The YANApodcast with NAMI Philly

This episode concludes the 2-part series of our discussion with both Charles (Chuck) Widger AND his son Clark. These episodes are slightly different than previous ones, because we get a deeper insight from not only the perspective of the child, Clark, who began to experience mental illness at a young age but ALSO from the parent, Chuck, who along with Clark's mother supported him throughout the experience, and tried to do everything they could to provide their son with the best care plan possible. But it wasn't easy... 

Chuck Widger, a high-profile, local philanthropist and financial guru, also shares with us how the family's experience led to the creation of Clark's Manor, a milieu-style living facility for adults with chronic mental illness. The only one of it's kind on the eastern corridor, Clark's Manor provides access to care, community, programs,  and activities. They promote overall wellness, growth, and social and vocational skills. Until now, families often spent years searching for this type of care, only to land somewhere in another part of the country. This has been seen as a huge win for Philadelphia in addition to the families and individuals it supports. Chuck's hope is that everyday people can understand and realize it doesn't matter who you are, or how much money you have or don't have - you can still be impacted by mental illness. 

For more information about Clark's Manor:

Today's episode is the first of a 2-part series in which we will be speaking with both Charles (Chuck) Widger AND his son Clark. These episodes are slightly different than previous ones because we get a deeper insight from not only the perspective of the child, Clark, who began to experience mental illness at a young age but ALSO from the parent, Chuck, who along with Clark's mother supported him throughout the experience, and tried to do everything they could to provide their son with the best care plan possible. But it wasn't easy...

Chuck Widger, a high-profile, local philanthropist and financial guru, also shares with us how the family's experience led to the creation of Clark's Manor, a milieu-style living facility for adults with chronic mental illness. The only one of it's kind on the eastern corridor, Clark's Manor provides access to care, community, programs,  and activities. They promote overall wellness, growth, and social and vocational skills. Until now, families often spent years searching for this type of care, only to land somewhere in another part of the country. This has been seen as a huge win for Philadelphia in addition to the families and individuals it supports. Chuck's hope is that everyday people can understand and realize it doesn't matter who you are, or how much money you have or don't have - you can still be impacted by mental illness.

For more information about Clark's Manor:

In today's episode we continue our conversation with Kayle Melicher. Kayle (she/her) is a 22 year old from Sacramento, CA, who is a strong believer in mental health advocacy and describes herself as an optimist and someone who is very passionate about what she does. She currently has a YouTube channel, Moments to Inspire, promoting mental health awareness as well as a mental health internship at Tower of Youth where she writes articles about mental health and is specifically working on a story from the perspective of a therapist.

KAYLE:

Kayle Melicher (she/her) is a 22 year old from Sacramento, CA, who is a strong believer in mental health advocacy and describes herself as an optimist and someone who is very passionate about what she does. She currently has a YouTube channel, Moments to Inspire, promoting mental health awareness as well as a mental health internship at Tower of Youth where she writes articles about mental health and is specifically working on a story from the perspective of a therapist. 

KAYLE:

In this episode of The YANApodcast, we continue our conversation with Paul Catrino, the Founder and Captain of Sporting Serotonin soccer club. Sporting Serotonin promotes wellness in physical and mental health, which are two important components for overall wellness. Paul is also the 2021 CASA Community Recipient, a writer at BrotherlyGame, VAR Tech at Hawkeye, and most importantly a Mental Health Advocate. During Paul's spare time, he hosts a podcast called Views from the Bridge with his buddies talking about anything and everything Philadelphia Union. Tune in to hear Part 2 of Paul's inspirational story and see how he's involved with his community in advocating for mental health!

PAUL:

Paul Catrino is the Founder and Captain of Sporting Serotonin soccer club. Sporting Serotonin promotes wellness in physical and mental health, which are two important components for overall wellness. Paul is also the 2021 CASA Community Recipient, a writer at BrotherlyGame, VAR Tech at Hawkeye, and most importantly a Mental Health Advocate. During Paul's spare time, he hosts a podcast called Views from the Bridge with his buddies talking about anything and everything Philadelphia Union. Tune in to hear Paul's inspirational story and see how he's involved with his community in advocating for mental health!

PAUL: 

Nazhah Khawaja is a Pakistani-American author from Chicago. Nazhah is a mom to two creative, brilliant minds! Nazhah works in the Behavioral Health Industry as an Outreach Specialist with Early Autism Services and is a Podcast Host for the company's Podcast - Life at EASe. Nazhah is an event planner for a few non-profit organizations in the Chicago-land area. Nazhah’s passion is expression. She is a poet/spoken word artist and has written a number of Op-ed articles for various online publications. She partnered with the creative mastermind of theDemureist and held the title of ‘Women Editor’ for a few years as well as hosted events in Chicago and NY with the intention of inspiring women through engaging workshops and empowering talks. 

