TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay Thrives President & CEO Carrie Zeisse was recently recognized as a Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero.

What You Need To Know

  • Tampa Bay Thrives President & CEO Carrie Zeisse recognized as Lightning Community Hero

  • She received $50,000 donation and will use it to help improve the mental health of students

  • Tampa Bay Thrives focuses on mental health programs, education, research and advocacy

  • Organization strives to improve access to care and reduce stigma

Zeisse is using the $50,000 donation she received for the honor to support programs to improve students’ mental health.

Zeisse says helping kids manage their mental health earlier is essential.

Tampa Bay Thrives focuses on mental health programs, education, research and advocacy. A recent project includes creating a wellness room for students. The space at Sligh Middle School is called the Zen Den and is set up in different zones to offer a variety of support.

“Sometimes they’ll have art therapy, sometimes there will be a yoga class here, we have someone who is going to be giving some one-on-one support for people, you could get connected to a therapy session,” said Zeisse.

Zeisse says it’s a community effort, with partners including Florida Blue, The Bullard Family Foundation and area school administrations.

“Coming together to tell these kids that they’re OK, that they have tools and they’re going to be guided to whatever resources they need, so hopefully they can perform at their best and have a great day,” said Zeisse.

She’s currently working with administrators at Brandon High School to create a Zen Den there. Zeisse spent time capturing photos of the space and will collect information from students that will help when she consults with designers to create a space specifically for BHS Eagles to escape.

Principal Dr. Jeremy Klein looks forward to adding the safe space to student services.

“We can really focus on their heart, their mind, whether it be through individual opportunity therapy, whether it be through group therapy, whether it be through just kids coming in here to relax,” said Klein.

A community coming together to give kids space and support.

“When we meet with kids and you can see their faces light up, and when they feel empowered and they know that they have all the tools that they need to handle their mental health day to day, it’s truly an amazing experience,” said Zeisse. “Nothing feels better.”

Tampa Bay Thrives also supports the Let’s Talk Hotline: 844-YOU-OKAY and various other programs.