The Trauma Impact

This is a vulnerable and memorable conversation with the incredible Dr. Galit Atlas about the fear of pain and the pain of being human. We discuss the impact of trauma from mass violence and the experiences of guilt, survivor guilt, and shame. Surviving mass violence or terrorism can result in a devastating feeling of helplessness. Dr. Atlas artfully shares the impact of this emotional state. Thank you, Dr. Atas for sharing your time.Dr. Galit Atlas is a psychoanalyst and clinical supervisor in private practice in New York City. She is on the faculty of the New York University Postdoctoral Program in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis. Dr. Atlas has published three books for clinicians and numerous articles and book chapters. Her New York Times publication “A Tale of Two Twins” was the winner of a 2016 Gradiva Award. A leader in the field of relational psychoanalysis, Dr. Atlas is a recipient of the André François Award and the NADTA Research Award. She teaches and lectures throughout the United States and internationally. Her new book Emotional Inheritance is being translated into 19 languages.

Julie Paez is a victim/survivor of Dec 2, 2015, San Bernardino terrorist attack joins me for a conversation about her personal journey following the mass shooting. Julie exemplifies grace, courage, and resilience after the shooting and became an advocate for her friends and colleges injured in the attack. Julie shares her nonjudgemental insight and wisdom to create a healing path for others.

This incredibly vulnerable, raw, and heartbreaking conversation with Dion Green. Dion is a bereaved victim/survivor of the Dayton Ohio mass shooting from August 2019 where nine people were killed and seventeen others were injured.Dion Green, MBA, Founder/CEO of Flourishing Under Distress Given Encouragement (FUDGE) Dion Green is the Founder/CEO of Flourishing Under Distress Given Encouragement (FUDGE), a 501c3 non profit that helps survivors through traumatic experiences with resources and support. Green recently finished his MBA at Keller's Graduate School in Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurship, and holds a Bachelor of Science from DeVry University in Business Administration. Green is an advocate on gun violence and on gun legislation which was inspired by the mass shooting that occurred in Dayton, Ohio in August of 2019, which claimed his father’s life and many other innocent victims. He speaks around the country and speaks in the communities that have been impacted by gun violence. Green authored a memoir called Untitled Act of God/Act of Man sharing his tragedies and demonstrating a sense of resilience through his journey by forgiving and giving back to his community.In addition to his Foundation, Gun Legislation Advocacy service, and Gun Rally participation, he serves on the Board of Felons with a Future, Upturn Ohio, and numerous other community initiatives and support networks across the country.Dion has spent the past 5 years as a real estate investor and served as a case manager with St. Vincent Depaul homeless shelter as a Case Manager. He currently resides in Dayton with his fiancee and 13-year-old daughter.on Twitter @DionGre95543236 http://www.linkedin.com/in/dion-green-mba-b15b44171

Terri Keener, Behavioral Health Coordinator from the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center joined me for an important conversation about the importance of connection for victims and survivors of mass violence. "Healing does not happen in isolation." Terri Keener, LCSW, LSCSWBehavioral Health Coordinator, Division of Child and Family ServicesVegas Strong Resiliency CenterI graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Master of Science in Social Work and I am professionally licensed as a clinical social worker in Kansas and Nevada. I am a member of the 2021 cohort of the Jameson Fellowship. My professional experience includes:•More than 30 years of experience working with trauma and special needs populations in various communities and settings including child welfare, education, and community based mental health.•Direct services, supervision, management, consultation, team development, training, program development, grant writing and management, quality assurance, provider vetting, collaborative projects, outreach and media relations.•Since June 2018, serve as the Behavioral Health Coordinator at the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center, learning about the behavioral health needs of those impacted by mass violence and developing and establishing programming to meet those needs. Relevant Training:•EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing•EMDR – Recent Event Protocol •Member EMDR Trauma Resource Network for Southern Nevada•Critical Incident Stress Management (Group and Individual)•NOVA Crisis Response Team Training (National Organization of Victim Assistance)•Employee Trauma Intervention Program (E-TIP)•Trauma Recovery Yoga•Field Based Consultant, Inclusive Network of Kansas, KU Graduate School of Education •Conference Presentations including: oImpact of childhood trauma on parenting (National Association of Case Management)oFacilitating Child and Family Teams (NV Statewide Differential Response Conference)oSchool-Based Programs and Partnerships (KS Mental Health Services Conference) oDisaster Behavioral Health (Minnesota Regional Conference)oUNR Public Health Perspectives Webinar – Impact of Mass Violence•Strategic Management and Planning Facilitator •Clark County Leadership Academy•Georgetown University Leadership AcademyRelevant Accomplishments:•Establishment of a Peer Support program and Critical Incident Teams for Clark County Department of Family Services•Vetting and matching of providers for survivors of mass violence in multiple states and Canada•Implementation of Peer Support groups through NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)•Coordination of volunteer emotional support providers for mass violence anniversary and special events•Establishment of a network of local and out of area mental health and supportive services providers for those impacted by mass violence and trauma•Media appearances and development of press release and social media and educational material as Behavioral Health Coordinator at Vegas Strong Resiliency Center•Organization of various training and information session opportunities for those impacted by mass violence, including responder peer support teams.

