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Elder Greg Hudnall the founder of Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program, and Michael Schaumann, an intern working with them share the reality of mental health and how peers can support and protect each other.
Check in with Hope Squad at Elko High School to see what they are up to and what they are all about! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nicole-moreno6/support
Greg Hudnall - Hope Squad: Working to Spread Hope and Prevent Suicide. This is episode 706 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast. Greg Hudnall is the current Chief Executive Officer of Hope Squad, Inc. He has a dual Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistics and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from BYU. He received his MBA from Indiana University and now currently resides in Cincinnati, OH. He spent a decade in corporate America at The Kroger Co. and Johnson & Johnson in process improvement, marketing, and sales roles. Greg firmly believes that good personal mental health habits, active listening, and reaching out to trusted peers have the ability to save lives. His personality type is ISTJ or logistician. His 5 StrengthsFinder results are Deliberative, Input, Restorative, Learner, and Discipline. When he's not at work he enjoys hiking, exercise, and reading. Fun facts: he's climbed 14 of Colorado's 58 fourteeners. He's been to 5 continents and lived in 4 different countries. His next bucket list item is Mount Kilimanjaro. Our focus is Hope Squad. Awesome program! Great talk! Before you go... You could help support this podcast by Buying Me A Coffee. Not really buying me something to drink but clicking on the link on my home page at https://stevenmiletto.com for Buy Me a Coffee or by going to this link Buy Me a Coffee. This would allow you to donate to help the show address the costs associated with producing the podcast from upgrading gear to the fees associated with producing the show. That would be cool. Thanks for thinking about it. Hey, I've got another favor...could you share the podcast with one of your friends, colleagues, and family members? Hmmm? What do you think? Thank you! You are AWESOME! Thanks so much! Connect & Learn More: https://hopesquad.com/ https://twitter.com/HopeSquads https://instagram.com/hopesquad https://www.facebook.com/339861456463343 https://www.linkedin.com/in/greghudnall/ https://tiktok.com/@hopesquad gregjr@hopesquad.com Length - 31:46
In this episode of Raising Joy, we celebrate diversity and inclusion at Cook Children's with Jacob Hall and Tara Drake, co-leaders of the PRIDE+ Employee Resource Group (ERG). The PRIDE+ ERG fosters a supportive community for LGBTQ+ employees and allies at Cook Children's. We'll discuss the importance of ERGs in the workplace, the initiatives of the PRIDE+ ERG, and how Cook Children's is creating an inclusive environment for all.Join us as we learn about:The mission and goals of the PRIDE+ ERGThe benefits of ERGs for both employees and employersHow Cook Children's is supporting LGBTQ+ employeesWays to get involved with the PRIDE+ ERG and promote inclusion in the workplaceThis episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn more about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
This episode of Raising Joy tackles a tough but crucial topic: youth suicide prevention, particularly among young people of color. Kristen Pyrc, M.D. welcomes Martha and Chris Thomas, founders of The Defensive Line, a nonprofit on a mission to end this epidemic.Martha and Chris tragically lost their daughter, Ella Elizabeth Thomas, to suicide at the age of 24. Inspired by Ella's vibrant spirit and the need for change, The Defensive Line is transforming how we communicate and connect about mental health.Join us for a powerful conversation about:Breaking the stigma around mental health in communities of colorEffective communication strategies to support young peopleBuilding a world where mental health resources are accessible and inclusiveThis episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to empower themselves and others to have open conversations about mental health and create a future filled with hope.Learn more about The Defensive Line here: https://thedefensiveline.org/
In this episode of Raising Joy, we explore the incredible resource of MHMR and Help Me Grow North Texas. Miranda Holmes & Arrenia Thomas join us to discuss how Help Me Grow empowers parents and caregivers by connecting them with a network of specialists and community-based services to support their child's healthy development.We delve into:Who Help Me Grow North Texas can supportThe different types of resources and services availableHow the program can address both general parenting questions and developmental concernsThe benefits of collaboration across various sectorsAnd much more!This episode is a must-listen for any parent or caregiver seeking guidance and support in raising joyful, thriving children.
