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

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