The Transcend App for self-help from PTSD/trauma has launched!Dr. Dan Smith and Mary Shapiro were central in the development of the National Mass Violence and Victimization Resource Center's Transcend App. D.r Dan Smith, Mary Shapiro, Kristin Walker, and I as we talk about the app, PTSD, self-help, and how to navigate through these troubling times.Dr. Smith is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). A Fellow of the Association for Behavioral & Cognitive Therapies, (ABCT), Dr. Smith is a nationally certified provider of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TFCBT) and an approved TF-CBT trainer. He specializes in the use of technology to disseminate trauma-related information for clinical and non-clinical professionals. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/transcend-nmvc/id1504741131https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=edu.musc.dhs.transcendKristin Walker is the founder of the Mental Health News Radio Network.Mary Shapiro: Dr. Mary Shapiro is a postdoctoral fellow at the Medical University of South Carolina and the National Mass Violence Victimization Resource Center. She is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, and her research focuses on using technology to enhance treatment outcomes for anxiety- and trauma-related symptoms.

In this very special conversation, Dr. Fatima Ali Haider shares about her personal tragedy and how it led her to start an organization to create a space for women and mothers to grieve in Pakistan. The toll of terrorism in clear and the impact of trauma cuts across cultures. This heartwarming conversation is further proof that the worldwide need for understanding trauma and creating access to mental health services is necessary. Listening to this brave and incredible woman will leave you inspired.Fatima Ali Haider, a medical doctor and EMDR therapist by training, lost her husband and son in an incident of sectarian terrorism in 2013. Her personal experience and journey after the tragedy made her aware of those suffering in similar situations. Therefore, she co-founded an initiative in 2015 called ‘The Grief Directory’ that was intended to be a bridge of compassion between victims of terrorism in Pakistan who require support and individuals willing to offer it. Through this platform, she has reached out to countless victims of terrorism and their families across the boundaries of religion, sect or ethnicity, providing assistance in areas of health, education and emotional support. Other than directly working with the victims, Dr. Fatima has been conducting youth internship programmes from The Grief Directory’s platform for the last five years, training young college students on empathy, tolerance, acceptance, and resilience through in person meetings with victims and diversity tours. The programme has been well attended by young students, many of them women. In an effort towards countering terrorism and violent extremism in Pakistan, she regularly advocates for the rights of victims of terrorism in Pakistan including establishment of institutionalized mechanisms of support and state ownership on various platforms. Dr. Fatima recently completed her master's in Peace and Conflict from the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, and is now undertaking her Ph.D. there. She hopes to bring valuable lessons home to support those who have been marginalized due to religion, sect, and acts of violence.

Surviving an attack of terrorism or mass violence can lead to a complicated path of healing. Tahir heartwarmingly shares about the wounds that cannot be seen, how culture and context matter, and how although experiences may be very unique can all relate on the grounds of common humanity. TheTahir Wadood Malik has over 47 years in Public and Private Enterprises. He is a survivor of terrorism, an activist for peace & a collector of stories of survivors.He Co-Founded the Pakistan Terrorism Survivors Network & Global Survivors Network. A youth mentor, teacher, & motivational speaker he engages with youth and all people to create awareness of the human cost of terrorism, survivor issues, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, the need for creating a counter-narrative, & the dynamics of terrorist groups in the local & regional context.He has represented Pakistan both at home & abroad to reach a wider audience for these issues.Tahir’s desire to be an agent for a positive change in society has led to his playing an important role in the life of survivors of terrorism.He supports interfaith harmony, minority rights, animal rights, and free media.

Joe Campbell eloquently shares his story while exploring the layers of trauma that accompany the work of long term healing. No matter how much of his story he is able to share, the experience of knowing the full truth about his father's murder remains a mystery, and he works to live with this reality every day. Carrying the untold story in addition to learning to live with the trauma impact is something that has changed the trajectory of his life. Joe Campbell is a champion for peace and healing and he continues to use his suffering to help others. Joe Campbell is the son of RUC Sergeant Joseph Campbell who was shot dead in February 1977 outside his police station in Cushendall, County Antrim. Nevertheless, true to the values of his late father, Joe has, from the very beginning, rejected all calls for retaliation against the perpetrators and continues to pursue justice through the courts with remarkable courage and dignity.Learn more about the Miami Show Band Peace Center and the Truth and Reconciliation Platform at www.miamishowbandpeacecenter.org and Twitter @TaR_Platform.

An inspiring conversation with Amy Newmark, bestselling author, editor-in-chief, and publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. Amy shares what she has learned about resilience and overcoming. The power of storytelling has been a passion to heal and during the most trying times in life. Sharing stories is healing for the reader and story teller. Amy Newmark is the bestselling author, editor-in-chief, and publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. Since 2008, she has published more than 170 new books, most of them national bestsellers in the U.S. and Canada, more than doubling the number of Chicken Soup for the Soul titles in print today. She is also the author of Simply Happy, a crash course in Chicken Soup for the Soul advice and wisdom that is filled with easy-to-implement, practical tips for enjoying a better life.Amy is credited with revitalizing the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand, which has been a publishing industry phenomenon since the first book came out in 1993. By compiling inspirational and aspirational true stories curated from ordinary people who have had extraordinary experiences, Amy has kept the twenty-seven-year-old Chicken Soup for the Soul brand fresh and relevant.Amy graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University where she majored in Portuguese and minored in French. She then embarked on a three-decade career as a Wall Street analyst, a hedge fund manager, and a corporate executive in the technology field. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst.Her return to literary pursuits was inevitable, as her honors thesis in college involved traveling throughout Brazil’s impoverished northeast region, collecting stories from regular people. She is delighted to have come full circle in her writing career—from collecting stories “from the people” in Brazil as a twenty-year-old to, three decades later, collecting stories “from the people” for Chicken Soup for the Soul.When Amy and her husband Bill, the CEO of Chicken Soup for the Soul, are not working, they are visiting their four grown children and their grandchildren.Follow Amy on Twitter @amynewmark. Listen to her free podcast, The Chicken Soup for the Soul Podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, the Podcasts app on iPhone, or by using your favorite podcast app on other devices.

