
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ®
Theta Zeta Omega Chapter
Serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast Since 1965

Real Talk:
Mental Health & Me
Panelists



Dr. Tina Y. Bruce
Robin Thornton
Dr. Carmen Walters
Dr. Tina Y. Bruce
A Natchez, Mississippi native, Dr. Bruce graduated from Natchez High School (1991). She holds a Bachelor’s in Biology and a Master of Secondary Education in Guidance and Workforce Education Leadership from Alcorn State University, plus a Doctor of Professional Counseling from Mississippi College (2015). For 12 years, she counseled students across all Natchez Adams County School District grades. She owns Bruce Professional Counseling Services, LLC, serving Louisiana and Mississippi, helping students and families meet graduation requirements. The practice uses an integrative therapeutic approach, committed to quality mental health services, dignity, respect, and ethical care. Dr. Bruce provides students with tools to reach their potential and rebuild disconnected family relationships. Her motto: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up."
Robin Thornton
Robin Thornton is a licensed school counselor with over ten years of experience in mental health. Originally from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Mississippi University for Women and a Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Phoenix. Thornton currently works as a Positive Behavior Specialist at PHS, supporting youth and families in achieving academic, social, and emotional success.
Dr. Carmen Walters
Dr. Walters, a retired higher education professional with over 30 years’ experience, started in K-12 and advanced to College President and CEO. Her skills include curriculum development, fundraising, enrollment management, and strategic planning. A visionary leader, she guided institutions through Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, and the COVID pandemic. As President of Tougaloo College, she executed a strategic plan that raised over $25 million, improved facilities, elevated the college’s HBCU ranking, and enhanced its national profile. She serves on multiple boards and has earned numerous awards. A member of The Links, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she led fundraising efforts exceeding $30,000. She now runs C.J. Walters and Associates, offering workshops on leadership, strategic planning, and higher education issues. A Harvey, Louisiana native, she holds a Ph.D. from Mississippi State University, a Master’s from Xavier University of Louisiana, and a Bachelor’s from Southern University in New Orleans.
Real Talk:
Mental Health & Me
Program
Welcome
Aaliyah Steward
Mediation
Lauren Christian and Destiny Robinson
Occasion
Railee Jones, Amaya Jenkins, and Bianca Jackson
Introduction of Panelists
Mrs. Angela Campbell & Mrs. Myesha Minor, Event Chairmen
Panelists
Dr. Tina Bruce, Ms. Robin Thornton, and Dr. Carmen Walters
“Real Talk”
Questions and Answers
Door Prizes
Mrs. Yolonda Jenkins & Phyllis Watson, YLI Chairmen
Presentation of Recognition
Mrs. Carolyn Jones, First Vice President
Dr. Vikki Huggins, Second Vice President
Closing Remarks
Dr. Bridgette Parks,
Theta Zeta Omega, Chapter President