Thriving in the Darkness

Convergence 27

August 8 – 11, 2025

Room B (Silverplume) | Saturday | 11:15 am – 12:15 pm

Darkness can be a sanctuary and sometimes a struggle. This panel will offer a range of perspectives from within the scene to explore how we care for our minds and each other in a world that can often be challenging or even hostile. Join us for an honest, supportive conversation on depression, anxiety, identity, creativity, and the strength we find in community.

Panelists

Jennifer Bourdeon

Jennifer Bourdeon brings a strong foundation in the biological sciences to her clinical practice, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nervous system and neurological development. With over 15 years of experience in yoga and meditation as both a practitioner and instructor, she integrates mindfulness and somatic methodologies into her counseling work. Her professional background includes extensive work in the non-profit sector, where she has applied trust-based relational approaches to support individuals from traumatic backgrounds, improve parenting skills, and strengthen family connections.

Since earning her MA in Clinical Mental Health, Jennifer has continued to deepen her expertise through ongoing training and education. She is passionate about learning and growth—both personally and professionally.

Currently, Jennifer works with individuals, couples, and families to address issues such as anxiety, attachment and behavioral issues, boundary setting, body dysmorphia, communication difficulties, depression, self-esteem, self-harm, suicide ideation, trauma and grief, and loss. In her work together, she focuses on five areas of life in which these issues primarily present: emotional, intellectual, social, physical, and spiritual.

Outside the counseling space, Jennifer stays active through running, kickboxing, and soccer. She’s a proud mom of three not-so-small humans and cherishes time spent with them. Whether traversing forest trails, climbing mountain peaks, soaking in hot springs, or plunging into cold rivers, she feels most alive in nature. Closer to home, she enjoys live music and exploring a wide range of Latin dance styles with friends.

Shāna Boutté

Ambassador Shāna Boutté is an award-winning public speaker, author, and licensed coach with over 25 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities. Diagnosed with more than 13 disabilities herself—including autism—Shāna brings lived experience to her work as a mindful-based mental health expert and certified human rights advocate.

Her academic journey includes a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Naropa University and a BA in Humanities from the University of Houston Clear Lake. She is a Cornell-certified ADA instructor, a former Certified Autism Specialist, a Reiki Master, a licensed life and weight loss coach, and an ordained deacon. Her wide-ranging credentials also include certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, human research protections, and media makeup artistry.

Shāna has been speaking publicly since age 17 and has presented at national and international conferences, including for the United Nations. Her honors include the Nova Award from the UN, multiple Presidential Humanitarian Awards, and a place in Marquis Who’s Who. In 2025, she was named Mental Health Professional of the Year by the Top 100 Registry.

Despite being told she would never finish high school, Shāna defied expectations, ultimately earning her graduate degree with a 3.9 GPA and speaking at her cohort’s commencement. Her life’s work continues through her role as a UN Ambassador of Peace and Humanity, where she advocates for disability rights, trauma-informed care, and inclusive education.