In this episode, we explore the unique educational environment of Jane Justin School at Cook Children's Child Study Center.Our guest, Tracie Mann, Ph.D., LBA, shares how Jane Justin School supports children aged 3-21 with developmental and learning disabilities.We'll delve into the school's philosophy, which emphasizes individualized instruction, small class sizes, and a focus on mastering skills. If you're interested in learning more about how Jane Justin School empowers students with complex needs to achieve their full potential, this episode is for you!Learn more about the Jane Justin School here: https://www.cookchildrens.org/services/child-study-center/jane-justin-school/
Warning: This episode includes conversation about youth self-harm and suicide. Recent news of suicides among teens in North Texas has sent shockwaves through our community. Raising Joy hosts Kristen Pyrc, M.D., and Wini King take a moment to acknowledge the heartbreak being felt by so many and to share resources for healing. Help is available.If you or someone you know is struggling, speak with someone today by calling 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org.Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. Additional resources: Mental Health America of Greater Tarrant Countyhttps://mhatc.org/loss-team/ GriefShareFind a Group - GriefShare Survivors of SuicideSuicide Loss Support Groups | Alliance of Hope The WARM Place
In this episode of Raising Joy, we delve into the critical issue of physician burnout with Kirk Pinto, M.D., a pediatric urologist, and Sara Garza, M.D., a primary care physician. These leaders in physician well-being at Cook Children's join us to shed light on this growing concern.We'll explore the signs and symptoms of burnout, its impact on doctors, families, and patient care, and most importantly, strategies for prevention and management. Drs. Pinto and Garza will share practical self-care tips, the role of health care institutions in fostering well-being, and resources available to physicians struggling with burnout.Whether you're a parent supporting a future doctor or a health care professional yourself, this episode offers valuable insights and hope for creating a more sustainable and fulfilling medical career.
In this episode of Raising Joy, we delve into a topic close to many parents' hearts: the mental health of children with complex medical needs. Our expert guests are Carla Morton, Ph.D., and Marsha Gabriel, Ph.D., neuropsychologists from Cook Children's. We'll explore:· What is neuropsychology and how does it relate to children's health?· Common complex medical conditions and associated mental health challenges.· Warning signs parents should watch for in their children.· Practical strategies parents can use to support their children's mental well-being at home.· The range of emotions parents of children with complex medical needs may experience.· Dr. Morton's personal experience as a parent of a child with special needs.· Things parents might not realize about raising a child with complex medical needs.
This episode of Raising Joy dives into the unseen but crucial work of building a strong and resilient community for children and families. Hosts Wini King and Dr. Kristen Pyrc welcome Breanna Anderson and Jammie Josephson, managers of the ACE's Team at the Center for Community Health at Cook Children's.The conversation explores:· Understanding ACES: They'll break down what Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) are and their impact on children's health.· The ACE's Team in Action: Learn about the team's mission and the programs they offer to support parents and families.· Building Hope: Breanna and Jammie will share a success story that highlights the positive impact of their work.· The Power of Community Outreach: Discover why taking these resources directly into communities is essential for building resilience.
This episode of Raising Joy saddles up for an inspiring conversation about mental health with Hallie Sheade, Ph.D., LPC-S, RPT-S, Executive Director of S.T.E.P.S. With Horses. Dr. Sheade, a licensed professional counselor who incorporates horses into her therapy sessions, will reveal the surprising power of these majestic creatures to help people and kids open up, learn, and heal in ways traditional talk therapy sometimes can't. Join us as we explore the unique benefits of equine-assisted services and discover how horses can become powerful partners on the path to mental well-being.Learn more here: https://www.stepswithhorses.org/
This episode of Raising Joy tackles a tough but crucial topic: child sex trafficking. Our guest, Stacey Henley, a child abuse expert from Cook Children's C.A.R.E. team, offers a powerful perspective. Stacey sheds light on the realities of child victimization, but also empowers parents with knowledge. Join us for this important conversation and learn how we can all work together to create a safer environment for our children.