Nazhah's debut novel, The Other Side of Life, can be purchased on Amazon and can be found in Salt Lake County Libraries.

NAZHAH: 

In today’s episode, we continue our chat with high school juniors, Anika & Amrita about what it’s been like attending high school during the pandemic, social media, pressures of being a teen and their podcast, “No Therapist, No Problem”.

Sometimes, it’s difficult to sit down with a complete stranger and tell them what exactly is on your mind. So, Anika Manelkar and Amrita Sundaram have got your back! As high schoolers, they host the podcast “No Therapist, No Problem!”, which was started in December 2020. They hope to bring a sense of community and provide a safe space for people struggling with mental health, talking through topics such as mental hygiene or even depression so that you don’t have to spill your guts on that couch with a box of Kleenex in a room that probably smells like money and adults. Listen as they bring in their own experiences in mental health and how they’ve grown as teenagers.

NO THERAPIST, NO PROBLEM:

In today's episode, we chat with high school juniors, Anika & Amrita about what it's been like attending high school during the pandemic, social media, pressures of being a teen and their podcast, "No Therapist, No Problem". 

Sometimes, it's difficult to sit down with a complete stranger and tell them what exactly is on your mind. So, Anika Manelkar and Amrita Sundaram have got your back! As high schoolers, they host the podcast "No Therapist, No Problem!", which was started in December 2020. They hope to bring a sense of community and provide a safe space for people struggling with mental health, talking through topics such as mental hygiene or even depression so that you don't have to spill your guts on that couch with a box of Kleenex in a room that probably smells like money and adults. Listen as they bring in their own experiences in mental health and how they've grown as teenagers.

NO THERAPIST, NO PROBLEM: 

"[If I was to tell my younger self one thing, I would say...] be who you are, love who you want and express yourself in whatever way you want. And just be kind with everyone else and.... Express kindness!"

This episode of The YANApodcast features Yunio Martinez and his journey as a someone who identifies as a Hispanic gay male from Guatemala navigating mental health, his sexuality, and life as an immigrant to the United States. Mental health was not a subject discussed openly in the Spanish community so he did not know who to turn to, talk to, or reach out to for help when he was experiencing different emotions. He really began to notice his mental health declining during lockdown due to the pandemic. Yunio describes himself as having always been a very active person in the community and so he didn't know what to do with himself without access to all of his typical coping skills. He was trying to figure out a lot on his own by doing research on what mental health actually was when he came across NAMI. NAMI helped him begin to understand what mental health was and ways to manage it.

Having always had a love for soccer, Yunio is extremely passionate about the Casa Soccer League and thrilled to be able to take a leadership role as well as the opportunity to participate in the sport on a regular basis. The Casa Soccer League is a grassroots organization that aims to integrate mental health with physical health. Yunio continuously advocates for mental health and hopes to help shatter the stigma one day.

YUNIO:

Today's episode of The YANApodcast features Yunio Martinez and his journey as a someone who identifies as a Hispanic gay male from Guatemala navigating mental health, his sexuality, and life as an immigrant to the United States. Mental health was not a subject discussed openly in the Spanish community so he did not know who to turn to, talk to, or reach out to for help when he was experiencing different emotions. He really began to notice his mental health declining during lockdown due to the pandemic. Yunio describes himself as having always been a very active person in the community and so he didn't know what to do with himself without access to all of his typical coping skills. He was trying to figure out a lot on his own by doing research on what mental health actually was when he came across NAMI. NAMI helped him begin to understand what mental health was and ways to manage it. 

Having always had a love for soccer, Yunio is extremely passionate about the Casa Soccer League and thrilled to be able to take a leadership role as well as the opportunity to participate in the sport on a regular basis. The Casa Soccer League is a grassroots organization that aims to integrate mental health with physical health. Yunio continuously advocates for mental health and hopes to help shatter the stigma one day.

YUNIO:

In today’s episode of The YANApodcast, we dive into Part 2 of Cait’s background as a homeschooled student, her upbringing with religion, her college experiences and the ways she manages her mental health, specifically anxiety. Cait became more aware of her anxiety during the COVID Pandemic, so tune in to hear more about her story!

