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At GXC, we’re not just honoring healthcare workers…
…we’re celebrating them in a big way.
This year, we’re turning the spotlight on expressive arts experts who use their talents to bring therapeutic relief to their communities. Through movement, spoken word, sound, and visual arts, these dynamic performers are breaking barriers in mental health and social care. Their performance is more than a tribute; it’s a powerful reminder of the transformative power of creative expression in healing and well-being.
Written and composed by:
Joseph Green & Brendan Berry
Guest Performers:
JC Hall, Rob La Ray, Emma Geisdorf, Sarah Jones, Arkeshia Hall, and Carolann Valentino
This is an original composition paired with spoken word, dance, and harmony. The visual arts collage is created by Jeff Reilly.
Created as a heartfelt tribute to those who dedicate their lives to serving others; whether you’re a presenter, performer, or attendee, For the Choir is a collective “thank you” to all who make a difference in the lives of others.
A seasoned storyteller and educator, Joseph is the co-founder of For Our Fathers. With over 20 years in substance abuse recovery and mental health education, he has led over 5,000 workshops and keynotes for organizations like the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the White House ONDCP. Joseph also brings his passion for recovery advocacy to the stage, blending his expertise with heartfelt storytelling.
GRAMMY-winning composer and music therapist, Brendan has worked on critically acclaimed documentaries like The Anonymous People, Generation Found, and Tipping the Pain Scale. With a Master’s in Music Therapy, Brendan serves clients in the mental health and addiction fields, while continuing to compose and produce powerful music that resonates with both the artistic and therapeutic communities.
LCSW, EXAT, and Hip Hop artist, JC founded the Hip Hop Therapy Studio in the South Bronx, where he uses music as a therapeutic outlet for trauma and grief. His work has earned national recognition, including the Jefferson Award for Public Service. As both a performer and therapist, JC’s innovative approach integrates Hip Hop and healing.
Singer-songwriter and social worker, Rob’s unique sound combines his love for black culture and his North Carolina roots. As a social worker with MusiCares and an Artist in Residence, Rob blends his passion for music and service, using both to inspire peace, love, and joy. His sophomore album is set for release in 2024.
CEO of Trebled Clef LLC and clinical social worker, Arkeshia has spent 12 years serving disabled and geriatric populations. Now working in hospice care, she uses her soulful voice to bring comfort to those in need. Arkeshia’s versatile performances span Gospel to R&B, and she shares her music across Central Florida with her Trebled Clef Band.
A versatile vocalist and performer, Sarah has performed at various local venues and opened the 2024 Orlando Music Fest. With formal training in Music Theory and Vocal Performance, Sarah serves as a worship leader and licensed Zumba instructor. Her performances are infused with energy and a deep connection to her faith and community.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Dance/Movement Therapist, Emma uses creative movement, art-making, and music as therapeutic tools. She has performed at prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center and MoMA. With expertise in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Emma brings a dynamic blend of therapy and artistic expression to her practice.
A dynamic speaker and 15-time award-winning entertainer, Carolann combines humor, intuition, and empowerment. As a Positive Psychology Practitioner, she inspires audiences worldwide through performances that blend entertainment with self-empowerment. Her transformative approach to mental health has reshaped how individuals and organizations embrace resilience and personal growth.
Jeff Reilly is an Emmy Award-winning editor, producer, and director with over 20 years of experience. He earned Emmys for his work on ESPN’s ALI RAP and Rand University. Jeff has worked on major projects like HBO’s McEnroe/Borg: Fire & Ice and collaborated with Spike Lee on Baltimore Boys. As a key creative at High Watch Media, he focuses on impactful storytelling, including his latest film, Tipping the Pain Scale, released in 2022.
Thank you to The Creative High and the artists that appear in the visual multi media supporting this performance.
Thank you to Greg Williams and Jeff Reilly of High Watch Media.
Rick Barranco, and the tech team at Beyond Marketing and Events for their invaluable support in making this performance possible.
Be sure to check out the GXC agenda for more sessions focused on expressive therapy and creative healing modalities.
In anticipation for our honorary guest Michael J Fox we are pleased to announce that attendees will experience our 2024 exclusive song Illuminate Your World
Illuminate Your World is a stirring anthem of hope and resilience, telling the intertwined stories of someone struggling with substance misuse and their carer and support system. So many people can feel trapped in darkness and find only fleeting relief through substance misuse. However, their journey to recovery begins when they meet a compassionate counselor who becomes a beacon of light, guiding them towards healing.
Through daily battles, the individual finds strength in the counsellor’s unwavering support, while the counsellor faces their own struggles and needs support too. Their connection deepens as they share strength and inspire each other. The powerful chorus calls everyone to rise above their struggles and ‘illuminate their world’.
This song celebrates unity, resilience, and the courage to face darkness. It is a call to embrace the light and let your soul defy the shadows.
Rick Barranco is an ASCAP-published composer and award-winning producer with nearly four decades of experience. For 30 years, he was at the heart of Creative Entertainment at the Walt Disney Company, producing high-profile events, grand openings, conventions, and concerts worldwide.
Rick’s work is celebrated for its innovation and impact. He also produces electronic music under the RBM moniker, and his music is available on global platforms like iTunes, Amazon, and Google.
Rick currently serves as Vice President and Executive Producer for Beyond Marketing and Events, based in Orlando, Florida.
Cesar De La Rosa is a multidisciplinary artist and producer, with an impressive resume that includes American Idol and X-Factor contestant, and runner-up on NBC/Telemundo’s “Yo Soy El Artista.”
Cesar is also a local storyteller and performer, both as a member of the award-winning a cappella group “Voiceplay,” a vocalist in the band Element, and as a soloist with Hawkmoon Creative.
Photo: Cesar
Courtesy of: Laura de Kwant Photography
Lyrics:
Addicted to my demons, I can’t let ’em go,
Every hit takes me higher, don’t you know
In this darkness, I was sinking, feeling low,
But I’ve found a light that always glows.
Wake up in the morning ready to fight,
Shake off the demons, embrace the light
Every day’s a battle, but I won’t let go,
It’s my world, now I’m in control!
Chorus:
Illuminate your world, let your spirit shine,
No matter what you’ve been through, it’s your time.
Leave the shadows behind, reach for the sky,
Illuminate your world, let your soul defy!
In the face of fear, I will stand tall,
With you by my side, I’ll conquer all.
No more chains to bind me, finally free,
You showed me the way so that I can see!
Illuminate your world, let your soul defy!
Step into the moment, feel the magic flow,
No more hesitation, let your courage grow!
Helping through the darkness, hearts beat as one,
We all share the struggle, we’ve just begun.
In this endless journey, we will find our way,
As the nights turn into the day!
Illuminate your world, let your spirit shine,
No matter what you’ve been through, it’s your time.
Leave the shadows behind, reach for the sky,
Illuminate your world, let your soul defy!
The GXC Conference is an international non-profit organization dedicated to curating conference experiences for professionals who want to elevate their knowledge regarding therapeutic practices, treatment models, and the latest mental health, addiction, and wellness innovations.