What kind of impact can a single pair of shoes have on a child's life? According to Sam Sayed, a medical student at the TCU Burnett School of Medicine, the impact can be life-altering. At least this was the case for his own life. On this special episode of Raising Joy, Sam talks to us about his nonprofit, Dayna's Footprints, which he started with his brother Sharif Sayed. Their mission is, “To combat learning inequity by providing students shoes to wear proudly, subsequently increasing students' self-esteem and enthusiasm for attending school.”Sam tells shares his story of growing up underprivileged in Arlington, Texas, and how a pair of shoes gifted by his sister Dayna changed the trajectory of the brothers' lives. Watch their TedX talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/sam_sharif_sayed_a_day_in_their_shoes/transcript ABC News Story:https://abcnews.go.com/US/texas-medical-student-back-community-free-shoes-nonprofit/story?id=105805418
Today our guest is Tyler Wolfe, the Director of Student Wellness at Dublin City Schools. We talk to Tyler about the increase in the mental health needs of students and how, to help meet these needs, they created a 2 year program that supports teachers in the district to go back to school to get their Masters degree. This is possible thru a partnership they have built with The Ohio State University. Tyler explains how the program will provide each school in the district with a mental health specialist on their campus and how the district sees the program as an important investment into the future. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong Website For the past 3 years, Tyler Wolfe has served as the Director of Student Wellness in Dublin City Schools where he oversees programming and personnel for all mental health, counseling and substance use disorder services. Tyler has worked with building leadership teams to bring Hope Squad to every high school and middle school in the district, co-implement PBIS programming with fidelity at 24 schools, and onboard CharacterStrong as a Tier I and Tier II resource for all 14 elementary schools. In collaboration with The Ohio State University, Tyler has brought LiFEsports to Dublin City Schools, which is a positive youth development program for underserved and marginalized youth. In addition, Tyler is currently engaged in a collaborative partnership with The Ohio State University to provide 25 internal staff credentialing to become school social workers in Dublin City Schools through a “Grow Your Own” initiative that began in 2023. Tyler has spent over 30 years in education as a special education teacher, elementary principal and district level director. Tyler lives with his wife Laura in Columbus Ohio, both of which are Crossfit addicts. They have 2 grown daughters and 2 Australian Shepherds named Carlos and Cinch.
World Down Syndrome Day is March 21, 2024. Join us for an uplifting conversation with Alexis Pechek and Ileana Hamilton, two parents whose lives have been enriched by their children with Down syndrome. They'll share their honest journeys - from navigating the initial diagnosis to the beautiful ways their families have grown. This episode is a beacon of hope for any parent facing a new Down syndrome diagnosis, reminding us of the profound joy these incredible children bring to the world.
Life with a furry friend brings countless moments of joy, but for children, the loss of a beloved pet can be an incredibly difficult experience. This Raising Joy episode tackles this sensitive topic with empathy and guidance, featuring Laura Sonefeld from Cook Children's Sit…Stay...PLAY! program.Join us as Laura, a certified child life specialist and Cook Children's facility dog program coordinator, shares her expertise on how to help children navigate the emotions of pet loss.
Having a child in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be a traumatic experience. On this episode of Raising Joy, we're joined by Helen Thomas, LCSW, PMH-C. Helen is a clinical therapist and licensed social worker specializing in perinatal mental health. She shares invaluable insights into the challenges NICU parents face, offering support and understanding for those navigating this unique journey. This episode emphasizes the importance of mental well-being for both parents and their newborns.
EDITED KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY HOPE SQUAD DONE by Connect FM
In this heartwarming episode of Raising Joy, we meet Raymond Turner, the studio producer of Sparklefly Recording Studio in the Child Life Zone at Cook Children's. Raymond's story is one of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of music.Join us as Raymond shares his inspiring journey to Cook Children's, where he found his calling in creating music for some of the hospital's youngest patients. We'll delve into the deeply moving experience of crafting heartbeat songs memorializing terminal children for their families, a testament to Raymond's unwavering dedication to bringing joy and solace during the most challenging times.Raymond's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for hope, healing, and the power of human connection. His work at Cook Children's is a beacon of light, touching the lives of countless families and leaving a mark on their hearts forever.Raymond also gave a TedX Talk in the spring of 2023. You can watch his talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFLwwUj7gHg
When we think of the holidays, most of us think of good food, family gatherings and beautiful holiday decorations. For many, it's the happiest time of the year; but for others it's a very different story. The holiday season can be a difficult time for many, especially those grieving the death of a loved one. On this episode of the Raising Joy podcast, we're joined by Hannah Boyd, CCLS, a child life specialist, and Jennifer Hayes, MDiv, BCC, Director of Spiritual Care at Cook Children's. They share their insights on how parents can talk to children and navigate grief as a family during a time of the year that is supposed to be full of joy.