Leo Flanagan joins me for two very important conversations about how to successfully navigate the challenges of reentering the workforce alongside COVID-19. Leo introduces us to his 3 pandemic philosophy; the virus, anxiety and economic downturn and how to set up your business for a successful transition.Leo F. Flanagan, Jr., PhD has more than 30 years of experience in the crafting and activation of business transformations by integrating human capital, innovation, and customer loyalty strategies. He has held senior level corporate positions at Merrill Lynch, Willis Holdings and The Forum Corporation. He consults across a wide range of industries including digital media, consumer goods, financial services, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Consulting engagements have ranged from working with PE firms and portfolio companies on turnarounds and accelerations to partnering with global enterprises such as Bank of America, Citi, The Home Depot, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, McDonalds, MMC and UBS to craft and activate strategies to drive revenue growth, engage employees, upgrade talent and deliver the brand.His brand of business transformation is fast, lean, practical and integrated with - not burdened on - the business. His work produces a true ROI. Double digit increases in revenue, customer loyalty and employee engagement and reductions in cost are trademarks of his leadership. One leading financial services company recently calculated the ROI from his work at 67:1. The CFO of a major bank cited his work more valuable than a $1bn acquisition with an 18% ROE.Early in his career, Leo was a faculty member at Cornell University’s, School of Industrial and Labor Relations. A regular speaker at leading universities, Carnegie Mellon recently selected him as a faculty member and executive coach for its new Executive Leadership Academy. The Academy will prepare high-potential African Americans for advancement.Always active in philanthropy and volunteer work, Leo currently is on the Board of Tuesday’s Children, an advisor to Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County and a member of Ministry to the Homeless. As Director of Community Resilience & Behavioral Health for H.E.A.R.T. 911 he volunteered in response to the Newtown School Shooting, Superstorm Sandy and the Moore Oklahoma EF-5 tornado.Leo earned his PhD at City University of New York, his M.A. at Hunter College and his B.A. at Fordham University. Leo and his wife Maureen have four daughters. They also share a passion for travel as well as skiing, tennis, and sailing. Leo is also an avid fisherman.The Courses discussed on this show can be accessed through his website.Recommended Reading- The Five Things We Cannot Change and the Happiness We Find By Embracing Them by David Richo

In this episode Dr. April Naturale discussed traumatic stress helps educate and outline the natural reaction to a traumatic event. April is one of the top experts in the world on the topic of traumatic stress and she shares so much wisdom in this episode. April also talks the about the traumatic threat and impact of COVID-19. Visit SAMHSA.gov, the CDC and aprilnaturale.com for more information on the topics discussed in the show.April Naturale, PhD, is a traumatic stress specialist with 30 years of experience as a health/mental health care administrator, and a clinician specializing in response to traumatic events. After 9/11, Dr. Naturale directed the New York State response to the World Trade Center disaster, served as project director for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Technical Assistance Center (SAMHSA DTAC), helped launch the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the BP Oil Spill Distress Helpline and the National Disaster Distress Helpline. She was the architect of the Boston Marathon Bombing Behavioral Health response and has been assisting in program development efforts and needs assessment surveys as well as victim, family and provider forums for San Bernardino, the Las Vegas Harvest Festival, Pulse Nightclub, Parkland, Thousand Oaks, Pittsburgh Tree of Life, Virginia Beach, El Paso and Highland Ranch shooting incidents. She is also currently training Psychologists in the Ukraine Military Service and Humanitarian Aid workers for the European Union.

Manya Chylinski and Elena Breese were both in the finish line grandstands for the 2013 Boston Marathon. Both of these women were dramatically impacted when two bombs exploded, one at the finish line and another 210 yards away. Not all injuries are physical and the struggle with PTSD can have a devastating impact on a survivor. These two brave women are committed to spreading the message that not all injuries are physical but with work you can heal.Manya’s life was violently altered, along with the lives of hundreds of others, while a spectator at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013. Without physical injuries, she returned to her daily life where she began to struggle with fear and anxiety. It took recognizing that she was not merely a witness but also a victim for her to get real help. Although invisible in the media, witnesses of violence commonly suffer mental health injuries, particularly when they are unprepared for the violence and powerless to prevent it.How do you help the invisible victims of mass violence like the Boston Marathon bombing? As a speaker and a writer, Manya’s mission is to spread the word about how some survivors of mass violence appear unharmed but actually experience very real mental health injuries.website: manyachyli nski.com Twitter: @ManyaChylinskiElena is a Boston Marathon bombing survivor and lives with post-traumatic stress disorder. Through her website, Still Blooming Me, Elena shares how she learned to embrace her trauma and mental challenges, advocate for herself, and grow from her experience. She is passionate about bringing awareness about PTSD and sharing resources that have helped her heal. Elena has contributed to various blogs, podcasts, and speaks publicly. Elena is a dedicated wife and mother. Her family lives in Phoenix, Arizona.Website: www.stillbloomingme.comInstagram: @stillbloomingme

