To hear personal stories, visit our Stars of Light YouTube Channel
Find out how Stars are "Instilling Hope" by reading
"Instilling Hope: Stories of Recovery"
Aaron Ayen
Aaron shares his story of recovery through NAMI’s In Our Own Voice. He credits Stepping Stones and the Stars for giving him hope, confidence and skills in his recovery. They both inspire him to “boldly go where no man has gone before".
Julie Cavallaro
Julie joined the Stars in 2023 and is enjoying the troupe. She is finding the Stars of Light to be an awesome addition to her existing support system.
Mike Corey
Mike is a singer and song writer who has been in the Stars for over 10 years. He loves the work that the Stars do. The Stars are like a family to him.
Bonnie Holeton
Bonnie is a Recovery Support Specialist. Her diagnoses are ADHD, Chronic Depression, Anxiety and Complex PTSD. She joined the Stars in 2022. She wrote the “Morning Vibes with Pam and Sam” which was performed by the Stars in 2023 and filmed in 2024.
Heidi Korf
Heidi Korf is a dog lover and dog rescuer. She has been with the Stars since 2002. The Stars are her support and part of her recovery.
Mary Gubbe Lee
Mary has been with the Stars since 1995. She serves as stage mom, producer, driver and actress. The people in the troupe are her inspiration and provide her with the fortitude to work in behavioral health.
Vicki Marcum
Vicki is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has worked in the mental health field for over 40 years across all programs and with all populations. She has been treated for depression and anxiety. She is an advocate for better mental health for all.
Tracy Meinert
Tracy joined the Stars shortly after they began. After a break, she returned full force and enjoys sharing her story of recovery. She writes poetry and participates in arts projects. She enjoys advocating and educating and being part of the Stars family.
Julie Newton
Julie has been with the Stars since 2022. She loves putting on tour shows and teaching people about mental illness. Julie has a mental illness and learning disability. Although it’s a struggle, she has Stepping Stones, family, friends, NAMI and Stars of Light to help her.
Anne Marie O'Connell
Anne is a former CNA and budding artist. She loves Stepping Stones where she has lived for many years. Anne assists the Stars with tour shows and filming and participates in the art workshops and galleries.
Michelle Rice
Michelle joined the Stars in 2023. The Stars are her therapy. Michelle has participated in Special Olympics for the past few years.
Billie Jo Schmidt
Billie Jo returned to the Stars to shine again. She enjoys advocating for people with mental illness.
Stewart Veitch
Stewart began with the Stars as a roadie. After a few tour show seasons he began participating in shows. He enjoys adding sounds to the performances.
Stephen F. Vrtol, III
Stephen is a professional actor and psychosocial rehab professional. Steve directs tour shows and radio shows, writes material and conducts client groups using the expressive arts. The Stars are his inspiration and his teachers.