Does your child experience frequent and intense tantrums? Is their irritability and anger impacting their daily life and relationships? This episode delves into the world of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), a condition characterized by persistent irritability and severe temper outbursts.On this episode of Raising Joy, pediatric psychiatrist Rachel Talbot, M.D., of Cook Children's sheds light on this misunderstood but common diagnosis. She helps us navigate the complexities of DMDD, differentiating it from other mood disorders like childhood bipolar, and identifying its unique symptoms at home and at school.Whether you're a parent seeking understanding and guidance, a teacher hoping to better support students with DMDD, or someone interested in learning about this complex condition, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and practical insights.
Hope squad week and Mr. Batt was in the assembly --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/batt1/message
Setting boundaries with kids is an important part of parenting, but it can also be challenging. In this episode of the Raising Joy podcast, we speak with Rebecca Clark, a licensed professional counselor at Cook Children's, about the importance of boundaries, how to set them in a loving and supportive way, and how to deal with common challenges. This episode is a must-listen for parents, teachers, and healthcare workers who want to learn more about setting boundaries with kids.
The podcast episode will tell specific stories to illustrate the wide range of work members of the interest group are conducting on the impact of human-animal interaction and aging. The members of this group represent the interdisciplinary nature of both gerontology and anthrozoology (i.e., the field of human-animal interaction). The podcast will be comprised of three main topics: 1. Gerontologists' role in establishing the field of anthrozoology in the 1970s and 1980s; 2. The establishment of the interest group in 2016; 3. Current work being conducted by members of the group around the world. Guests: Nancy R. Gee, PhD, C-AISS, Professor of Psychiatry & Director of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Mai Takase, PhD Student, Department of Aquatic Bioscience, The University of Tokyo, Ingeborg Pedersen, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Public Health Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) Katharina Rosteius, PhD Student, Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Co-Hosts: Jessica Bibbo, PhD, Senior Research Scientist, Center Research and Education, Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging (GSA Human-Animal Interaction Interest Group Convener) Ashley Taeckens, MSW, Director of Research, Hope Squad
What's the state of mental health for kids? What are psychiatrists seeing in their patients? Have we turned the corner on the mental health crisis post-COVID-19 pandemic? On this episode of Raising Joy, Wini King interviews co-host Kristen Pyrc, M.D., co-medical director of psychiatry at Cook Children's. Dr. Pyrc shares what she's seeing in her office and how things have changed in recent years.
On this episode of Raising Joy, we hear the story of Megan Hodges Cook, community program coordinator at Cook Children's. Her story isn't easyfor her to share, but she hopes it will help other parents in similar situations, and provide some insight into a topic that has become extremely controversial.Megan is the mother of a transgender child. Her daughter came out to her when she was 12 years old, though she saw the signs nearly a decade prior. Megan isn't embarrassed or ashamed of her story, but she knows some will have a difficult time understanding her journey. We hope listeners of this podcast will embrace Cook Children's values of kindness and respect, and embrace Megan's story of unconditional love for her child.
In this episode of Raising Joy, we discuss a new peer-to-peer support program that is underway in Cook Children's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Chaplain Amanda Payne Lindsay and Katelyn Terry, RN, join us to talk about the program's goals, how it works, and the impact it's having on PICU staff.The PICU can be a traumatic environment for health care workers, and this program is aimed at limiting the impact of stress, depression, anxiety, and burnout. The program trains appointed PICU employees to serve as supportive peers to lean on in times of need.Listen to learn how they started the peer-to-peer support program and why similar programs could benefit workplaces of all kinds.
Helen Ramsbottom, RN, and Melody Hackfeld, RN, both case managers with Cook Children's psychiatric department, join the Raising Joy podcast to discuss how to manage a child's mental health care after they are released from an inpatient psychiatric unit. They also discuss resources and support groups for parents, such as Links of Hope.In addition, we learn about the ASQ tool, which is used by nurses in the emergency department at Cook Children's to identify suicidal patients. The tool is comprised of questions that are asked to every patient, regardless of their reason for visiting the emergency department. Since 2017, 640 suicidal children have been identified and received the support they needed. You can learn more about the ASQ tool in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing and on Checkup Newsroom. In this episode, you will learn:· What to expect when your child is discharged from an inpatient psychiatric unit· How to create a transition plan to help your child adjust to being home· How to support your child's long-term mental healthListen in to learn how to help your child thrive!
