Meet Ariyanna White

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ariyanna White and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ariyanna, what inspires you?
Lately, I’ve been really inspired by two books: Healing Justice Lineages: Dreaming at the Crossroads of Liberation, Collective Care, and Safety by Cara Page and Erica Woodland, and Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Stuart Brown and Christopher Vaughan.

Healing Justice Lineages helped me feel grounded in something much bigger than myself. It helped to remind me of the legacy of resistance, care, and community healing that I come from in being black, queer and neurodivergent. This was especially important to me in this time when the world can feel overwhelming and heavy, this book really encouraged me to seek out care within my communities. I’ve always been someone really dedicated to my relationships, but this book not only affirmed me, but reminded me that the community connection and collective care is not new. It reminded me that I carry the capacity to protect and nurture community within me.

Play, on the other hand, challenged the growing pressure I’ve felt to be more serious or “put together” as I get older. It helped me reconnect with the idea that joy, silliness, and curiosity aren’t distractions. None of us are just one thing and embracing all the parts of myself was important to survival. As someone who has always loved games, cartoons, and finding delight in everyday things, this book affirmed that playfulness is a strength, especially when things are difficult.

Together, these books reminded me that healing and joy are not opposites of responsibility. They are part of it and part of what makes me unique.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In the past year, I founded Roll for Wellness, a therapy practice and community organization that helps people with marginalized identities especially Autism and/or ADHD embrace their full, authentic selves. What makes us different is that we blend traditional mental health services with gaming, fandom, and pop culture to create spaces where neurodivergent, queer, and BIPOC individuals can explore healing in ways that feel accessible, affirming, and fun.
The idea started with a conversation between me, my partner David (a longtime Dungeon Master), and our friend Jude, who shares our love for storytelling, community, and nerd culture. I didn’t fully realize we were actually doing this until Jude texted one day and said, “I made a logo.” That moment sparked everything. It made me believe we could build something real.
One of my proudest moments so far was one of our Roll for Connection events, a casual park day where people could show up as they are—stimming, taking breaks, making friends at their own pace. We provided conversation prompts, games, puzzles, arts and crafts so that people could feel have something to do and engage at their own pace. As someone who loves meeting new people but also understands the need for sensory-friendly environments and can have trouble controlling the brain squirrels, it meant everything to see people relax, connect, and just be.
Professionally, I specialize in helping ADHD/Autistic folks build healthy relationships with themselves and others. One of the biggest challenges I’ve seen in my clinical work is that no matter how meaningful our progress is in therapy, clients often struggle to apply those skills in the real world when they don’t have affirming spaces to practice. That’s why we created Roll for Connection events, therapeutic D&D groups, and why I bring media like Steven Universe or games like Baulder’s Gate into my sessions—to help clients see their values and growth reflected in the stories they already love.
Starting this business wasn’t easy. Like many neurodivergent entrepreneurs, I had to navigate self-doubt, inconsistent energy, and imposter syndrome. But I also leaned into my strengths: creativity, empathy, and a belief that healing can be joyful, nerdy, and culturally grounded.
At Roll for Wellness, we offer individual and relationship therapy, community events, and nerd-themed support groups. What I want the world to know is that healing doesn’t have to look one way. Whether you’re rolling dice, watching cartoons, or sharing your truth in a session, there’s something for everyone.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m going to imagine this trip is for my *nerdiest* best friend. My actual best friend we would probably just go to the GA aquarium, hang out the house and watch Bluey or One Piece. My nerdiest best friend is going to be someone who loves pop culture, a good game night, and brunch as much as I do. The things that we would absolutely have to do is a night at Battle and Brew, brunch at Grits and Eggs. I love wandering around Little Five Points to check out the albums and fun thrift shops. Drag brunch is one of my favorite things to do. My favorite queen right now is Ivy Fischer , and she puts on an unforgettable show. The Escape Game Atlanta would also be on the list. Nothing bonds friends like trying to solve puzzles under pressure. If we are not already exhausted after all of that, I would take them to a nerdy themed burlesque show at the Red Light Cafe.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s so hard to choose because I have a wonderful support system. This past year has been really difficult for me. My partner was the person who brought me snacks and a blanket when I was exhausted from work. My sorority sister was the one who put a self care Sunday on my calendar every month to make sure that I wasn’t losing myself to productivity. My mom calling me every day just to check in and say she’s proud of me no matter what I do. My friend who told me that I’m terrible at sharing and she’s going to need me to share more about what’s going on in my brain. My mentor who is always available for brunch or to help me navigate the challenges of being a black woman leader. I’m so thankful for so many people in my life because my circle and community affirm who I am and encourage me to be myself authentically no matter what.

Website: https://rollforwellness.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rollforwellness/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariyannawhite/

Image Credits
Hailey High Photography -Purple tutu and corset photo
Stella Harney – Photo with pink dress black polka dots