Based in Nashville, TN, Clayton Thomas is an aspiring motivational speaker who has overcome several obstacles in his life and served in various positions in which he helped those facing their own physical and mental challenges. In his most recent role as a mental health counselor at the TN-based Centennial Medical Center, Clayton Thomas helped patients achieve goals outlined in treatment plans and specialized in de-escalation techniques and reality testing.

Clayton Thomas also worked as a peer counselor at GLBT National Help Center, where he supported gay youth and adults in crisis via resource distribution and sex education. His prior experience working with vulnerable populations includes serving as a relief counselor at Progress Foundation and as a crisis management counselor with the Sexual Assault Crisis Line. He has also volunteered at Hands On Nashville and contributed to cleanup efforts initiated by the Discovery Center Wetlands.

Mr. Thomas holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Middle Tennessee State University, where he achieved a 3.4 GPA and was president of Students for Environmental Action. In addition, he spent a semester as a researcher under Dr. William Langston in the school's Cognitive Psychology Department.