Our Story Isn't Over

In this episode we meet Mandie and Dan, two trainers from Youth MOVE PA's Sources of Strength program. Sources of Strength is a school-based upstream suicide prevention program that is evidence-based, strengths-based, and...well...just pretty based in general! Through our discussion we learn about the post-traumatic growth, the strengths wheel, and some fun stories about how Sources of Strength is changing the way schools approach mental health amongst students. Dan Krupinsky entered the behavioral health field in 2023 when he became a Certified Recovery Specialist and, shortly thereafter, a member of both PMHCA and PaPSC. As a proud graduate of Penn State’s Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, he is excited to use the skills that he has gained and honed over years of working with and in front of the public to do good and make a difference in his home state of Pennsylvania. Despite entering the behavioral health field as a professional relatively recently, he has years of experience working with children and young adults in various volunteer positions and is thrilled to finally be able to do it full-time. In his free time, Dan loves being active, exploring new places and attending live shows (especially music and comedy), as well as reading and watching too many TV shows and movies.  Mandie Burgess-Gonzalez worked as a physical therapist assistant in nursing homes from 2008-2020. Mandie started her bachelor’s degree in public health at Cedar Crest College because she felt she needed a change, but still wanted to work in a field that is helpful to others. She completed her bachelor’s degree in 2023 while working at Lowe’s regional distribution center. After finishing her degree, Mandie became a part-time substitute teacher for the local school districts and enjoyed working with youth and young adults. Mandie is currently working toward a master’s degree in public health at Chamberlain University. In her free time, she spends time with her two children, her parents, her poodle, and her cat. She also likes travelling and watching old television shows.  To learn more about Sources of Strength, visit our website OR email us at ympa@youthmovepa.org Sign up for our newsletter and become a Youth MOVE PA member today!

In this episode we get to know one of Pennsylvania's coolest youth, Brody Valentin! We talk about what emotions are to us, how overwhelming emotions impact us, and shed some light on the age at which youth are beginning to understand their emotions. You don't want to miss this one! Brody is a 16-year-old 11th grader from Pennsylvania. He has struggled a lot with mental illness over the years due to parental abuse and having separated from his abusive mother at a young age. Growing up without a mother and living with an abusive father, Brody learned how to deal with heartache early. After losing his father to an asthma attack one September morning, he had to grow up fast, learning how to cook and use tools on his own. He had a difficult time in school due to being bullied and in 7th grade he experienced his first hospitalization. Thus began his journey to mental health recovery. Brody has been in and out of the psychiatric hospital over 10 times, been in partial programs 3 times and was placed in a residential treatment facility once. In residential, he experienced having his life threatened and was the victim of physical and sexual assault. Things became more challenging after he discovered he was gay in the 8th grade, but that didn’t stop Brody from finding his strength. This past summer he spoke at a conference where he had the chance to share his story with many people, during which he ended up meeting Youth MOVE PA. Now, Brody is very excited for what the future may hold. Want to be a guest on OSIO? Email me at: chris@pmhca.org Become a Youth MOVE PA member for free!

In this episode we are introduced to two of Youth MOVE PA's newer staff! We discuss who we are, how we find our identities, the complicated feeling of loneliness and what we might really mean when we say, "we hate people". This episode's guests: Tyanna Marge is Youth MOVE PA's Administrative Support Coordinator for Sources of Strength Zoe Small is Youth MOVE PA's Community Outreach Coordinator Other stuff: "When the lonely feels just like the problem and the cure" - Click HERE for the poem by Javon Johnson referenced in this episode Become a member of Youth MOVE PA for free today!

In this episode we geek out with Keith Karabin, a Licensed Professional Counselor with nearly 30 years of experience walking alongside people of all ages as they overcome a host of challenges. He has a passion for wellness and is known for using humor, grit and creativity to assist clients in creating their most enjoyable life possible, no matter the situation. He specializes in anxiety and stress management and has been certified in many modes of therapy such as: Trauma Focused Cognitive Therapy, Compassion Fatigue Prevention and Ecotherapy. Keith can be found as the Outreach and Intake Specialist-Counselor of Child and Family Focus’s “On My Way” Program, in private practice, serving in county Mental Health work groups, and online at www.keithkarabin.com Check out Child and Family Focus's "On My Way" program HERE!

