Our professional young adult speakers provide educational programs built around lived experiences. These dynamic young adults who have struggled with mental health issues share their personal stories and recovery.
Our professional young adult speakers provide educational programs built around lived experiences. These dynamic young adults who have struggled with mental health issues share their personal stories and recovery.
Through middle and high school, Brooke struggled to find their true self. When their escape using negative coping mechanisms turned into suicidality, Brook asked for, and received help. Today, they share a message of self-acceptance, validation of people’s struggles, and finding belonging in community.
Depression and substance use led Jordan to attempt suicide in high school. He recently wrote a letter to his 18-year-old self. It included this message that he now shares with thousands of students every year, “Please just live for today because I promise tomorrow, and each day after, will get a little better.” His presentation is meant to inspire, educate and allow others to know they’re not alone.
Louis tried to hide his struggles through sports or theater, and stigma kept him from asking for help. Eventually, he turned to alcohol to cope, leading to deeper issues and dependency. Sharing his story is a significant part of Louis’ recovery. He hopes that his message will resonate with students, so they know they aren’t alone and it’s okay to reach out for help.
A lifelong competitor in athletics, Mallory eventually met an opponent where winning wasn’t the objective. By facing her mental health challenges, Mallory has learned how to be vulnerable and engage in healing. Today, Mallory uses her story to tell others their voice is powerful, they are allowed to be human, and healing does indeed exist.
Morgan’s journey of self-discovery was shaped by years of suppressing emotions, battling an eating disorder, and enduring toxic, abusive relationships. She shares her story to inspire others, proving that recovery is possible and that embracing your authentic self is the key to lasting self-worth.
From a young age Muzna has struggled with her intersectionality of identities. That lack of harmony led to anxiety, depression, and eventually a suicide attempt. Through therapy and positive coping skills, Muzna has found her healthy balance and shares her story to help people realize the beauty in one’s own life.
In her teen years, Nicole believed that “fitting in” meant masking her true self. Her stress grew into anxiety, depression, and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, leading her to a powerful wake-up call and a new sense of purpose. Her story reminds others that needing support doesn’t make anyone weak, it makes them human.
Rylee spent most of her life pretending to be fine and pushing through to appear strong. When it all became too much, she sought help. She shares her story in hopes that those listening know that they are not alone and understand that asking for help is not weak. Rylee knows it was the strongest thing she ever did.
Sarika strived for perfection, which led to years of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and an eventual suicide attempt. Today, she is happier and healthier than she ever thought possible. Sarika shares her story to empower those who are struggling to seek help, and to motivate listeners to become the sole master of their own minds.
Tyler shares his story with students across the country to show that recovery is possible and that struggles with mental health do not define a person’s future. In his presentations, Tyler speaks openly about anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance use, suicidal ideation, identity, and the importance of seeking help.
Samantha is a licensed professional counselor and an EMDR trained therapist. She started her professional career as a teacher in different urban school districts, which ignited a passion for help others.
Nora Barrows holds an M.S. in School Psychology from the University of Rhode Island and is a certified Rhode Island school psychologist. When presenting to a group, Nora brings a warmth and energy that invites engagement from her audience.
Precious Bradley is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at Northern Illinois University and is committed to promoting mental wellness and providing compassionate care to those she serves.
Jason is a trained and licensed professional counselor who has a wealth of experience and knowledge working with children of all ages in the public school system, as well as the private and non-profit sectors.
Lea Christo is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Health and Human Services of Assumption University and co-founder of the Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School.
Dr. DiLossi is a specialist in Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) and currently serves as the co-founder and clinical director of the Center for Hope & Health, LLC., an outpatient treatment center that delivers specialized evidence-based treatment and training for eating disorders, body image, OCD, PTSD, phobias, and other anxiety-related concerns
Fabian Escobedo comes to Minding your Mind with a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in social work from San Diego State University. He is a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing psychotherapy to teens, young adults, and their families in both English and Spanish.
Nedra is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience working with diverse populations across clinical, community, and school-based settings. She is known for creating a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment.
Sheila is a licensed social worker and a certified child and adolescent psychotherapist with over fifteen years of experience in the mental health field.
Kim provides mental health education, training, and consultation to students, school staff, and community organizations. She has developed and presented programs on teen mental health, suicide prevention, trauma, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), bystander intervention, and related topics.
Berenis Gonzalez is a bilingual mental health professional with experience providing mental health education, prevention, and support to youth, families, and diverse communities.
As a Los Angeles-based artist, musician and mental health educator, Oshri loves to generate creativity that aids people and communities in our individual and collective healing journeys.