Managing emotions as a parent when your child receives a complex medical diagnosis can be incredibly challenging. In this episode of Raising Joy, we talk to Katie Senter, a member of the Family Advisory Council at Cook Children's. Katie's daughter, Louise, has a very rare medical condition called 1p36 deletion syndrome, which is a chromosome disorder that typically causes severe intellectual disability.Katie shares her personal experiences of coping with Louise's diagnosis, and offers practical advice on how other parents can manage their own emotions during this difficult time. She also talks about the importance of finding support from other parents who are going through similar experiences.If you're a parent who is struggling to cope with your child's complex medical diagnosis, this episode is for you. Katie's story is both inspiring and informative, and her advice can help you on your own journey.Listen to this episode of Raising Joy to learn more about:· Katie's experience of receiving Louise's diagnosis and how she coped with her emotions.· Practical advice on how to manage your own emotions as a parent of a child with a complex medical diagnosis.· The importance of finding support from other parents who are going through similar experiences.
Having a child in the NICU can be a very stressful and emotional experience for parents. In this episode of Raising Joy, we talk to Landy Blackmore, whose daughter, Tillie, was born prematurely and spent time in Cook Children's NICU. Landy shares her personal story and offers practical advice on how to cope with the emotional rollercoaster that comes with having a child in the NICU.Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, scared, or simply exhausted, Landy's insights and support can help you navigate this difficult time.If you're a parent whose child is in the NICU, or if you know someone who is, be sure to listen to this episode of Raising Joy!
Sharon Herrera grew up feeling like she didn't belong. She was Mexican-American and gay, and struggled to feel comfortable in her own skin… even suffering from suicidal thoughts. But then, one supportive adult helped her turn things around. Now, Sharon is an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth in Tarrant County. She founded LGBTQ Saves, a nonprofit that provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth and their families to be themselves.In this episode of Raising Joy, Sharon shares her story of hope and resilience. She also talks about the importance of having supportive adults in our lives. Join us for this heartfelt conversation with Sharon Herrera.
Getting back into a routine after a long summer break can be tough for kids of all ages. In this episode of Raising Joy, we talk to Cook Children's psychologist,Whitney Appleby, Ph.D., about all things school. Dr. Appleby shares her expert advice on how to help kids get a good night's sleep, create a healthy routine, manage anxiety, and avoid burnout. As a mom of three, she knows the struggle is real, but she also knows that with a little planning and effort, we can set our kids up for a successful school year. If you're looking for some helpful advice on how to get your kids back into a school routine, be sure to listen to this episode of Raising Joy!
Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of Grant Halliburton, a Dallas teen who battled depression and bipolar disorder for several years before his suicide death at the age of 19. The Foundation that bears his name works to help families and young people recognize the signs of mental illness through a variety of avenues including mental health education, collaboration, encouragement, and information. On this episode of Raising Joy, we meet Sonya Parker Goode, CLC, CAMS-I, director of outreach and education with Grant Halliburton Foundation. She tells us how the organization has trained more than 300,000 students, teachers, parents, and professionals on how to recognize and respond to someone in major distress or suicidal crisis. Learn more about Grant Halliburton Foundation here.
Antonio Igbokidi, a fourth-year medical student at Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at Texas Christian University, joins the Raising Joy podcast to discuss his Barbershop Talk Therapy mental health initiative. Igbokidi started Barbershop Talk Therapy in 2021 as a way to create a safe space for men of color to talk about mental health. He never dreamed his program would take off – with more than 100 people now attending sessions across Fort Worth. On this episode of Raising Joy, we learn how Igbokidi's idea came to fruition and what he plans next.
Long before he became a health care executive, Rick W. Merrill was a West Texas boy with a guitar and a love for music. Today, he's the president and CEO of one of the largest pediatric health care systems in the U.S., but music still holds a special place in his heart. On this extraordinary episode of Raising Joy, Mr. Merrill opens up about his love for songwriting, parenting children through challenges, and leading an organization with empathy and compassion. He also shares a song he wrote, which was inspired by Cook Children's Joy Campaign titled, “Just a Breath Away.” This is an episode you don't want to miss.