In this episode we hear from Ryan Coffman about his experience in the world of Tobacco Recovery. Ryan is the Tobacco Policy and Control Program Manager for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. In this role, he oversees several tobacco control and policy initiatives within the Division of Chronic Disease Prevention.  These initiatives include the prevention of youth initiation, promoting tobacco-free environments, mass media campaigns, tobacco control policy, and tobacco treatment services.  He is committed to serving vulnerable populations disproportionately impacted by the effects of tobacco use. Previously, Ryan provided inpatient, outpatient, and community tobacco use disorder treatment in hospital, behavioral health, correctional, and substance use treatment settings. He acquired his Masters in Public Health (MPH) degree at Tulane University and has certifications in health education, tobacco use disorder treatment and global tobacco control. Ryan first became committed to tobacco control in 2003 while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya and continues to provide tobacco treatment services Health Center 2 in South Philadelphia.  Check out the resources mentioned in this episode! Pennsylvania Free Quit Line: 1-800-7848-669 (Website found HERE) This is Quitting: If you're a young person trying to quit vaping, click HERE My Life My Quit: For Pennsylvanian Teens - Quit when you want, how you want by clicking HERE Youth ages 16-29 can register for Wellness Days HERE!

This show is here to offer you strength and hope by sharing our lived experience. We do not provide medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for professional mental health services. In this episode Kevin and Chris talk to Angel McDonnel of Angel Lea's Photography. Angel shares her story as a suicide attempt survivor who found her strength by viewing the world through the lens of photography, and learning to become comfortable with the uncomfortable. This episode may be triggering for some individuals, and we encourage you to listen at your own discretion. Check out more of Angel's work by visiting her: Facebook! Website!

In the first episode of our third season, I talk with Steffanie Roach, a woman who has lived experience in recovery from trauma, mental illness, and substance use. Through her resilience, Steffanie has become a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) with Forensic* Enhancement, Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS), and Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS), meaning she has channeled her life's experiences into becoming an expert in supporting people from many different walks of life. We discuss how she grew up with mental illness, her path to becoming a mental health professional, how art and music play a role in her recovery, and how her experiences apply to youth and young adults. We also explore the value of youth peer support in schools and the importance of building meaningful communication between youth and adults. *Forensic meaning justice-system-involved. AKA relating to individuals who have been in jail or prison.

Today's episode of Our Story Isn't Over: Join us as we talk to Nikki Weigand from NAMI Keystone and the implementation of 9-8-8. Nikki shares her knowledge of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the presentations she has been doing across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.Nikki Weigand: Contact InformationPhone Number: 412-366-8788 x114Email: nweigand@namikeystonepa.org2022 Suicide Prevention Resource Guide988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline988 Partner Toolkit

Ramping up for Recovery/Suicide Prevention MonthToday's episode of Our Story Isn't Over: Join us as we introduce the "I didn't die but..." Project by PMHCA and Youth MOVE PA for Suicide Prevention Week and discuss National Recovery Month coming up in September.2022 Suicide Prevention Resource Guide988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline988 Partner ToolkitOther topics discussed in the podcast:Mental Health Planning Council and The Transitional Age Youth & Young Adult Advisory (TAYYA) Workgroup.Contact Youth MOVE PA for information on how to get involved in MHPC or The TAYYA Workgroup ympa@youthmovepa.org

Mental Health Awareness Month PodcastToday's episode of Our Story Isn't Over: Mental Health Awareness Month 2022 edition featured "Jax" a High School Student and member of Youth MOVE PA. Jax talks with Chris and Kevin about MHAM and about some the amazing projects/initiatives she is involved in within her community. Jax also describes what it is like growing up while navigating the mental health system and things we can be doing better as a whole.A fire alarm does go off during the podcast and the podcast did end abruptly: Jax is at school while recording the podcast. We spoke to her after the podcast, and it was a fire drill. Everyone is safe and well!Mental Health Month | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week - Podcast Series 6 of 6Theme - What an ideal and realistic children's mental health system looks like?Today's episode of Our Story Isn't Over: Children's Mental Health Awareness Week edition featured Christopher Lunsford as a guest. Chris is The Call for Change & Youth Coordinator at PMHCA. Chris shares his experience in our child serving system and his role working in that system today!Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (familyinvolvementcenter.org)

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week - Podcast Series 5 of 6Theme - What an ideal and realistic children's mental health system looks like?Today's episode of Our Story Isn't Over: Children's Mental Health Awareness Week edition featured Erin as a guest. Erin is Student Assistance Program (SAP) Coordinator for Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit. She shares with us the valuable insight into mental health as it pertains to children in schools and families that support them!Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (familyinvolvementcenter.org)

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week - Podcast Series 4 of 6Theme - What an ideal and realistic children's mental health system looks like?Today's episode of Our Story Isn't Over: Children's Mental Health Awareness Week edition had Joe and Mike as guests. Joe is a high school counselor and Mike is a high school social worker at the North Schuylkill School District. Mike also is the homeless liaison and foster care point of contact at the school. These two gentlemen are phenomenal resources for the students they work with. The school district they work in is doing some amazing work and really seems to care about their student's mental health. Learn more by listening in!Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (familyinvolvementcenter.org)