Morgan received her master’s degree from Simmons University in Social Work. She has worked with youth and adolescents in both inpatient and outpatient settings, which has given her a perspective on various levels of care.
Marissa received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of Delaware where she developed a passion for helping youth cope with life’s challenges. She attended Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine where she earned a Master’s in Counseling and Clinical Health Psychology.
Melissa is a licensed clinician with extensive experience with anxiety and eating disorders. In addition to speaking with Minding Your Mind since 2015, she co-founded the Center for Hope and Health in 2014 where she is a specialist in evidence-based treatment, primarily Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.
Tom Horner is an educator and wellness advocate with over a decade of experience in youth development, mental health, and school wellness initiatives.
Julie is a licensed K-12 school counselor with clinical counseling experience. As a mental health advocate for over 13 years, she has found joy supporting children, families, and educators.
Alona is a Florida Licensed Marriage and Family psychotherapist. Alona’s passion in all her undertakings is the focus on children’s and teens’ well-being. Her clinical and psychoeducational approach is based on effective, non-judgmental, positive reinforcement and strength-based modalities.
Whether Katara is facilitating a therapy group or speaking to an audience, her goal is the same: to help people feel less alone and remind them that healing and recovery are always possible.
Suzelle is a licensed professional counselor and a certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapist. She formerly worked at various outpatient mental health centers, and in a variety of school settings, providing individual counseling and additional support services to various age groups.
Ana Martinez is a licensed mental health counselor and nationally accredited board-certified counselor who specializes in working with teens, young adults, and women, particularly Latinas, helping them build self-awareness, process past traumas, and confidently embrace their authentic selves.
Jaclyn McAnany, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified School Counselor in Pennsylvania with over a decade of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families.
Kit McCann is a licensed therapist in both New York and New Hampshire, and has nearly two decades of experience working with children, adolescents, teens and adults in a variety of settings. Kit believes that every person has a story to tell, and that being able to find beauty, strength and empowerment through one’s own story is the true nature of mental health intervention.
Catelin McCarriston is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She holds a B.S. in Psychology, B.A. in Philosophy, and a Masters in Social Work from Simmons University. Catelin comes to Minding Your Mind with an extensive background working with children and adolescents across various school settings.
Rebecca received her master’s degree from Chestnut Hill College and gained clinical experience at Center for Families and Relationships in Northeast Philadelphia, and in Horsham Clinic’s partial hospitalization programs for children/adolescents and adults.
Kim is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a BA in psychology and a master’s degree in social work. Kim has worked with children, families, and educators for over 25 years in the public school setting.
Linda has more than 25 years of experience working with schools and families. Her presentations address topics in mindfulness, trauma-informed social emotional learning, mental health, and anxiety.
Mollye has been facilitating retreats and workshops for over 20 years. She holds a B.A in Communications from Temple University and an M.S. in Pastoral Counseling from Neumann University. Mollye is also a certified co-active coach and a Facilitator of the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator.
Martha Renza is an empathetic social worker who has substantial experience working with couples, children, and families. She presents in both English and Spanish.
Emma works as a School-based Coordinator and Clinical Supervisor at River Valley Counseling Center in Western Massachusetts. She is passionate about supporting young people, along with the important adults in their lives, to heal from collective and individual trauma.
Dr. Steward is a National Certified Counselor and holds a Master’s in School Counseling from the University of Holy Cross. She was a school counselor for five years before transitioning to the post-secondary level as an Assistant Professor.
Emily is a dedicated mental health advocate on a mission to ensure every child has the tools to understand their feelings and navigate life’s challenges.
Kimm is the founder of Lavender Education, is an Adjunct Lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and managed the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students in Massachusetts.
Ashley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Board-Approved
Cheryl is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who received her B.S. in Psychology, with a minor in Child Psychology, and M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida.
As a Los Angeles-based artist, musician and mental health educator, Oshri loves to generate creativity that aids people and communities in our individual and collective healing journeys.
Specializing in Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD, Megan has treated clients of all ages and ethnicities. Megan’s overall passion is for mental health and for everyone to have equal access to mental health resources.
Kristin was introduced to meditation and the cultivation of stillness when she was a child. After a lifetime of employing these skills through her everyday life, she formalized her practice of Mindfulness Meditation.
Linda earned her Master’s of Education Degree in School Adjustment Counseling and her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in School Psychology in 1993 at Northeastern University.
For over 15 years, Samantha has worked with teens, families and adults from all over the world.
Mary Ruth is certified as a yoga teacher and a mindfulness meditation instructor, sharing her knowledge with students of all ages.
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