In this episode Rachel bravely talks about the emotional process of exploring the meaning of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a complicated emotional experience with deep personal meaning. Listen and appreciate the thought provoking reality of surviving a school shooting and confronting the topic of forgiveness. Rachel Maurice is a survivor of the 2001 Santana High School shooting, she was 16 year old junior and witnessed a 15-year-old classmate kill her friend, Randy Gordon, 17, Bryan Zuckor, 14 and wound thirteen other members of the school community. As a result, she decided to devote her career to the criminal justice field and has a passion helping other survivors of gun violence. She is a member of The Rebels Project and the Everytown Survivor Network both are peer support groups for survivors of violence. Rachel serves as a survivor mentor to the Students Demand Action group of High School aged students in her area. And volunteers her time working with youth by teaching Sunday School. In 2012 she earned her MBA from the University of Redlands & in 2009 her B.A. from California Baptist University. She is married with two daughters and their beloved dog Charlie.

Dr. Leo Flanagan shares some practical advice about how to stay resilient and minimize the impact of anxiety during the COVID-19 disruption. Leo F. Flanagan, Jr., PhD has more than 30 years of experience in the crafting and activation of business transformations by integrating human capital, innovation, and customer loyalty strategies. He has held senior level corporate positions at Merrill Lynch, Willis Holdings and The Forum Corporation. He consults across a wide range of industries including digital media, consumer goods, financial services, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Consulting engagements have ranged from working with PE firms and portfolio companies on turnarounds and accelerations to partnering with global enterprises such as Bank of America, Citi, The Home Depot, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, McDonalds, MMC and UBS to craft and activate strategies to drive revenue growth, engage employees, upgrade talent and deliver the brand.His brand of business transformation is fast, lean, practical and integrated with - not burdened on - the business. His work produces a true ROI. Double digit increases in revenue, customer loyalty and employee engagement and reductions in cost are trademarks of his leadership. One leading financial services company recently calculated the ROI from his work at 67:1. The CFO of a major bank cited his work more valuable than a $1bn acquisition with an 18% ROE.Early in his career, Leo was a faculty member at Cornell University’s, School of Industrial and Labor Relations. A regular speaker at leading universities, Carnegie Mellon recently selected him as a faculty member and executive coach for its new Executive Leadership Academy. The Academy will prepare high-potential African Americans for advancement.Always active in philanthropy and volunteer work, Leo currently is on the Board of Tuesday’s Children, an advisor to Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County and a member of Ministry to the Homeless. As Director of Community Resilience & Behavioral Health for H.E.A.R.T. 911 he volunteered in response to the Newtown School Shooting, Superstorm Sandy and the Moore Oklahoma EF-5 tornado.

In this episode Rachel shares about her experience surviving the Santana High School Shooting in March 2001. The impact is long lasting. Rachel shares the wisdom she has gained over the years and her inspiring journey to heal from this tragic event. Rachel Maurice is a survivor of the 2001 Santana High School shooting, she was 16 year old junior and witnessed a 15-year-old classmate kill her friend, Randy Gordon, 17, Bryan Zuckor, 14 and wound thirteen other members of the school community. As a result, she decided to devote her career to the criminal justice field and has a passion helping other survivors of gun violence. She is a member of The Rebels Project and the Everytown Survivor Network both are peer support groups for survivors of violence. Rachel serves as a survivor mentor to the Students Demand Action group of High School aged students in her area. And volunteers her time working with youth by teaching Sunday School. In 2012 she earned her MBA from the University of Redlands & in 2009 her B.A. from California Baptist University. She is married with two daughters and their beloved dog Charlie.Amy O’Neill is a Survivor of the Boston Marathon Bombing. Amy is a Stakeholder for the National Mass Violence and Victimization Resource Center, a Licensed Professional Counselor and is newly in the OVC TTAC Consultant Network. Ms. O’Neill possess a unique combination of personal and professional experience with trauma recovery process when a victim of Mass Violence or Terrorism. As a Trauma-Informed, 25+ year mental health professional, survivor of the Boston Marathon attack and endurance athlete (3x Ironman Triathlon Finisher and 5x Boston Marathon finisher) Amy has an intimate understanding of adversity, resilience and how to work through challenges including the complicated trauma/survivor experience. Amy O’Neill maintains a private counseling practice and is an Adjunct Professor for the graduate Counseling Psychology Program at Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA and the host of The Trauma Impact Podcast.

