Communications +
Mental Health Consulting
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Non-Clinical Psychology and Communications Strategist
Collaboration
Sunny Noelle Naughton is a New England native enjoying life in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, where she was born and raised. Passionate about connecting and communicating, she combines a 25-year career in human services, journalism, and entertainment to educate and raise awareness about mental health literacy. By fostering open conversations, Sunny supports connection and camaraderie in-person and virtually as a proud elder millennial.
I had the honor of receiving the Prevention Champion Award in 2019. The award was presented by Governor Phil Scott at the Vermont State House in Montpelier.
In 2015, after over a decade working on Broadway in various capacities—including the National Tour of Annie, the National High School Music Theater Awards, the PBS Documentary Broadway or Bust, and as part of the Drama Desk Award-winning team from Camp Broadway—Sunny created Sunshine Silver Lining, LLC, a Communications and Mental Health Consultancy. SSL specializes in consulting and strategy focused on mental health literacy and communications.
Sunny is an Advisor to the National Mental Health Literacy Collaborative, a certified Mental Health First Aid Trainer for all modalities, and a certified Living Proof Advocacy Storytelling Coach. She has also worked as a certified Communications Support Specialist and as a nationally certified Recovery Coach supporting those in Substance Use recovery. Over her career, Sunny has trained staff members from Better Up, the United Nations, the National Parks Department, and over 100 organizations. She sat on the Communications Committee for the 988 Lifeline launch in Vermont and teaches COPE at the University of Vermont. Since 2023, Sunny has served on the Governor's Standing Committee in Vermont for Youth and Family Mental Health and is an instructor for the Vermont Higher Education Collaborative. In 2024, she engaged with over 5,000 people through 175 presentations.
One of the top 100 Mental Health First Aid facilitators since 2019, Sunny holds a self-designed undergraduate Media and Journalism degree from Eugene Lang at The New School, a Master's degree in Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University, and will graduate with a second Master’s degree in non-clinical psychology in June of 2025. An alumnus of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA), Sunny also holds a Conservatory Certificate in Musical Theatre from her first career.
A homebody and pop-culture enthusiast, Sunny enjoys rescuing cats, walking with her Goldendoodle Mayer (named after John), reading, writing, cooking, going on weekend trips, and staying connected with friends and family through virtual meetups, in-person visits, and snail mail.
Clients & Collaborators