Caitlin Casey (she/her) is a rising senior at Eastern University studying Social Work & Biblical Studies. She is passionate about social justice and caring for people in a holistic manner, and hopes to pursue a career in social work. Caitlin came to NAMI as a part of her social work program and interned from January to March of 2022, where she was able to expand her understanding on mental health, wellness, and the impact a listening ear can make in the lives of others.

Caitlin would describe herself as a people person, iced coffee addict, artist, and avid Taylor Swift fan. She is deeply caring and loves to hear other people’s stories, hoping to create a space where people can feel seen, safe, and loved.

The YANApodcast:

In today's episode of The YANApodcast, we dive into Cait's background as a homeschooled student, her upbringing with religion, her college experiences and the ways she manages her mental health, specifically anxiety. Cait became more aware of her anxiety during the COVID Pandemic, so tune in to hear more about her story!

Caitlin Casey (she/her) is a rising senior at Eastern University studying Social Work & Biblical Studies. She is passionate about social justice and caring for people in a holistic manner, and hopes to pursue a career in social work. Caitlin came to NAMI as a part of her social work program and interned from January to March of 2022, where she was able to expand her understanding on mental health, wellness, and the impact a listening ear can make in the lives of others.

Caitlin would describe herself as a people person, iced coffee addict, artist, and avid Taylor Swift fan. She is deeply caring and loves to hear other people's stories, hoping to create a space where people can feel seen, safe, and loved.

The YANApodcast:

"I think I would tell my younger self to not be afraid to commit to wanting better for yourself. I think especially as women, we are encouraged to fit roles and that often means pausing what we want or what we want to do to support others; to be there for others; to push others up. And as much as that's important, I think that I would definitely tell my younger self to try to take a chance at a better life - a better future - for me because it's scary but you meet a lot of really cool people doing it who are doing good things and want to be there for you, too."

Today's episode features Part 2 of Olivia's story! Olivia Miller is an 20 year-old advocate from Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. She is currently completing a double major in Peace and Conflict and Social Development Studies with a minor in Political Science at the University of Waterloo.

Olivia is the co-founder and director of the Bridges of Hope Project and Community Ambassador for the Umbrella Project. She is a contributor with several community and national initiatives, including The Activist Collab, The Wilmot Post and more.

Bridges of Hope is a platform by youth for promoting mental health awareness by execution of local events and social media campaigns. Olivia uses this platform to speak at community events and schools, sharing her personal struggles with mental health and conflicts.

Olivia has been open about her journey with mental illness as a young adult. She has discovered through her experiences how important it is to take care of yourself and seek help when you need it, after struggling to graduate high school and suffering harsh anxious episodes. She is passionate about sharing her message with others so they know they are never alone.

Olivia Miller is an 20 year-old advocate from Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. She is currently completing a double major in Peace and Conflict and Social Development Studies with a minor in Political Science at the University of Waterloo.

Olivia is the co-founder and director of the Bridges of Hope Project and Community Ambassador for the Umbrella Project. She is a contributor with several community and national initiatives, including The Activist Collab, The Wilmot Post and more.

Bridges of Hope is a platform by youth for promoting mental health awareness by execution of local events and social media campaigns. Olivia uses this platform to speak at community events and schools, sharing her personal struggles with mental health and conflicts.

Olivia has been open about her journey with mental illness as a young adult. She has discovered through her experiences how important it is to take care of yourself and seek help when you need it, after struggling to graduate high school and suffering harsh anxious episodes. She is passionate about sharing her message with others so they know they are never alone.

IG: @selftalkwithliv

The YANApodcast:

"I would have told [my younger self] that he is deserving; that he is worthy; that he's loved; and that he's safe within himself. Because I always thought I had to be something that I wasn't in order to get safety - like I need to partake in this toxic masculinity exchange from the hood in order to feel safe, but you know, you are safe within yourself!" 

In today's episode, we welcome back our guest, Kenneth Bourne, B.A., MSW., LSW. Kenneth is a member of the class of 2012 and the first Boys’ Latin graduate to earn an advanced degree. After receiving his B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Denison University, Kenneth went on to pursue a Masters of Social Work at Rutgers University. His career began in North Philadelphia, serving a diverse community with a disproportionately high rate of unmet healthcare needs at PHMC Care Clinic. He has worked with young adults, in Camden, as a Street Leader Director at Urban Promise Ministries Inc. and, in Philadelphia, as a Community Intervention Specialist with Drexel University Healing Hurt People program. As a Community Intervention Specialist he provided acute intervention, outreach, counseling, and case management for young victims of interpersonal violence between the ages of 18 and 35. Kenneth brought his talents back to Boys’ Latin often, partnering with school, city, and state officials on the #blackdegreesmatter campaign, as well as, hosting discussions on Black male identity and overcoming higher education obstacles. He currently serves as an alumni liaison to the school’s Board of Trustees. He also worked at Boys’ Latin Middle School as the only school social worker for 300+ students and families. He refers to himself as a passionate social change agent, and recently launched his startup business Bourne ANEW to propel the life success of Black boys and young men.