Dr. Alyssa Rheingold shares insights on traumatic grief as a result of mass violence. The path to healing is not a straight line, but it certainly helps to understand that it is a journey. The loss becomes a "part of your history" says Dr. Rheingold and healing is "learning to carry it lightly." Listen to this episode to hear more insights about the healing journey of traumatic grief.Dr. Rheingold is a licensed clinical psychologist and Professor at the National Crime Victim's Research and Treatment Center (NCVC) within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina. She is the Associate Director of Administration and Director of Clinical Operations at the NCVC. In addition, Dr. Rheingold is the Director of the Preparedness, Response & Recovery Division of the National Mass Violence Resource Center. Her expertise includes evidence-based treatment of trauma related mental health issues, grief and loss, and traumatic loss by homicide. Dr. Rheingold is the PI of several federally funded service grants to improve resources for survivors of homicide, domestic violence victims, and underserved victims of crime She was the Co-PI on an OVC AEAP grant to provide ongoing resiliency and recovery services for those impacted by the Charleston Emanuel AME Church shooting and is the PI on an OVC funded grant to develop community response to intra-familial homicide. Dr. Rheingold has published over 60 peer reviewed articles and book chapters in the area of trauma, bereavement, and victimization. She has provided a number of trainings including Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Loss by Homicide, GRIEF Approach, Traumatic Grief, Impact of Witnessing Domestic Violence, Stress Management, and Prolonged Exposure for PTSD.For more information please visit the NMVVRC.org

Heather Dearman' is a surviving family member from the Aurora Movie Theater Shooting which occurred on July, 20th 2012. In this conversation Heather talks about the impact on her extended family, she shares what it was like to live in a traumatized close knit community and how she worked towards healing. Heather also shares the heartbreaking story of how her cousin Ashley was impacted and what continues to endure since the shooting. Heather is a true inspiration on how to find love in the darkness.Heather Dearman is a wife and mother of 5 children. She is the current chair of the 7/20 memorial foundation. Heather’s cousin Ashley was paralyzed in the July 20, 2012 Aurora Theater Shooting. Ashley’s unborn child and 6 year old daughter Veronica were also killed. Heather was inspired to join the foundation in 2015 after experiencing the love and compassion the community displayed at her youngest daughter’s lemonade stand fundraiser for the theater shooting memorial. For the following 3 years, she helped lead fundraising efforts for the permanent memorial, and in July of 2018, the permanent memorial "Ascentiate" was installed. Heather and her board are now focused on advocating for survivors of mass tragedy and their perpetual needs for resources that will support long-term resiliency. Heather also works closely with Aurora’s police officers and firefighters in her role with the city of Aurora’s civil service commission. Her connections with first responders, victims, survivors, and communities who have experienced tragedy propel her passion for proving that there is more love in the world than hate.

In this episode Tricia Brouk discusses what it was like to witness the worst terror attack in US history and the impact it had on her. On Sept. 12th the producer called and said "the show is on." In this vulnerable conversation we discuss the impact of trauma and life pre and post 9/11. Tricia shares her thoughts on how art can heal after tragedy. THe ripple effect of traumatic events is undeniable.Tricia Brouk is an international award winning director. She is works in theater, film and television. In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, she applies her expertise to the art of public speaking. She’s the executive producer of Speakers Who dare, a TEDx producer. She choreographed Black Box on ABC, The Affair on Showtime, Rescue Me on Fox, and John Turturro’s Romance and Cigarettes, where she was awarded a Golden Thumb Award from Roger Ebert. The series Sublets, won Best Comedy at the Vancouver Web-Festival. She curates and hosts the Speaker Salon in NYC, The Big Talk an award winning podcast on iTunes and directs and produces The Big Talk Over Dinner a new tv series. She was recently awarded Top Director of 2019 by the International Association of Top Professionals and her documentary Right Livelihood A Journey to Here about the Buddhist Chaplain at Riker’s Island won Best Documentary Short at The Olympus Film Festival and You’re Gorgeous, I Love Your Shirt, An Inside Look at Bullying and Mental Health have both been submitted for an Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science.

Travis shares his compelling story of surviving the Westminster Bridge Terror attack in 2017. Unfortunately the next part of his journey is not uncommon for survivors, how to access services and support and navigate the mental health care system. Travis shares his incredible insights into the need for recognition, validation and how commemoration services help survivors heal. Travis D. Frain is a Masters Student at Lancaster University in the UK. He was seriously injured in the Westminster Bridge terror attack in March 2017, and has since spent the past two years campaigning for improved support for British victims of terrorism affected at home and abroad

Resilience Expert Dr. Leo Flanagan shares valuable lessons learned throughout his career working with trauma communities. Tune in to learn about the unique challenges helps face when working with victims that have endured trauma. Dr. Flanagan closes with 3 tips to help us stay hardy and resilient during these troubling times.Leo F. Flanagan, Jr., PhD has more than 30 years of experience in the crafting and activation of business transformations by integrating human capital, innovation, and customer loyalty strategies. He has held senior level corporate positions at Merrill Lynch, Willis Holdings and The Forum Corporation. He consults across a wide range of industries including digital media, consumer goods, financial services, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Consulting engagements have ranged from working with PE firms and portfolio companies on turnarounds and accelerations to partnering with global enterprises such as Bank of America, Citi, The Home Depot, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, McDonalds, MMC and UBS to craft and activate strategies to drive revenue growth, engage employees, upgrade talent and deliver the brand.His brand of business transformation is fast, lean, practical and integrated with - not burdened on - the business. His work produces a true ROI. Double digit increases in revenue, customer loyalty and employee engagement and reductions in cost are trademarks of his leadership. One leading financial services company recently calculated the ROI from his work at 67:1. The CFO of a major bank cited his work more valuable than a $1bn acquisition with an 18% ROE.Early in his career, Leo was a faculty member at Cornell University’s, School of Industrial and Labor Relations. A regular speaker at leading universities, Carnegie Mellon recently selected him as a faculty member and executive coach for its new Executive Leadership Academy. The Academy will prepare high-potential African Americans for advancement.Always active in philanthropy and volunteer work, Leo currently is on the Board of Tuesday’s Children, an advisor to Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County and a member of Ministry to the Homeless. As Director of Community Resilience & Behavioral Health for H.E.A.R.T. 911 he volunteered in response to the Newtown School Shooting, Superstorm Sandy and the Moore Oklahoma EF-5 tornado.Leo earned his PhD at City University of New York, his M.A. at Hunter College and his B.A. at Fordham University. Leo and his wife Maureen have four daughters. They also share a passion for travel as well as skiing, tennis, and sailing. Leo is also an avid fisherman.Recommended Reading- The Five Things We Cannot Change and the Happiness We Find By Embracing Them by David Richo

