What is Insula Collective?
Welcome to Insula Collective, born from the dual inspiration of Moses Sumney’s Græ and the insula, the part of the brain that bridges emotion, empathy, and self-awareness. What began as a reflection on isolation has grown into a sanctuary dedicated to combating the loneliness epidemic through connection and care.
Islands are self-sufficient and resilient on their own accord, but they thrive when interconnected. I often feel the same about people.
Rooted in service to BIPOC communities and proud allies of the queer community, Insula Collective has provided spaces where vulnerability, authenticity, and belonging are honored as essential to well-being. As we evolve, we look forward to extending our peer counseling and support offerings to all who seek community and healing.
Lesser Known Self Podcast
The conversations don't end when group ends.
Lesser Known Self is an interview series exploring mental health, creativity, identity, and resilience through conversations with artists, creators, and changemakers. Each episode invites guests to share the parts of themselves that often go unseen, continuing the kinds of honest conversations that sit at the heart of Insula Collective.
Our Team
Briana P Boyd
Founder, Certified Peer Support Specialist, Mental Health Counselor-in-TrainingBriana Boyd is a Brooklyn native who spent five years in Los Angeles before returning home to New York City in 2025. After more than 13 years working in the music industry, she was drawn to mental health work through her own experiences with burnout, grief, life transitions, and recovery.
She is a Certified Peer Support Specialist in both New York and California, with additional training in Youth Mental Health First Aid and suicide prevention. As a peer, she lives with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Her approach is grounded in the belief that healing happens through connection, shared experience, and community care.
In April 2024, Briana founded Insula Collective, a community-centered mental health initiative offering spaces for reflection, support, and honest conversation. What began in Los Angeles is now entering a new chapter in New York City, with both in-person and virtual offerings.
Today, Briana works as a Recovery Coach with Bicycle Health while pursuing her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling.
Interns and VolunteersAs Insula Collective grows, we're looking for volunteers and interns who believe in creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and connected. If you are interested, please send your resume and a brief email to insulacollective@gmail.com with the subject line “Join The Insula Team.”