Links for socials:

In today's episode of The YANApodcast, not only do we welcome a fantastic guest but we also welcome our brand new co-host, Ms. Dani Enguero! Dani joined our NAMI Philly family just recently in a new role as Youth Peer Navigator. She is going to make an awesome addition to the YANA team! Our guest is Kenneth Bourne, B.A., MSW., LSW. Kenneth is a member of the class of 2012 and the first Boys’ Latin graduate to earn an advanced degree. After receiving his B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Denison University, Kenneth went on to pursue a Masters of Social Work at Rutgers University. His career began in North Philadelphia, serving a diverse community with a disproportionately high rate of unmet healthcare needs at PHMC Care Clinic. He has worked with young adults, in Camden, as a Street Leader Director at Urban Promise Ministries Inc. and, in Philadelphia, as a Community Intervention Specialist with Drexel University Healing Hurt People program. As a Community Intervention Specialist he provided acute intervention, outreach, counseling, and case management for young victims of interpersonal violence between the ages of 18 and 35. Kenneth brought his talents back to Boys’ Latin often, partnering with school, city, and state officials on the #blackdegreesmatter campaign, as well as, hosting discussions on Black male identity and overcoming higher education obstacles. He currently serves as an alumni liaison to the school’s Board of Trustees. He also worked at Boys’ Latin Middle School as the only school social worker for 300+ students and families. He refers to himself as a passionate social change agent, and recently launched his startup business Bourne ANEW to propel the life success of Black boys and young men.

Links for socials:

Instagram:@kennethlbourne

Before we jump into telling you about today's guest, we would like to first, let you all know that this will be Carly's last episode as co-host! We are so sad to see her go but are so grateful for all the time she put in to make this podcast what it is and to bring such a beautiful light into all of your homes. Thank you so much for everything, Carly! Second, this change is not entirely a sad thing, because we are now welcoming Danielle Enguero to YANA as co-host along with Becca. Dani is super special, fun, and just dynamite so sit back and get ready for The YANApodcast Phase 2 coming at you starting next week! 

That all being said now, let's welcome today's guest who will be sharing Part 2 of her incredible story! Dallas Slankard aka @Dallyjeeaan on TikTok is a Colorado Native that has worked both in the entertainment and business industries. She has recently found her voice through social media and has used her platform to open up about her mental health journey, finding support and camaraderie within online communities. She currently lives in Colorado with her 2 dogs and cat and loves to do theatre, bake, and create unnecessary home improvement projects in her spare time.

Socials:

Check out today's episode of The YANApodcast which features Part 1 of Dallas Slankard's (AKA @dallyjeeaan on TikTok) story! Dallas is a Colorado Native that has worked both in the entertainment and business industries. She has recently found her voice through social media and has used her platform to open up about her mental health journey, finding support and camaraderie within online communities. She currently lives in Colorado with her 2 dogs and cat and loves to do theatre, bake, and create unnecessary home improvement projects in her spare time.

Socials:

"Honestly, the first thing that comes to mind [that I would tell my younger self] is so cliché but also so true is: be yourself – but I want to expand on that because I think that it’s so much more than just being yourself. I would say – you know, there was a point at that time where I was pretty hopeless, so I would just say: WAIT. Just wait. Because if you give up now, you’re never going to see what happens with you in the future so if you can just wait – wait it out – you can make it through this – don’t give up – you’ll get through to where you’re happy again. And I think that being yourself helps that wait." 

Christine Marie Frey (referred to as Christine XP) is an extraordinary rising youth mental health advocate. At the age of 16, Christine XP wrote and self-published her autobiography “Brain XP: Living with Mental Illness, A Young Teenager’s Perspective”, which has since become an international award-winning book. Christine XP also founded the teen mental health project & community Brain XP. She is an award- winning mental health advocate, an engaging motivational speaker, and a musical recording artist & performer.

