For many years, Christy Brooks dealt with depression, self harm, and self hatred, but after getting the right support she was able to find health and overcome her own obstacles. This gave Christy a passion for equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in life and to empower adults working in the trenches with young people.
A Nashville native, Christy spent several years in Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and the UK working with disadvantaged young people. She then went on to be ordained through the Vineyard church, pastoring at an emergent church serving a community of college students, artists, and musicians. It was here she realized how ill-equipped communities are to meet the needs of those struggling with mental health and their own self worth.
So, with more than 10 years in youth work, and 15 in non-profit leadership roles, Christy founded and became the Executive Director of LIVEmpowered. LIVEmpowered seeks to empower young people to make positive choices and equip communities to meet the needs of young people. They do this through the Meant to Be curriculum - helping young people to understand their self worth, and training focused on addressing the struggles facing young people, particularly in the area of mental health. At the heart of their work is the message that every person is loved, valued, and empowered to make positive choices and achieve their dreams and goals. Through this work Christy has trained and resourced hundreds of people on subjects such as suicide prevention, depression, and self harm.
Christy's perfect day is spending time outside with her daughter, Ali, reading, swimming, or playing soccer.