Gun violence and mass shootings in the US are happening at an alarming rate. Jami and Kristin join in an enlightening conversation about the impact of gun violence in America. Jami Amo is a survivor of the 1999 Columbine shooting and volunteer with The Rebels Project and Orange Wave for Gun Safety in Pennsylvania. She focuses primarily on victim and survivor support, and gun safety policy. Jami is also a contributor to the anthology If I Don't Make It, I Love You published in September 2019.Kristin Walker is the founder of the Mental Health News Radio Network.

Impacted by loss on Sept. 11th and the way the world responded on Sept 12th Jeff wanted to find a way to say Thank You and pay it forward. Spreading Hope and Healing has become a way of life. Listen to Jeff share his journey to heal and how one idea lead to another...and another. The Stars of Hope have touched lives around the world. Love is Always Stronger Than Hate.Jeff Parness serves as Executive Director and Board Memberof New York Says Thank You Foundation. Over 600,000 people of all ages have volunteered in NYSTY’s various programs including its signature 9/11 Anniversary “barn-raising” program; historic 50-state restoration of The National 9/11 Flag; Hurricane Sandy First Responder Rebuilding Fund; 9/12 Generation citizenship education initiative; Build for LIFE rebuilding program for cancer victims in disaster areas; and its growing Stars of HOPE therapeutic community arts program which has accelerated the healing process of tens of millions of disaster survivors in 187 communities in 26 countries. Jeff also co-founded CJ’s Bus Foundation which provided emergency child care services for children in the immediate aftermath of disasters, and Tony’s Room Foundation which built “clean-rooms” for kids with Leukemia. A former technology corporate finance professional and venture capitalist, Jeff helped to raise over $150 Million for every stage company in all market cycles. Jeff is a graduate of the University of Michigan and served in The White House Office of Public Liaison for Defense and Foreign Policy under President Reagan. Jeff has received numerous awards for his public service with New York Says Thank You Foundation including The Melvin Jones Fellow for Humanitarian Service from Lions Club International Foundation, The New York Post Liberty Medal Ambassador Award, The Champion of the Community Award from The New York Mets, the 1010WINS Tomorrow’s Newsmakers Award for Public Service, The Daughters of American Revolution Founder’s Medal for Patriotism, and National Independent Flag Dealers Association George Washington Award. Jeff was also a CNN Hero in 2011.Jeff lives in New York City with his wife Sandra Hauser, an attorney at DENTONS, and his two sons Evan and Josh who were the inspiration behind the creation of New York Says Thank You Foundation.

Liz Brown-Norden is the mother of 5 children and proud resident of Massachusetts. Two of her sons suffered devastating injuries in the Boston Marathon Bombing, both suffered right leg amputations. One above the knee and one below the knee. Trauma impacted her entire family and she bravely shares her experience of a Mother's Love and gut wrenching pain. The impact of trauma is real and long lasting. Liz humbly shares her experience as the mother of victims of terrorism, from the attack through the trial."There is so much bad in the world and but so much more good."Liz started the Leg Forever Foundation in the aftermath of her own pain, choosing to repay the kindness that was showed to her and her family during the darkest time in their lives.

Resilience Expert Dr. Leo Flanagan shares valuable lessons learned throughout his career working with trauma communities. Tune in to learn about the unique challenges helps face when working with victims that have endured trauma. Dr. Flanagan closes with 3 tips to help us stay hardy and resilient during these troubling times.Leo F. Flanagan, Jr., PhD has more than 30 years of experience in the crafting and activation of business transformations by integrating human capital, innovation, and customer loyalty strategies. He has held senior level corporate positions at Merrill Lynch, Willis Holdings and The Forum Corporation. He consults across a wide range of industries including digital media, consumer goods, financial services, hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Consulting engagements have ranged from working with PE firms and portfolio companies on turnarounds and accelerations to partnering with global enterprises such as Bank of America, Citi, The Home Depot, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, McDonalds, MMC and UBS to craft and activate strategies to drive revenue growth, engage employees, upgrade talent and deliver the brand.His brand of business transformation is fast, lean, practical and integrated with - not burdened on - the business. His work produces a true ROI. Double digit increases in revenue, customer loyalty and employee engagement and reductions in cost are trademarks of his leadership. One leading financial services company recently calculated the ROI from his work at 67:1. The CFO of a major bank cited his work more valuable than a $1bn acquisition with an 18% ROE.Early in his career, Leo was a faculty member at Cornell University’s, School of Industrial and Labor Relations. A regular speaker at leading universities, Carnegie Mellon recently selected him as a faculty member and executive coach for its new Executive Leadership Academy. The Academy will prepare high-potential African Americans for advancement.Always active in philanthropy and volunteer work, Leo currently is on the Board of Tuesday’s Children, an advisor to Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County and a member of Ministry to the Homeless. As Director of Community Resilience & Behavioral Health for H.E.A.R.T. 911 he volunteered in response to the Newtown School Shooting, Superstorm Sandy and the Moore Oklahoma EF-5 tornado.Leo earned his PhD at City University of New York, his M.A. at Hunter College and his B.A. at Fordham University. Leo and his wife Maureen have four daughters. They also share a passion for travel as well as skiing, tennis, and sailing. Leo is also an avid fisherman.