BRAIN XP website/social media/contact info:

“Honestly, the first thing that comes to mind [that I would tell my younger self] is so cliché but also so true is: be yourself -  but I want to expand on that because I think that it’s so much more than just being yourself. I would say - you know, there was a point at that time where I was pretty hopeless, so I would just say: WAIT. Just wait. Because if you give up now, you’re never going to see what happens with you in the future so if you can just wait - wait it out - you can make it through this - don’t give up - you’ll get through to where you’re happy again. And I think that being yourself helps that wait.”

Christine Marie Frey (referred to as Christine XP) is an extraordinary rising youth mental health advocate. At the age of 16, Christine XP wrote and self-published her autobiography "Brain XP: Living with Mental Illness, A Young Teenager's Perspective", which has since become an international award-winning book. Christine XP also founded the teen mental health project & community Brain XP. She is an award- winning mental health advocate, an engaging motivational speaker, and a musical recording artist & performer.

BRAIN XP website/social media/contact info:

"I would tell my younger self to take more risks. I think I'd be a lot more comfortable in certain situations if I knew how to take risks before. I feel like now when I am sometimes uncomfortable in social situations, school or sports, I feel like I wish I could go back and learn how to fail." Today's episode features high school senior, Chuck Norton! Chuck has been working on Taco 'Bout It, a mental health card game, for a little over two years. Chuck realized that he wasn't effectively communicating with his parents about his mental health, but he knew that he enjoyed playing card games with them; he wanted to combine those two ideas so that families could engage in challenging conversations in a lower stakes and more enjoyable environment. 

Chuck & Taco 'Bout It Online:

"I would tell [my younger self] that she is enough and that her efforts are being recognized on so many levels...." To wrap up our 6 part series in honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Month, we continue where we left off with Amanda Moreno, Co-Founder, Co-President, Board Member of Body Empowerment Project, and hear Part 2 of her powerful story of what it was like growing up with the immigrant experience. Amanda is a recent graduate from the University of Pennsylvania where she obtained a B.A. in Neuroscience with a minor in French and Francophone Studies. As an aspiring pediatrician, Amanda has worked for over four years with children and adolescents in clinical and educational settings to improve their wellness and academic functioning. Through her work with the Body Empowerment Project, she hopes to teach youth how to approach wellness from a place of self-compassion while advocating for themselves and others. Outside of work, Amanda can be found dancing salsa, cooking Cuban food and desserts, or going on long exploratory walks in the city.

AMANDA:

Episode 5 of our 6 part series in honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Month, features Amanda Moreno, Co-Founder, Co-President, Board Member of Body Empowerment Project, and her powerful story of what it was like growing up with the immigrant experience. Amanda is a recent graduate from the University of Pennsylvania where she obtained a B.A. in Neuroscience with a minor in French & Francophone Studies. As an aspiring pediatrician, Amanda has worked for over four years with children and adolescents in clinical and educational settings to improve their wellness and academic functioning. Through her work with the Body Empowerment Project, she hopes to teach youth how to approach wellness from a place of self-compassion while advocating for themselves and others. Outside of work, Amanda can be found dancing salsa, cooking Cuban food and desserts, or going on long exploratory walks in the city.

AMANDA: 

"How you look is the least interesting thing about you." Today's episode picks up where we left off with Christina Miranda last week which is Part 4 of our 6 part series in honor of Eating Disorder Awareness Month! We continue our conversation with the co-founder of Body Empowerment Project, Christina to find out her WHY? for this work. Christina is a recent graduate from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. degree in Neuroscience. She has been working on eating disorder advocacy efforts since she was 14 years old, after surviving her personal struggle with anorexia. Christina believes that participating in the programs offered by the Body Empowerment Project would have prevented her eating disorder. In her free time, she can be found caring for her collection of plants and baking desserts for friends and family.

CHRISTINA:

Today's episode features part 3 of our 6 part series in honor of Eating Disorder Awareness Month! We continue our conversation with the co-founder of Body Empowerment Project, Christina Miranda to find out her WHY? for this work. Christina is a recent graduate from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. degree in Neuroscience. She has been working on eating disorder advocacy efforts since she was 14 years old, after surviving her personal struggle with anorexia. Christina believes that participating in the programs offered by the Body Empowerment Project would have prevented her eating disorder. In her free time, she can be found caring for her collection of plants and baking desserts for friends and family.

CHRISTINA: 

For the second part of a 6 episode series coinciding with Eating Disorder Awareness Month, we continue talking with Amanda Moreno and Christina Miranda about their organization, Body Empowerment Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2021 to help empower youth to find body acceptance and self-worth. They lead educational workshops for college, middle school, and high school students about body image and self-esteem in order to decrease eating disorder risk. Students leave their program with a new appreciation for themselves, a transformed idea of what it means to be healthy, acceptance of their bodies, and the courage to advocate for themselves and others.

