My Journey...
20+ years of experience in education and prevention: creating and leading staff & student retreats & trainings to develop rapport, empathy, team building skills, and improve mental health- teaching both virtually and in-person
Leading me to...
Serving the youth & community in prevention and mental health services since 2007, focusing attention on empowering youth & adults through in a variety of wholistic wellness related topics
I am...
​... a BGSU graduate, earning my Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Education- teaching Elementary and Middle School level Math/Science Teacher, a recipient of the PRISM Grant and a GLOBE certified instructor
... an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist since 2007 receiving awards in the field
... the creator of a statewide youth-led video and nationwide awareness campaign called the 'Smile Squad' to address suicide awareness and prevention which has been shared throughout national conferences and state-wide arenas to promote kindness and build empathy (see pics of notes shared)
... an Educational Content Creator
...creating and producing educational videos focusing on improving mental health, providing suicide awareness and prevention, gambling & gaming education and prevention, and interviews to propel great work forward!
...The over 100 videos created have gained momentum with over 1 million views reaching into treatment centers, correctional facilities, schools & universities, and for utilized for workplace wellness
...The 'Mental Health Moment' video series, has over 30+ videos created to educate, encourage, and empower others- each with a 'Listen, Reflect, and Apply' doc included for further reflection and growth!
... the Author of teaching modules through the BGSU C2S2 grant focusing on mental health & wellness utilizing the educational video content created
... a Certified Youth Mental Health First Aid and Teen Mental Health instructor (since 2015)- having taught hundreds of trainings aimed at reducing stigma around suicide, understanding the signs & symptoms of a mental health concern, and building awareness and empathy for others
... Equipped to teach Financial Literacy & Personal Finance education
...Trained in the TAPPING technique for stress relief & coping
... Trained in safe Gaming & Gambling Awareness and Prevention Education
Allowing me to...
​... be the Commencement speaker for a high school graduation
... be a Keynote speaker for a virtual Youth Summit sharing the mental health awareness videos created
... lead Professional Development trainings for area schools and organizations- reach out to me about topics I can help to educate your group in- from a variety of mental health awareness & support, to drug & gambling education and prevention
... organize and lead staff & youth retreats, focusing on professional development and team building skills- leaving those attending more rejuvenated and empowered! (see retreat highlight video on my YouTube channel in the 'Insights & Education' playlist)
... the host of the ‘Look UP!’ show aimed to help reduce suicide rates through mental & spiritual wellness
... a Prevention Education Instructor- teaching Life Skills in grades 2-12, B.A.B.E.S. for 2nd graders, Expect Respect on Healthy Relationships, and art therapy classes at the Juvenile Detention Center
... a Youth-Led Prevention/Ohio Teen Institute Planning Committee & Staff (2007-2020)- Leading groups and classes to help youth serve as leaders in their communities
... a PAX Good Behavior Game Partner, PAX Tools Trained (since 2014)- aimed to build empathy in the classroom, increase rapport, reduce classroom disruptions, and help students self-monitor and control​
As part a suicide awareness & prevention campaign, I created customized post-it-notes to share words of kindness & encouragement with others, as well as the video resources!
Additional Passions...
​... sharing my passion and creativity as a Prophetic Painter for area churches and large group events (see videos on my YouTube channel in the 'Spiritual Health & Wellness' playlist)
... serving on the Prayer and Baptismal Teams at my church
... working to volunteer and serve at Hospice of NW Ohio to offer support, encouragement, and prayer if requested
... writing notes of kindness and support on my Smile Squad notes (see pics) to those I come in contact with each week- from waitresses & servers, to clerks at stores, to random people I engage with in the community- I have so many testimonies from people as a result of these much needed notes of love!
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