Toni Keniston created Flourish, a neuro-affirming mental health peer-support program in partnership with Grand Rapids Community College’s Center for Counseling and Well-Being and the Center for High-Impact Experiences. Her path to higher education began at age 36, following years of building life skills and developing a clearer sense of self.
Flourish had its roots in an Honors Program project around student mental health engagement. “I had noticed that students rarely used available free mental health resources, despite a clear need,” said Toni. “Many of my peers were facing situations similar to what I faced in the past. Before being diagnosed with ADHD, I hadn’t sought mental health support and internalized the struggle as a personal failure. I didn’t understand it could stem from a disability or CPTSD.”
Based on her research, Toni designed Flourish to create more spaces for open dialogue to help students understand their own and each other’s perspectives. Rooted in neuro-affirming principles and the Filipino concept of kapwa — a belief in deep interconnectedness — Flourish emphasizes community care without barriers. Flourish is built around four core pillars: Rooted, Reaching Out, Resilient and Radiating.
“I hope to make a softer world for my children and everyone else through meaningful change,” said Toni. “Together, we’re building a community where we can support one another and move from floundering to flourishing. I was able to find this growth after embracing all of who I am, knowing mental health played a huge part in that journey. My hope is to make that available for everyone so we can all bloom together.”
Toni plans to transfer to Grand Valley State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in sociology, with long-term goals of attending graduate school and eventually teaching at the collegiate level.