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week - Podcast Series 3 of 6Theme - What an ideal and realistic children's mental health system looks like?Please join us on "Our Story Isn't Over", as we talk to Maya Noy, a person with lived experience as well as a family member to someone with mental health concerns. She is a mom to an 18-year-old and loves her dearly. Maya's passion for bettering the mental health system begins with her own experience and only grew stronger once she became a mother. She is powerful and impactful in this episode of Our Story Isn't Over: Children's Mental Health Awareness Week Series.Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (familyinvolvementcenter.org)

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week - Podcast Series 2 of 6Theme - What an ideal and realistic children's mental health system looks like?Please join us on "Our Story Isn't Over", as we talk to Andi Buchanan, a School Counselor at Waynesburg Central Elementary School in Greene County, PA to discuss Children's Mental Health Awareness Week.Andi shares her experience of what brought her into this field of work. Moving forward in the podcast, Andi's shares her passion for working with the children she works with on a daily basis, while discussing other topics related to Children's Mental Health with Youth MOVE PA staff,Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (familyinvolvementcenter.org)

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week - Podcast Series 1 of 6Theme - What an ideal and realistic children's mental health system looks like?Please join us on "Our Story Isn't Over", as we talk to Kathy Quick the Executive Director at PMHCA about Children's Mental Health Awareness Week.Kathy shares her personal experience as a child including challenges, barriers, and successes. Moving forward in the podcast, Kathy describes working in multiple capacities in our child serving system. Collectively, we discuss the benefits and flaws of our current children's mental health system.Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (familyinvolvementcenter.org)

Please join us on "Our Story Isn't Over", as we talk to Jereme the Program Director at PMHCA and Kat the Virtual Drop-In Director at PMCHA about the new virtual drop-ins starting on April 12, 2022. Virtual drop-ins will be for individuals 18 and older and will be held 6 days a week. Please listen to the podcast to learn more. The zoom link will be the same for each virtual dop-in.Here is the link to join:https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6010013231Virtual Drop-In Times and Topics Monday – 5:30pm Waiting for ServicesTuesday – 7:00pm WRAPThursday – 5:30pm WRAPFriday – 5:30pm Waiting for ServicesFriday – 8:00pm Community InclusionSaturday – 10am Alternative coping skills (guided meditation, yoga, breathing, etc.)Saturday – 6pm Goal SettingSunday – 3pm Skill BuildingSunday – 7pm Community Resources PMHCA Website: Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' Association - Home (wildapricot.org)PMHCA Facebook: (3) Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' Association, PMHCA | FacebookPMHCA Email: pmhca.pmhca.org

Please join us on "Our Story Isn't Over", as we talk to Kat, the Program Director at AMI Inc. about the month of January being Mental Wellness Month. Kat, Kevin, Tristan, and Chris share some of their own personal wellness tools that have helped on their recovery journey. "Wellness Days 2022" is briefly discussed and traveling to Oregon in March for Peerpocalypse 2022 is in sights for Youth MOVE PA.AMI Inc. Website: AMI (hope4wellness.org)AMI Inc. Facebook: AMI Inc. | FacebookLearn more about Peerpocalypse 2022:MHAAO - Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon (mhaoforegon.org)Youth MOVE PA Website: Home (wildapricot.org)Youth MOVE PA Facebook: Youth MOVE PA | Facebook

Please join us on this inspiring episode of "Our Story Isn't Over", as we talk to Nicholas Emeigh who is the Director of Outreach & Development at NAMI Bucks County PA. Kevin, Tristan, and Nick talk about recovery, mental heatlh, substance use disorder, up to and including co-occurring disorders. Nick also talks about his empowering and inspiring experiences as NAMI MAN!Links and information shared during this podcast:NAMI Bucks County: http://www.namibuckspa.org/NAMI Keystone: Home - NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania (namikeystonepa.org)

Please join us on "Our Story Isn't Over", as we talk about the fundraiser that Youth MOVE PA and PMHCA are doing for Giving Tuesday. Donate Here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/holiday-dinner-for-all?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1Fundraiser: Help us provide Christmas dinner to our consumers by donating to the four regional Community Support Programs. Donations in any amount are very much appreciated by Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' Association, PMHCA | Youth MOVE PA, and the regional CSPs!To learn more about Community Support Programs, check out these websites:https://pmhca.wildapricot.org/Community-Support-Programhttps://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/Community%20Support%20Program.aspx