UShine exists to spark a passion for proactive mental health, promote compassion for others, and build hope for a mentally thriving world.

96% of Gen
Z and Millennials report experiencing anxiety in their daily lives.

In 2021, 42% of high school students felt persistently sad or hopeless in the past year and 22% seriously considered suicide.

In fact, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for teens in the United States, and was recently elevated to the leading cause of death for 13/14 year olds.

Over 100,000 Oklahomans need mental health treatment, and two-thirds cannot access the treatment they need.

Teenagers today confront a multitude of challenges, ranging from academic stress, peer pressure, and the ever-growing influence of social media. These factors, combined with the natural uncertainties of adolescence, can contribute to mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Just as we celebrate our young people’s successes and witness their triumphs, we must also acknowledge the unseen struggles that many teens endure.

UShine envisions a world where mental health is not whispered in hushed tones but spoken about openly, without judgment. A world where the stigma surrounding mental health is replaced with empathy, understanding, and support.

Our Four Pillars

  • Spark Passion

    Using engaging stories and conversations, as well as a curriculum created specifically by U!Shine, we help individuals, organizations, and communities share the excitement about improving their mental health and helping others do the same.

  • Promote Compassion

    U!Shine strives to bridge the gap between those who struggle with mental illness and those who don’t by educating communities on the harmful nature of stigmas and how to compassionately support others impacted by mental illness.

  • Proactive Focus

    We educate individuals and communities on the early signs and symptoms of common mental illness. We create open and accepting spaces for small groups to have important conversations such as the advantages of proactive vs. reactive mental health.

  • Build Hope

    We encourage individuals and communities to take ownership of their mental health while giving them tools to improve it. We share stories of recovery, those living full lives despite a diagnosis, and we create opportunities for people to connect and find support, encouragement, and hope.

The History of UShine

There are many mental health awareness programs, but few that teach people HOW to be mentally and emotionally healthy. In 2016, we worked with a team of counselors, psychologists, personal trainers, nutritionists, relationship experts, higher education professionals, and community leaders to look at the problem and develop a solution. We learned that it doesn’t matter if you’re 7 or 70; there are specific things everyone should do to keep themselves emotionally strong.

Together, we built the Healthy Habits program, a life-changing and life-saving curriculum for high schools, colleges, the workplace, and communities. Through our Healthy Habits small group and individual workbooks, we provide practical, evidence-based tools for building and maintaining strong mental health.

The Passionate People of UShine

Tabitha Narvaiz, Executive Director

Tabitha is an ISFJ, an assertive defender, to her core. She’s worked for Oklahomans as a Congressional staffer, lobbied for the military and transportation industries, worked to better the lives of our service members, veterans, and their families as a government contractor, and helped provide basic necessities to those in need as a nonprofit leader.

Her passion for service extends into her personal life. She serves as a board member for the Junior League of Oklahoma City and is a graduate of the South Oklahoma City Chamber’s TEAM South and the Moore Chamber’s Leadership Moore. 

Jenn Winton, Founder

As someone who has dealt with anxiety and depression throughout her life, Jennifer personally knows the darkness that can come from mental illness. On the bright side, she also knows the hope and healing that can come through a holistic approach to mental health. This was the start of U!Shine. She loves sharing her story of hope with others and is passionate about teaching university students and young adults about their potential for becoming more mentally resilient. She also loves helping break the unfortunate stigmas that often come with mental illness, by sharing stories of the many beautiful, creative, and successful people who live full and amazing lives despite a diagnosis of mental illness. 

Meet the Team

  • Will Blanchard, PhD

    U!Shine Board President, President of Oklahoma Christian Academy

  • Katy Qualls Fay, MS, CHES

    U!Shine Board Vice President, Coordinator at Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline

  • Laine Wallace

    U!Shine Board Secretary, Masters of Education in School Counseling

  • Jamie Marlen

    UShine Board Treasurer, Commerical Banker at CrossFirst Bank

  • Bobby Kern, PhD

    Chair & Associate Professor, Family Science & Psychology at Oklahoma Christian University

  • Whitney Randall

    Senior VP of Citizens Banks of Edmond

  • Karlie Scharrer

    Nutritional Therapy Practitioner

  • Meredith Schneberger

    Measurement Manager at Devon Energy

  • Grace Simpson

    Special Events Coordinator at Special Olympics Oklahoma

  • Jenn Winton

    Ex Officio, Art Gallery Manager at Red Earth