The Body Empowerment Project:

For the first part of a 6 episode series, we start off Eating Disorder Awareness Month talking with Amanda and Christina about their organization, Body Empowerment Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2021 to help empower youth to find body acceptance and self-worth. They lead educational workshops for college, middle school, and high school students about body image and self-esteem in order to decrease eating disorder risk. Students leave their program with a new appreciation for themselves, a transformed idea of what it means to be healthy, acceptance of their bodies, and the courage to advocate for themselves and others.

Part 2 of Rose McKeen's story picks up right where we left off last week! Rose is a Senior at Sanborn Regional High school and also Miss Manchester NH! She spends her time dancing and volunteering her time to help NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) raise money and awareness for people with eating disorders.

For the first episode of Season 3 of The YANApodcast, we welcome special guest Rose McKeen! Rose is a Senior at Sanborn Regional High school and also Miss Manchester NH! She spends her time dancing and volunteering her time to help NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association) raise money and awareness for people with eating disorders. 

Part 2 of Lindsay Meehan Mayo's story! Lindsay is a Philly native and an open book when it comes to mental health and mental health advocacy. Lindsay brings lived experience to the table, as she's had her own battles and she's seen loved ones fight, too. Lindsay has struggled with various mental health challenges including OCD, anxiety/depression, and an eating disorder. But, with those battles, Lindsay found hope and chose a path of recovery. She recently celebrated her 5 year anniversary in ED recovery!

Until 2020, Lindsay was a pastry chef in Philadelphia. When the pandemic hit, bringing the restaurant industry to a halt, Lindsay took the opportunity to leap into a new career path; she had been contemplating this for a long time. With volunteer hours in the eating disorder recovery world, stability in her own mental health journey, and a lot of passion, Lindsay was welcomed into the mental health field with open arms. Fast forward through some interviews and class and training: She is now Lead Certified Peer Support Specialist on the Peer Support Warmline with Access Service Mont Co. In this role, Lindsay strives to give back to a community who experiences things that aren't always talked about or supported by others, a vulnerable community. She strives to build mutually empowered relationships with communities that want a helping hand with their mental health. Though daunting, changing careers in her 30s has proven to be incredibly fulfilling to Lindsay's life as a whole!

Outside of her CPS role, Lindsay finds joy at home with her spouse, and their 2 bunnies, and with her family and friends. Lindsay shares her creativity through painting and online community. And, she finds peace and happiness in outdoor adventures.

LINDSAY:

Lindsay Meehan Mayo is a Philly native and an open book when it comes to mental health and mental health advocacy. Lindsay brings lived experience to the table, as she's had her own battles and she's seen loved ones fight, too. Lindsay has struggled with various mental health challenges including OCD, anxiety/depression, and an eating disorder. But, with those battles, Lindsay found hope and chose a path of recovery. She recently celebrated her 5 year anniversary in ED recovery!

Until 2020, Lindsay was a pastry chef in Philadelphia. When the pandemic hit, bringing the restaurant industry to a halt, Lindsay took the opportunity to leap into a new career path; she had been contemplating this for a long time. With volunteer hours in the eating disorder recovery world, stability in her own mental health journey, and a lot of passion, Lindsay was welcomed into the mental health field with open arms. Fast forward through some interviews and class and training: She is now Lead Certified Peer Support Specialist on the Peer Support Warmline with Access Service Mont Co. In this role, Lindsay strives to give back to a community who experiences things that aren't always talked about or supported by others, a vulnerable community. She strives to build mutually empowered relationships with communities that want a helping hand with their mental health. Though daunting, changing careers in her 30s has proven to be incredibly fulfilling to Lindsay's life as a whole!

Outside of her CPS role, Lindsay finds joy at home with her spouse, and their 2 bunnies, and with her family and friends. Lindsay shares her creativity through painting and online community. And, she finds peace and happiness in outdoor adventures.

LINDSAY: 

Part 2 of Kim Sands' story! Kim Sands is a comedy show producer in New York City! She is also executive producer of bear the film, a film that depicts depression as a bear for kids. Additionally, Kim is a huge mental health advocate and uses her social media platform to spread mental health awareness and share her story of her own journey with mental health, hospitalization and surviving suicide loss.