On this episode of Raising Joy, we meet M. Scott Perry, M.D., head of Neurosciences at the Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health at Cook Children's Health Care System. At the Institute for Mind Health, Dr. Perry is bringing together nine specialties that commonly overlap in the treatment of nervous system disorders. He talks to us about how this unique approach will make care easier for patients and their families.
Being a pediatrician, Dr. Bianka Soria-Olmos knows how to identify the signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in her patients. When her own son was diagnosed, she learned the very personal challenges that come along with being a parent of a child with ASD. On this episode of Raising Joy, we talk to Dr. Soria-Olmos about how the diagnosis and how it has impacted her work as a doctor and as a mom.
Lynda Clayton is a North Texas high school student who recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for her project aimed at reducing the stigma around mental health. On this episode of Raising Joy, Clayton tells us about “Not One More: A Mission to Eliminate Youth Suicide. To learn more about this program, and how to implement it in your school, please visit the Not One More website.
Kindness and empathy are important, in fact they are critical. Both are foundational cornerstones for emotional and moral intelligence, and it is the core to a civilized world. Studies have also shown if one experiences empathy, it can stop cruel and/or violent behavior. On this episode of Raising Joy, neuropsychologist Lisa Elliott, Ph.D., explains how kindness and kind words can change the life of a child. She says the importance of kind words cannot be underestimated towards children, especially in today's climate.
Raising a child who struggles with their mental health can be scary, challenging and confusing. The ACEs Task Force of Tarrant County developed a video series called The Roadmap for Children's Mental Health to help families navigate this health issue. On this episode of Raising Joy, we are joined by Dr. Brian Dixon from Mindful – a psychiatric practice based in Fort Worth and Frances Wampler from the Center for Children's Health led by Cook Children's. Dr. Dixon and Wampler share the mission behind these videos, and how Wampler's own experience with her child informed the project. If your child is struggling with their emotions and you don't know where to turn, this episode is a great start.
When your child is struggling with their mental health, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Nationwide, waitlists for appointments with child psychologists and psychiatrists can be months long. As a result, pediatricians have become the first line of defense for families who need support. Alice Phillips, M.D., wears many hats at Cook Children's. She's the Board Chair of Cook Children's Physician Network and Medical Director of Ambulatory Quality. Dr. Phillips is also a pediatrician at Cook Children's Pediatrics Cityview, and has seen mental health concerns in her practice increase dramatically over the past 26 years. On this episode of Raising Joy, Dr. Phillips talks to us about the role of pediatricians in the mental health crisis and the growing number of tools in their toolbox to help children.
**Content warning – this episode contains difficult subject matter. We advise you listen with caution, knowing topics of child suicide, trauma, grief and mass shootings are discussed. Suzy DeYoung didn't plan on devoting her life to the subject of trauma, however an accident involving her child led her down a path exploring some of the most difficult subjects imaginable. For more than a decade, she has studied and educated others as a trauma-informed parent. She was also one of the founding members of Sandy Hook Promise, which began after the horrific school shooting that occurred in her hometown of Newtown, CT. Most recently, she has conducted research on behalf of author Andrew Solomon, Ph.D., where she has interviewed dozens of families and experts impacted by child suicide. This discussion is enlightening, challenging and important, though it may be triggering for some. We also want to hear from you. Please take our brief survey to let us know how we're doing and what topic you want to hear discussed on Raising Joy.
More than 113,000 children in Tarrant County live in poverty. Carol Klocek and the team at the Center for Transforming Lives work alongside women and their children to disrupt the cycle of poverty in a way that is compassionate and trauma-informed. On this episode of Raising Joy, we talk to Klocek about her role as CEO of the 115-year-old nonprofit, and how mental health, domestic violence and substance abuse impact the women and families they serve. We also want to hear from you! Please take our brief survey to let us know how we're doing and what topic you want to hear discussed on Raising Joy.