Sherrie bravely spends an hour with me talking about PTSD, therapy and resilience. Sherrie continued to look for professional support despite setbacks with the clinicians she encountered along the way. This is a must listen for clinicians to hear what worked and what did not and for survivors who are still searching for the right help.Sherrie Lawson survived the Washington Navy Yard shooting that occurred on September 16, 2013. Through her healing journey she became passionate about supporting others that also suffer from the “invisible wounds’ of trauma. She joined The Rebels Project as a member in 2014 and began working with TRP in an official capacity in 2016. After spending 15 years in Washington, DC and returning home to her native NC for two years she relocated to Denver, Colorado to become even more involved in the TRP mission of providing support for survivors of mass tragedy. Sherrie currently volunteers as Director of Operations for TRP. In addition to her work with TRP she lectures at the University of Colorado-Denver and a is SoulCollage(R) Facilitator.www.soulcollage.com

Sallie Lynch Program Consultant for Tuesday's Children shares her intimate knowledge and experiences with working with survivors from Sept. 11th and subsequent communities impacted by mass violence. Sallie has a breadth of knowledge, wealth of experience and an unparalleled amount of compassion to help the world. Tune in as Sallie gives us an in depth look into helping survivors rise.Sallie Lynch, Senior Program and Development Consultant at Tuesday's Children has nearly 18 years of experience serving families of September 11th victims, responders and survivors, and has worked through Tuesday’s Children with international victim service providers and with other communities impacted by mass tragedies, including Newtown, CT, Orlando, FL, Las Vegas, NV and Parkland, FL. She is the principal researcher and author of Tuesday’s Children’s evidence-based Long-Term Healing Model, a five-module training curriculum, toolkit and compilation of lessons learned on community healing and resilience.She previously coordinated a collaborative research and intervention program with Columbia University School ofSocial Work and the FDNY Counseling Service Unit working with 9/11 widows and children. She is a co-author of the book FDNY Crisis Counseling: Innovative Responses to 9/11 Firefighters, Families and Communities (Wiley, 2006). Sallie is a member of the Advisory Board for Peace of Mind Afghanistan (PoMA), a national campaign to raise awareness of mental health issues in Afghanistan. She holds an MA in Anthropology from Columbia University and a BA in Cultural Studies from Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic.Amy C. O’Neill, MS, LPC has built a career in mental health over two and a half decades and traveled a personal path that has proven over and over again that resilience is key to truly living healthy, both in mind and body. Resilience enables us to face tragedy and still take the necessary steps to go through. Resilience is mandatory for us to recover when obstacles interfere. And, as Amy can attest, resilience can be harnessed. After methodically training and successfully completing three Ironman Triathlons, and the prestigious Boston Marathon five times, Amy knows how mental and physical focus can lead to success. Perhaps her biggest life test was being thrust into the role of a Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor. Her testimony understanding the path of the unthinkable has opened up her eyes to a new way of going through adversity. Amy’s goal is to share her keen and personal insight to share her lived and learned knowledge with others. The survival journey is complicated but we can not only survive challenges but also thrive and create a life we love

In this episode, Mike Dempsey shares his incredible survival story from September 11th, 2001. The impact of this attack spans his life then he is again confronted with mass violence again in Las Vegas during the Route 91 shooting. Being one of a growing number of Americans impacted by multiple tragedies Mike shares his thoughts on his journey and how he approaches life after the impact of trauma.Mike Dempsey is a founding Board member for the WTC United Family Group, which is now known as The September 11 Education Trust. Mike coordinates peer support programs such as a recent event in Parkland, FL as well as the Oklahoma City/September 11th Family Exchange, which is a mutual peer support program, which unites the September 11th community with the members of the Oklahoma City bombing community held each year in April and September. Throughout each portion of the exchange, peer support activities are held to promote healing and connection that include support groups, panel discussions and visits to respective memorials and commemorative ceremonies. Mike was also a member of the Coalition of 9/11 Families from 2003-2006.Mike Dempsey heads up enterprise risk management services for Dixon Hughes Goodman’s Financial Services Group and is based in North Carolina. Mike was previously a director at KPMG for 7 and a half years in the regulatory safety and soundness team specializing in operational risk, enterprise risk, and third party risk management. Mike also worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, where he was the lead examiner and team leader for Large Bank Supervision based in Charlotte and a member of the inter-agency Basel Qualification Team. Prior to the Fed, Mike was regional head of Operational Risk and global head of business continuity at Hypo Real Estate Group based in Munich, Germany and Depfa Bank based in Dublin, Ireland from 2007-2009 and was head of investment banking operational risk for Credit Suisse from 2000-2007.Mike holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Nova Southeastern University and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY / Albany.Amy C. O’Neill, MS,LPC has built a career in mental health over two and a half decades, and traveled a personal path that has proven over and over again that resilience is key to truly living healthy, both in mind and body. Resilience enables us to face tragedy and still take the necessary steps to go through. Resilience is mandatory for us to recover when obstacles interfere. And, as Amy can attest, resilience can be harnessed. After methodically training and successfully completing three Ironman Triathlons, and the prestigious Boston Marathon five times, Amy knows how mental and physical focus can lead to success. Perhaps her biggest life test was being thrust into the role of a Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor. Her testimony understanding the path of the unthinkable has opened up her eyes to a new way of going through adversity. Amy’s goal is to share her keen and personal insight share her lived and learned knowledge with others. The survival journey is complicated but we can not only survive challenges, but also thrive and create a life we love.

