyne served faithfully in I/DD for three years before transitioning to the InTUNE program in
January 2022.
InTUNE, In Treatment Understanding Needs and Emotions, is an evidence, team and community-based early
intervention for young adults who have experienced their first episode of psychosis within the previous 24
months. Working as a part of the InTUNE team, Weslyne serves as living proof that having a mental health
diagnosis does not have to limit the future; that lived experience can be an asset! Weslyne serves as evidence
that recovery is real and possible for anyone, no matter their health diagnosis.
Weslyne calls people in mental health recovery “walking miracles” and says helping people stabilize their mental
health is what motivates her. She said, “If you don’t have your mental health in order, it takes a while to get
stabilized. It’s so important to remember that there is life after a mental health diagnosis. You can have a normal
life. You can have a job, friends. You just have to take care of yourself and be around people that are positive.”
Weslyne’s wellness tips:
1. Make sure you take your medicine
2. See the doctor regularly
3. Take care of your whole health, not only your physical, but your mental health too
Weslyne offers this encouragement for people who love a person with a mental health challenge, “Talk to them.
Don’t just assume. See what kind of help they need. If they need mental health treatment and support, come in to
River Edge.” She continued with urgency in her voice, “Never give up on getting someone help. If someone you
love is struggling, be there to help them like my daughter was for me.”
Weslyne sees her future as very bright! She awaits her certified peer
specialist exam scores, and she wants to learn anything she can to
expand her skills and knowledge. Weslyne hopes to some day
become a supervisor and be promoted within River Edge. In the
interim, she’ll continue contributing to the team and loving on her
soon-to-be five grand children!
Weslyne Snipes: a walking miracle. Weslyne, we celebrate you as
living, breathing evidence that recovery is real, possible, and
transformative to a happy, meaningful, contributing life!
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