Kim Sands is a comedy show producer in New York City! She is also executive producer of bear the film, a film that depicts depression as a bear for kids. Additionally, Kim is a huge mental health advocate and uses her social media platform to spread mental health awareness and share her story of her own journey with mental health, hospitalization and surviving suicide loss. 

Part 2 of AmandaGrace's story - continued from last week! AmandaGrace Krier is a 23 year old mental health professional and suicide loss survivor, currently in recovery living with mental illness. Her passion for youth began as an NAMI Ending The Silence Presenter speaking on the loss of her cousin Sean to suicide and personal journey of recovery with mental illness. She is a 2020 grad from CCP with a degree in Behavioral Health and Human Services and currently supports the teens of Montgomery and Chester County PA in her new roll as Lead Peer Specialist of Teen Talk Lines. AmandaGrace is very excited to join The YanaPodcast in telling her story, help listeners better understand how to support teens in their lives who may be struggling and know that there is #NoShameInBrainPain

AmandaGrace Krier is a 23 year old mental health professional and suicide loss survivor, currently in recovery living with mental illness. Her passion for youth began as an NAMI Ending The Silence Presenter speaking on the loss of her cousin Sean to suicide and personal journey of recovery with mental illness. She is a 2020 grad from CCP with a degree in Behavioral Health and Human Services and currently supports the teens of Montgomery and Chester County PA in her new roll as Lead Peer Specialist of Teen Talk Lines. AmandaGrace is very excited to join The YanaPodcast in telling her story, help listeners better understand how to support teens in their lives who may be struggling and know that there is #NoShameInBrainPain

Part 2 of Sean's story! Sean Hyatt has been a major advocate for mental health for most of his life. He lost his father at eight years old by suicide. At first, he heard about NAMI when his mother would attend support groups for grief and loss of a loved one. For the past four months, he has had the pleasure of being President of NAMI Drexel on NAMI on Campus. He loves the role as President and there are five other board members are part in planning events and meetings for the organization as well. In addition, he is an active member of NAMI Philly as a Peer Facilitator of an LGBTQIA+ support group for 18+ years old individuals. His current major at Drexel University is Psychology with a minor in Psych Rehab.

Recently, he just finished his internship at Belmont Behavioral Health Hospital for seven months as an Academic Behavioral Health Associate or also known as a Tech. Some of the responsibilities as tech (min. 32 hours per week) included leading community meetings/groups, take vitals for all the patients, and utilize therapeutic techniques to patients at a behavioral health hospital also known as a mental health hospital. He looks to inspire others by being part of this podcast by telling his story and give useful life lessons to listeners and viewers.

IG Handles -

Sean Hyatt has been a major advocate for mental health for most of his life. He lost his father at eight years old by suicide. At first, he heard about NAMI when his mother would attend support groups for grief and loss of a loved one. For the past four months, he has had the pleasure of being President of NAMI Drexel on NAMI on Campus. He loves the role as President and there are five other board members are part in planning events and meetings for the organization as well. In addition, he is an active member of NAMI Philly as a Peer Facilitator of an LGBTQIA+ support group for 18+ years old individuals. His current major at Drexel University is Psychology with a minor in Psych Rehab.

Recently, he just finished his internship at Belmont Behavioral Health Hospital for seven months as an Academic Behavioral Health Associate or also known as a Tech. Some of the responsibilities as tech (min. 32 hours per week) included leading community meetings/groups, take vitals for all the patients, and utilize therapeutic techniques to patients at a behavioral health hospital also known as a mental health hospital. He looks to inspire others by being part of this podcast by telling his story and give useful life lessons to listeners and viewers.

IG Handles -

Nicholas Emeigh is a mental health advocate and public speaker with 5 years of continuous recovery from mental illness, substance use, and is a survivor of 3 suicide attempts. He proudly serves the community as Director of Outreach and Development for NAMI Bucks County PA providing help, hope, awareness and opportunities to Bucks County’s 640,000 residents. He speaks often at conferences, schools, and institutions of medicine and higher learning on the power of peer support, about his own journey through an intense battle with mental illness, and what he is doing now to help shatter the stigma so that no one feels alone on their journey to recovery.

NICK ON SOCIALS:

Merissa Hester is a high school senior and former foster youth. She is a strong believer in sharing your story and for standing up for other foster kids who feel lost. Merissa hopes to one day make a difference in the lives of others by being a social worker. Merissa is a big NAMI Philly supporter and believes that mental health is so important to talk about! Merissa is described as being resilient, brave, bold and full of life! Merissa hopes that her story will impact other foster kids, other teenage girls or anyone who has ever felt alone!

