National mental health company Ellie Mental Health has entered the Sarasota-Bradenton market, thanks to three community leaders and entrepreneurs who are dedicated to making mental health services more accessible for those who need them.
The first of three planned franchise locations began taking new clients in April in the Tanglewood Professional Center, near HCA Florida Blake Hospital, in Bradenton (5801 21st Ave. S.).
The local franchise partners are entrepreneur and former nonprofit executive Gray Videnka; Women’s Resource Center President and CEO Ashley Brown; and franchise coach and author (and Manatee Chamber board chair emeritus) Rick Bisio.
Videnka is serving as the managing partner, handling the day-to-day operations, and Brown and Bisio are functioning as investment partners with guidance provided based on their respective areas of expertise.
Ellie was founded on the principle of destigmatizing mental health care. The mental health industry is full of barriers; the company has made it its goal to fill the gap and find innovative ways to break down these barriers for the communities it serves.
Beyond mental health care for individuals, the franchise partners are considering offering online seminars, free events and services for high-stress professions such as first responders, health care workers, teachers and more.
Appointments are now being taken for patients.
https://elliementalhealth.com; 941-778-4888.
Tierney Lane, an event venue off Manatee Avenue in Bradenton, has opened for guests to create, celebrate and cultivate.
Rana Tierney purchased the refurbished historic 1924 bungalow in summer 2022 as a rental space for bridal or baby showers, birthdays, small business gatherings and creative studio for photographers/videographers.
“This is the space I always wish existed for creatives and I’m honored for guests of all types to experience the charm of the building,” said Tierney, owner of Roohi Photography, of Bradenton, since 2008.
With multiple rooms and a commercial kitchen, Tierney Lane can cater to nearly any small event need. The natural light studio is also available for photographers and videographers to rent for shoots.
https://tierneylaneevents.com; TierneyLaneEvents@gmail.com; 727-252-8949.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Franchise company founded to destigmatize mental health care