In this episode Sarri Singer shares her story of being a victim of terrorism and how it inspired her to create the organization Strength to Strength which is connecting survivors from around the world.Sarri Singer, born in Lakewood, New Jersey, is the daughter of New Jersey State Senator, Robert Singer. Until 9/11, Sarri worked two blocks away from the World Trade Center. Deeply moved by the tragedy of 9/11, Sarri decided to resign from her position in December 2001 and move to Israel to help victims of terror. While there, Sarri volunteered with various organizations working with victims of terror.On June 11, 2003, Sarri was on Bus 14 in Jerusalem when an 18 year old Palestinian terrorist dressed as a religious Jew boarded and blew himself up. 17 people were killed, including all those seated and standing around her, and over 100 people were injured. Sarri was hospitalized for two weeks and then returned to New Jersey to be with family. Her story became high profile. She appeared on television stations such as CBS, FoxNews, CNN and radio interviews. She spoke before members of Congress in Washington, D.C. and politicians in New York and New Jersey. In September 2003 she returned to work and volunteering in Israel. In June 2004, she returned to the United States to take care of medical issues associated with her attack.Sarri is the Founder and Director of Strength to Strength, focusing on bringing together victims of terrorism together from around the world and assisting with long term psychological needs. Sarri has addressed audiences throughout the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, and Israel and continues to share her unique insight into the ongoing struggle for victims of terror in Israel and around the world.Amy C. O’Neill, MS,LPC has built a career in mental health over two and a half decades, and traveled a personal path that has proven over and over again that resilience is key to truly living healthy, both in mind and body. Resilience enables us to face tragedy and still take the necessary steps to go through. Resilience is mandatory for us to recover when obstacles interfere. And, as Amy can attest, resilience can be harnessed. After methodically training and successfully completing three Ironman Triathlons, and the prestigious Boston Marathon five times, Amy knows how mental and physical focus can lead to success. Perhaps her biggest life test was being thrust into the role of a Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor. Her testimony understanding the path of the unthinkable has opened up her eyes to a new way of going through adversity. Amy’s goal is to share her keen and personal insight share her lived and learned knowledge with others. The survival journey is complicated but we can not only survive challenges, but also thrive and create a life we love.

In this show Heather and I have an intimate conversation about the survivor journey and the role of peer support for mass violence survivors. Heather shares how her journey led her to start the Rebels Project. Heather Martin was two days away from her 18th birthday when the shooting occurred during her senior year at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. After barricading in a small office for three hours, Heather returned home physically uninjured, but the effects of the trauma she experienced that day continued to impact in the following years as she went off to college. While the trauma caused her to initially drop out, she re-enrolled ten years later and obtained her Bachelors in English and teaching license. She co-founded The Rebels Project after the shooting at the Aurora, CO movie theater with other Columbine 1999 alumni. Heather is a national speaker advocating for informed responses to traumatic events from the perspective of a survivor. She currently resides in Colorado and teaches English in Aurora, CO.www.therebelsproject.org

Welcome to the first episode of the Trauma Impact where we discuss why this show was created, the relevance of trauma and recovery in the world today.Amy C. O’Neill, MS,LPC has built a career in mental health over two and a half decades, and traveled a personal path that has proven over and over again that resilience is key to truly living healthy, both in mind and body. Resilience enables us to face tragedy and still take the necessary steps to go through. Resilience is mandatory for us to recover when obstacles interfere. And, as Amy can attest, resilience can be harnessed. After methodically training and successfully completing three Ironman Triathlons, and the prestigious Boston Marathon five times, Amy knows how mental and physical focus can lead to success. Perhaps her biggest life test was being thrust into the role of a Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor. Her testimony understanding the path of the unthinkable has opened up her eyes to a new way of going through adversity. Amy’s goal is to share her keen and personal insight share her lived and learned knowledge with others. The survival journey is complicated but we can not only survive challenges, but also thrive and create a life we love.Kristin Sunanta Walker is a survivor of early childhood trauma and has made her mission in life to empower people to use their voice. She is the host of the long running Mental Health News Radio podcast and the founder of Mental Health News Radio Network - a global podcast network focused solely on mental health. She is also a founding member of Digital Tech Initiative, a Benefit LLC created to study, educate, research, and provide treatment for Digital Media Addiction.