Today we’d like to introduce you to Daphne Simmons.
Hi Daphne, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been passionate about helping people, which led me into nursing and eventually psychiatric emergency services. Through both my professional and personal experiences, I saw how many people struggled to find mental health resources, support, and information—especially in growing communities like Ellis County.
Being born and raised in Ellis County has given me a firsthand understanding of our community. While our community has experienced tremendous growth over the years, access to mental health resources hasn’t always grown at the same pace. Historically, many people had to look outside the county for specialized services, support, or even basic information about where to start when they or a loved one needed help.
As both a healthcare professional and community member, I saw a need to help bridge that gap. I wanted people to know that resources exist, that support is available, and that conversations about mental health don’t have to happen only in hospitals, therapy offices, or during a crisis.
The Check-In started as an idea and notes in a binder. I began writing down thoughts, potential partners, and ways to bring mental health resources together in one place. Eventually, I shared the idea on social media, and to my surprise, it began gaining traction. The post was shared in local community groups, people started reaching out, and conversations began happening with community leaders, mental health professionals, and organizations throughout the county.
What started as a simple idea quickly became a collaborative effort. As more people connected with the vision, I realized there was a genuine need and desire for a community-centered mental health event. Those relationships helped transform an idea on paper into The Check-In, a space focused on education, connection, support, and wellness.
In 2026, that vision became reality. Seeing community members connect with resources, ask questions, and realize they weren’t alone reinforced why this work matters so much to me. It reminded me that meaningful change often starts with one conversation, one idea, and people willing to come together around a common purpose.
Today, I continue serving as a nurse leader while advocating for greater awareness and access to mental health resources. My hope is that The Check-In continues to grow alongside our community and helps normalize conversations about mental health for years to come.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but I think that’s true of anything worth building.
One of the biggest challenges was starting with an idea but no roadmap. I had never organized a community mental health event before, so much of the process involved learning as I went, asking questions, building relationships, and trusting the vision even when I couldn’t see the entire path ahead.
Another challenge was balancing everything. I work in healthcare leadership, have a family, and like many people, I have responsibilities and commitments outside of my passion projects. There were plenty of late nights, early mornings, and moments where I questioned whether I could pull everything together.
Mental health can also be a difficult topic. While conversations have improved over the years, stigma still exists. Part of the challenge was helping people see that The Check-In wasn’t about labeling people or focusing only on crisis situations—it was about education, connection, prevention, and reminding people that it’s okay to ask for help.
As the event approached, there were the normal challenges that come with any large community project. Vendors had to cancel, plans changed, and unexpected obstacles came up. I quickly learned that flexibility is just as important as preparation.
What kept me going was the support of the community. Every time someone offered encouragement, shared a resource, volunteered, or said, “This is needed,” it reminded me why I started. Those moments reinforced that The Check-In was never just about an event. It was about creating a space where people felt seen, supported, and connected.
Looking back, the challenges taught me to trust the process, lean on others, and understand that meaningful community work doesn’t happen because one person has all the answers. It happens when people come together around a shared purpose.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a registered nurse and nurse leader in psychiatric emergency services, where I work with individuals experiencing mental health crises, substance use challenges, trauma, and other behavioral health emergencies. Every day brings something different, but at the center of it all are people who are often facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Working in emergency psychiatry has also taught me the importance of early intervention, education, and community support. Many of the individuals we see are dealing with challenges that have been building for months or even years. It reinforced my belief that mental health conversations shouldn’t only happen during a crisis. Communities need accessible resources, education, and support before someone reaches their breaking point.
What I’m most proud of is being able to combine my professional experience with community advocacy. Whether I’m caring for patients, supporting healthcare staff, or bringing people together through The Check-In, my goal is the same: helping people feel seen, supported, and connected.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my career, it’s that recovery and healing are possible. Sometimes people just need resources, support, and someone willing to meet them where they are.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are many ways people can support or collaborate with us. Mental health providers, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, schools, churches, businesses, wellness professionals, and community advocates all have a role to play in creating healthier communities. Whether that’s sharing resources, sponsoring events, volunteering, hosting educational workshops, or helping spread awareness, every contribution matters.
My vision extends beyond a single event. As Ellis County continues to grow, I would love to see stronger collaboration not only within our county but also across neighboring counties and communities. Mental health challenges don’t stop at county lines, and neither should the conversations, partnerships, and resources designed to support people. Through regional and inter-county collaboration, we can learn from one another, share resources, and expand access to support for more individuals and families.
I also encourage people to support the mission in simple ways. Check in on a friend. Learn about local resources. Attend community events. Have conversations that help reduce stigma. Sometimes the most meaningful impact starts with a single conversation.
If you’re passionate about mental health, community wellness, education, or advocacy, I’d love to connect. The Check-In exists because people were willing to come together and support a vision, and I believe our greatest impact is still ahead of us.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://thecheckincommunity.carrd.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecheckincommunity?igsh=MnQ0N3FiM2dtcjNu&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DrFyHrLEi/?mibextid=wwXIfr
