Our Team
Emerson valentina, founder
Executive director / head of education & outreach
A child performer turned working actor turned mental health advocate turned entrepreneur — Emerson is an artist of the future. A true triple-threat, her passion for storytelling has earned her a successful performance career spanning over twenty years and filled with emotional depth, vulnerability, and heart.
She’s not just an entertainer — she’s an innovator. Emerson founded BMHF in 2022 at the age of twenty-three and operates the organization in true Renaissance woman fashion; she wears multiple hats including executive director, outreach coordinator, social media manager, and cultivates 100% of BMHF’s artistic and educational endeavors. Her reverence for psychological study and scientific data paired with an acute understanding of musical theatre has positioned Emerson as an empathetic, forward-thinking leader and change-maker.
Emerson is an alumna of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and pursuing her graduate degree in counseling psychology through The New School. Alongside running BMHF, she intends to practice as a NYS licensed mental health counselor and continue her extensive performance career.
Need to reach out? executivedirector@mentalhealthbway.org
Wesley Vena, CFO / Production Management
Wesley brings a unique blend of creativity, precision, and compassion to his role at BMHF. With a BA in Music Business from the Hartt School of Music, he combines financial expertise with a deep understanding of the arts to help guide the organization’s mission with clarity and care.
Outside the office, Wesley is a passionate animal lover and professional dog trainer, as well as a dynamic musician. A gifted songwriter, vocalist, drummer, and guitarist, he began as a precocious child instrumentalist — performing at local shows throughout New Jersey before securing a record deal and spots on legendary New York City stages like CBGBs, Don Hill’s, and Pete’s Candy Store.
Whether orchestrating behind-the-scenes logistics, managing budgets, capturing brand content, or captivating a crowd, Wesley brings heart, rhythm, and soul to everything he does.
Need to reach out? operations@mentalhealthbway.org
Libby Parker, division director
Clinical Director of eating disorder Specialties Division / Director of holistic Health & Wellness Division
"The Broadway Dietitian®" Libby has been working with performers as a Certified Eating Disorders Specialist/Registered Dietitian. Spending her childhood learning dance and musical theatre, Libby has dedicated her work to the health (mental, physical, and nutritional) of theatre folk. She still loves to sing at open mics and social dance — especially East Coast swing.
Libby's work background spans private practice, teaching, business development, non-profit, corporate, therapeutic consulting, and health tech. Her passion for helping people struggling with eating disorder recovery has fueled her work, including authoring books like Permission To Eat: a Practical Guide.
She has been working on a health curriculum and guidebook for BFA theatre students. Additionally, Libby serves as the Resident Dietitian for The Broadway Body Positivity Project and Advisor for the M.S. in Performance Nutrition with the University of South Carolina.
Outside of work, you will find Libby snuggling her service dog, Shira, planning her next interior design project, reading, working out, catching up with friends — and, obviously, trying to see as much musical theatre as possible.
Need to reach out? eatingdisorders@mentalhealthbway.org
Eva Viciana, Communications & PR Manager
Eva is an artist pursuing their degree in Entertainment Business (with a concentration in Marketing) and Dance at Oklahoma City University. Their work spans performance, media, and creative studies, reflecting an interest in how artistic practice informs both creative and organizational spaces.
She continues to develop a multidisciplinary approach that values depth, collaboration, and the enduring influence of the arts in shaping perspective and purpose.
Eva serves as a contributing writer to BroadwayWorld.com and previously operated on the marketing team of the Off-Broadway production JOY: A New True Musical.
Need to reach out? communications@mentalhealthbway.org