Gabe Liedman is a television writer and producer, known for his work on 'Pen15,' 'Broad City,' and 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine." He most recently created, executive produced and starred in Netflix's animated series "Q-Force" about a gay superspy and his scrappy LGBTQ squad fighting to prove themselves to the agency that underestimated them. He's also been friends with your host, Becca Lane, since childhood, which is actually more important than his career achievements if you think about it.

Gabe Online: 

Nikki Weigand served in the US Army for eight years as a Cryptologic Linguist and Signals Intelligence Analyst. In 2009 she deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division out of Ft. Hood, TX. Nikki is currently the Advocacy Director at NAMI Keystone PA. She joined NAMI in 2017 as an intern while completing her Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to her involvement with NAMI, Nikki worked in veteran homelessness and homelessness prevention services as a case manager and outreach coordinator.

For more information on NAMI Keystone:

Today’s episode of The YANApodcast features the LEGENDARY KUF KNOTZ!! Known for his ability to fuse genres such as hip-hop, reggae, classical, soul, & jazz, MC/Poet/Songwriter Kuf Knotz is one of today’s fastest emerging alternative artists.

His career has led him to open for a very diverse number of acts: Ms Lauryn Hill, The Roots, Common, G-love, Wyclef Jean, Slick Rick, The Wailers, Robert Randolph, Steel Pulse, Arrested Development, Robert Glasper, Inspectah Deck, Rising Appalachia,  Zac Deputy, Josh Ritter, B.O.B, Bone Thugs & Harmony, Kabaka Pyramid, Yellowman, Soulive , Easy Star Allstars, Ozomatli and... BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN at an Obama Rally on the Parkway in Philadelphia!

2008 -”Unstoppable," which became the official song of World Series Champions, The Phillies, with fellow notorious local artists, G. Love, Don McClosky and Chuck Treece.

2011 - Recorded a solo project, “Boombox Logic”, in collaboration with Drexel University's Mad Dragon Records, the country’s first student run label, winning “Independent Music Awards: Best Hip Hop Song” in 2011.

2015 - Tri State Indie Awards Hip Hop Artist of the Year

2015 - Released an album focused on exhibiting a positive message “A Positive Light” on Ropeadope Records. This lead him to engage in more community outreach projects such as WXPN program Musicians on Call and facilitate fundraising events such as food drives, clothing drives, cancer benefits, and disaster reliefs.

2018 - Kuf has recently collaborated with music therapist and harpist, Christine Elise, co-founding a community outreach performance project, “Higher Grounds Music”. Within this project, he released an album, “Higher Grounds” in which he has spent the last year spreading peace and positivity on various stages across North America. The unlikely pair connected and built the project with a similar vision, wanting to create positive, forward thinking music driven by a strong message. Both individuals are intrinsically motivated to foster community growth through musical expression.

KUF ONLINE:

Hand Drawn Maps is an indie rock duo from the South Bay in Los Angeles, CA composed of lifelong friends Stewart Crichton and Blake Baldwin. The two create a unique sound that draws from a wide array of genres from classic 1960s psychedelia and surf rock, through current indie rock, pop, and more. Often drawing on their personal histories for inspiration, the lyrics bounce from themes of idyllic love to drug use and past forays with altered states of consciousness.  

HAND DRAWN MAPS: 

Alexandra spent 7 years earning her PhD in Biology where she studied soil microbes in a climate change experiment.  This roller coaster experience included extreme highs, such as incredible adventures throughout Asia, as well as extreme lows, such as chronic and crippling depression. Since graduating she has combined her love of science, teaching and writing as a critical writing professor. She is passionate about teaching people of all ages how to find their voice by conscientiously crafting their words. In her undergraduate classes students have written about everything from artificial intelligence and social justice to microbes and mental health.

The YANApodcast:

The Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Dylan Dunlap developed a love for music at a very young age.  As a teen, Dylan left the prestigious Berklee College of Music to get a head start on his music career and started busking in his hometown of Burbank, CA. Inspired by the likes of Coldplay and Mumford & Sons, he simultaneously fashioned a singular style, infusing cinematic scope and alternative eloquence into power pop.  Over the last two years, he supported OneRepublic, toured across the US and the UK and released what would become his breakout single, “If That’s Alright,”  which has amassed over 28 million streams. On top of his artist pursuits, Dylan has put in countless hours of work to raise awareness around mental health, receiving the “Fighting Stigma Rising Star” award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

DYLAN DUNLAP: