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.
Bullying and disconnectedness led Gaby to find acceptance through sports and perfectionism, yet manage her emotions with negative coping skills. When her substance use reached a dangerous apex, she changed her life. Gaby feels it is her mission and purpose to let people know that healing, growth, and self-love are possible, and it’s never too early or too late to seek help.
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.
Kelly’s story is a vulnerable snapshot of her journey through the negative effects of perfectionism and living with bipolar disorder. She hopes it can inspire youth across her community to seek help for their mental health by finding their voices, establishing boundaries, and fostering positive self-worth.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lianna Chong is passionate about helping the helpers and envisions a future where educators and human service providers have the supports needed to sustain their professional calling.
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
Patty Ehret has a Master’s in Education with a certification in Positive Education. She began her 30-year Health and Physical Education career in the elementary level, then moved to middle school and spent the last 25 years at the high school level. Her passion for the mental health of her students developed as many of her students began to open up about their depression and anxiety.
Sara Eldridge, LCSW, is a trauma therapist. Sara received a master’s degree in Social Work from Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College in 2015. In 2021, she completed a two-year integrated trauma studies program at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy. For the last several years, Sara has served as a domestic violence counselor and assistant director at Barrier Free Living.
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.
Sheila is a licensed social worker and a certified child and adolescent psychotherapist with over fifteen years of experience in the mental health field.
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.
Guy Iacono is a licensed psychotherapist. After overcoming adversity in his younger years, Guy decided to use his life experience to help others. He attended Saint Joseph’s University where he studied sociology and philosophy and eventually went on to earn a Master’s in social work from Monmouth University.
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.
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.
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.
Across all of his work, Jon brings warmth, understanding, and patience…plus a healthy dose of humor! In his over 35 years of experience as a therapist and presenter, clients have felt comforted by his ability to acknowledge that the challenges they face are complex – and often downright exhausting!
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.
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.
Andrew’s goal is to spread his story of hope and resilience through effecting change at the systemic level. Under his leadership, more than ten emotional support, clinical support, and integrated mental health treatment programs have been strengthened, developed and/or implemented in Philadelphia and across the surrounding five counties.
Alison received her Master of Social Work from Boston College. In addition to Minding Your Mind, she currently operates her own private practice, providing psychotherapy to parents, families, and those hoping to become parents.
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.
Alex Swanson is an Associate Clinical Social Worker with experience in complex trauma, human trafficking, substance abuse, anxiety, and depression.
For over ten years, Kimm has worked closely with schools and organizations on creating more inclusive, liberatory spaces for all LGBTQ+ youth to thrive. Prior to founding Lavender Education, Kimm managed the Safe Schools Program for LGBTQ Students in Massachusetts and taught courses on gender and sexuality at Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Margarita Torres is a licensed clinical social worker who has extensive experience working with children and families in school settings.
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.
Brandon was first introduced to mindfulness while working as a Registered Nurse in a bustling inner city Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.
Stacey serves as the Pennsylvania facilitator for Coalition of Schools Educating Mindfully (COSEM). She is particularly passionate about sharing mindfulness concepts with those who feel the most challenged. “If I had been exposed to these concepts starting around age eight, I know I would have suffered a lot less, and shined a whole lot more,” shares Stacey.
Kristin Page 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 Price 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.
Mary Ruth began her wellness journey 15 years ago through practicing yoga. The practice brought increased strength, balance, and a keener awareness of the mind-body connection. She has been trained and certified as a yoga teacher and a mindfulness meditation instructor, sharing her knowledge with students of all ages.
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