In this episode, Dr. Meeker and Emma Benoit discuss the hard topic of suicide in teens and what every parentshould know. At the age of 16, Emma attempted suicide. Paralyzed, but propelled her on a mission to use herpainful experience to help others find hope, and shine more light on the fact that 20 young people die every day bysuicide in the United States. My Ascension is a feature length documentary that chronicles Emma's inspiring journeyand quest to walk again, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, toLouisiana. The film also highlights the stories of two remarkable young people who tragically did not survive theirattempts, and we learn first-hand from their families, friends, school officials and suicide prevention experts aboutthe devastating effects of suicide and what can be done to prevent it. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myascensionInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/benoitemmaTwitter: https://twitter.com/myascensionfilmWebsite: https://www.myascension.us/ FROM THE PRODUCERThanks for listening to Episode #190, Finding Hope After One Teens Suicide Attempt: What Every Parent Needs toHear and for helping Dr. Meg's parenting revolution reach more than SEVEN MILLION downloads! Please subscribe,rate and leave a review for us on iTunes!Get Social with Dr. Meg on Facebook & Instagram @MegMeekerMDCheck out Dr. Meg's parenting resources and tools! www.meekerparenting.com
When Sue Loncar was in total despair, after the death of her 16 year old daughter and her husband within days of each other she felt hopeless with no ideawhat to do next. Her best friend of many years Libby, told her she was going to run the "Grace Loncar Foundation", which she started immediately, filed all the paperworkand they had their first meeting 2 weeks after Grace was gone. www.graceloncarfoundation.comA big reason for the foundation is to end the stigma because people do not want to talk about it. Suicide has increased by 70% in the last 10 years and is the number 2 death for ages 10 - 34. We learn about an incredible program called "Hope Squad" that was created by someone from Utah and they are trying to get it into all schools.Shockingly they are getting a lot of resistance because schools are afraid it will give students ideas. The foundation is even offering to pay for the counselorsand the training. Sue and her oldest daughter Sally speak at many events.They also provide care cards that have all the suicide warning signs on them. The reach of the foundation is all over the country.Sue believes that it is mostly impulse control with teenagers, and she believes that even though Grace was depressed her suicide was out of impulse because she was mad. Their frontal lobe is not all the way developed yet. Sue made the difficult decision to have an open casket at Grace's funeral, because she wanted the reality to sink in with Grace's friends that this is what suicide lookslike. Not all family members were in agreement with this decision but Sue thought it would be important and her passion is to try to save lives. Sue talks passionately about mental health.She tells us that they call people "Suicide Survivors" because it is a double whammy to overcome - because not only do you lose your loved one, but then people blame you. The surviving person gets looked at like it is their fault. Sue says that sometimes it is better to call a friend than calling a hotline, but of course to call someone is the most important. Younger people don't feel they can trust their friends because they get let down so often. Sue wishes that she could snap out of her deep grief, because she doesn't want it to define her, but she doesn't know how to. She tells us that they try to celebrate Grace's life and focus on all that was amazing about her and not how she died.She would give everything for just one more day!www.graceloncarfoundation.comSuicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255
It's a topic we don't want to think about, but unfortunately it impacts every city across the U.S. Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. In North Texas, the nonprofit Unbound Now is working diligently to support survivors and fight this hideous crime in our community. On this episode of Raising Joy, executive director Sandy Hennip, MSW, joins us to talk about Unbound Now and what parents need to know about human trafficking.
The holidays are upon us and that usually means gathering with loved ones around tables of food. For people with eating disorders, this can be a very triggering time of year. Tyler Wooten, M.D., is a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist with the Eating Recovery Center, Dallas. He joins us on this episode of Raising Joy to share his expertise about eating disorders and how we can help support those in our lives who may be struggling. Dr. Wooten also shares the warning signs parents should look for to tell if their child may be struggling with food.
Puberty can be a difficult time for kids and their families. It can be hard to tell if changes in mood are normal growing pains, or if there's an underlying mental health problem. On this episode of Raising Joy, we're joined by Shanna Combs, M.D., a pediatric gynecologist at Cook Children's. She explains how puberty affects mental health and why girls are more at risk for developing issues with depression and anxiety.
Austin Rydalch is a 13-year-old Jr. High student who is full of wisdom! This week on the podcast we talk about being open and how to encourage that! Austin was nominated to be on the Hope Squad this year which is an organization our school district is implementing for suicide prevention among teens. He has learned some very valuable tools that have equipped him for the Hope Squad and also in life. In this interview, he shares an experience where he used those tools and could see how they can benefit not only himself but many others!