Today, I am talking with Cheryl Step, founder and owner of Creating Resilience: a training and consulting company.  Cheryl has extensive knowledge on the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences, known as ACEs, as well as experience training and coaching about the impact of trauma. She speaks expertly on the framework of strategies that build a foundation to respond and empower people to create collective well-being. Cheryl also consults with leadership to build trauma-informed agencies. Previously, she was a school counselor for seventeen years.   Cheryl is a licensed professional counselor and Nationally-Board Certified Counselor who is certified in Traumatic Stress Studies and Attachment, Self-Regulation and Competence (also known as ARC) Trauma Treatment for Children and Adolescence. Additionally, Cheryl was one of our 2023 Zarrow Mental Health Symposium presenters.

This week’s episode is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, who invests in and partners with nonprofit organizations that offer sustainable, measurable programs that strive to elevate the health and well-being of all Oklahomans.  Today, I am talking with Carly Dunn, a 4th year PhD student in the Human Development and Family Science Department at Oklahoma State University, and a graduate research associate at the Center for Family Resilience.  Carly helps coordinate the Oklahoma NEAR Science training community and works on school-based prevention projects to provide quality technical and research assistance to districts working to enhance mental and behavioral health efforts for students, families, and staff.   Additionally, Carly is one of our 2023 Zarrow Mental Health Symposium presenters. I am thrilled to have Carly Dunn on today, and I hope you enjoy the dialogue surrounding NEAR Science and ACEs.

Today, I am speaking with Susan Magsamen, founder and executive director of the International Arts & Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics - a pioneering initiative from the Pedersen Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is also an assistant professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins and serves as the co-director of the NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative in partnership with the Aspen Institute. Susan’s is the co-author of the New York Times bestseller, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. It is a journey through the science of neuroaesthetics that offers proof of how our brains and bodies are transformed when we participate in the arts and aesthetic experiences.

This week’s episode is sponsored by The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, a philanthropic entity dedicated to lifting Tulsans out of poverty by supporting housing and shelter resources, social services and basic human needs, accessible healthcare, and programs that empower and inspire community members to improve their lives. Today, we have Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s Chief Programs Officer, Mark Davis talking with Dr. Xavier Amador, Co-Founder and CEO of the Henry Amador Center on Anosognosia and Founder of the LEAP Institute.  Dr. Amador is an internationally renowned clinical psychologist and forensic expert, and he is the author of 9 books, including the best seller, “I AM NOT SICK, I Don’t Need Help!” Additionally, he is a keynote speaker at the 2023 Zarrow Mental Health Symposium, themed New Horizons in Brain Science. We are grateful to have Dr. Amador on today, and we’re excited to share this insightful and engaging conversation between him and our own Mark Davis.

Today, we're talking with Genaro - affectionately known as G - Pratcher, Employment Specialist for our Oklahoma City A Better Way program at Mental Health Association Oklahoma. G is a longtime professional in the mental health field who had decided to leave the profession before being recruited by an Association case manager. In researching us, he saw that we were, in his words, “doing the work” and couldn’t help but join the team. He just celebrated his one year anniversary with us, and since that time, he’s helped to make the A Better Way program the success that it is - employing hundreds of participants.. We are grateful to have G on, today, as he dives into the nitty gritty of what makes A Better Way work so well and what could help expand its reach.

Today, we're talking with Stephanie Newman, Street Outreach and Rapid Response Case Manager for Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Stephanie Newman is a native Oklahoman who, in childhood, experienced a sexual trauma that went unaddressed, resulting in a crescendo-like progression of events that ultimately culminated in the loss of her children, her home, her dignity. Humanity stepped in, knowing that everyone has value and possibility, and took a chance on her. Now, two decades later, she’s celebrating sixteen years of recovery and continuing her sixth year of employment with Mental Health Association Oklahoma. We are grateful to have Stephanie on, today, as she shares her story with us. It’s important to note that this conversation touches on sexual trauma and loss. While it’s important dialogue to have, we understand that it could be difficult for some listeners.

You're listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. I'm Omar Isais. Today, Jocelin Baeza and Omar Isais, MHAOK team members, are taking over the Mental Health Download to highlight our virtual Hispanic support group, Platicas, in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Our goal is to increase dialogue about mental health struggles and reduce stigma around them, specifically in the Hispanic population. We talk about the importance of doing so and what that can look like, including within Platicas.

Margaret (Maggie) Shaffer is Director of Public Policy for the Alzheimer's Association. In her current professional capacity Maggie works with advocates to move forward state and federal policy issues to support research to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and improve the care and support of caregivers. Maggie has previous experience in health and mental health policy, having spent several years researching, writing, and advocating for improved access to comprehensive, family-centered care. She is particularly passionate about furthering policies that support caregivers as she believes they play a crucial role in shaping the future of health care. We are excited both for Maggie’s Zarrow Symposium presentation, which will cover research on the impact caregiving has on individuals, support programs available in Oklahoma, and policy implications of providing support to caregivers, and we are excited to share today’s conversation with us here.

Today, we're talking with Jon Haverfield, friend and client of Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Jon is a native Tulsan who attended Bishop Kelley High School and the University of Oklahoma. After college Jon worked as a TV Meteorologist for 6 years including work at KJRH-TV in Tulsa as the Weekend Morning Meteorologist. During his time at Channel 2, tragedy struck, leading him to his work with MHAOK, including volunteer services and contributions to the 2018 Mental Health Awareness Campaign. In 2019, Jon was awarded the Award For Excellence from the National Alliance of Mental Illness. Jon has since stepped away from TV and now works as a Financial Advisor with an office in Midtown Tulsa. We are grateful to have Jon on, today, as he shares his story with us. It’s important to note that this conversation speaks predominantly to suicide. While it’s important dialogue to have, we understand that it could be difficult for some listeners.

Today, we're talking with Cian Brown and Evan Smarinsky, co-presenters at one of next month’s Zarrow Symposium Breakout Sessions. Cian is an assistant professor in the University of Oklahoma’s clinical professional counseling program. He’s a licensed professional counselor and supervisor, depending on the state. He’s also nationally certified as a counselor and board certified in neurofeedback, and has done extensive work in the adventure therapy realm. Evan is an assistant professor at Johnson and Wales University, as well as a licensed professional counselor in Oklahoma and a licensed mental health counselor in Rhode Island. Evan also has notable experience in the adventure therapy and play therapy realms. We are excited both for Cian and Evan’s Zarrow Symposium workshop, which will blend lecture and experience to highlight key components and outcomes of Adventure Therapy, as well as their conversation with us here.

Today, we're talking with Collin Walke, Oklahoma House Representative of District 87 and local attorney. Collin is a native Oklahoman, and attended Oklahoma State University before graduating magna cum laude at Oklahoma City University School of Law. A true public servant, he was a long-time volunteer with City Rescue Mission before both serving and chairing their board of directors. Additionally, Collin serves on the Oklahoma Autisim Center Foundation, as well as the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Associate Board. Collin is a 20+ year meditation practitioner who was inspired by his own experience to study further and begin teaching. In 2019, he and recent Mental Health Download guest, Shannon Stephens, co-founded Awake OKC - a nonprofit centered on bringing mindfulness and meditation to the community. We are excited to have Collin on, today, and have him lead us through a meditation centered on compassion and forgiveness.

Shannon Stephens is an Oklahoma City based yoga and meditation teacher. Shannon is a 500 hour registered yoga teacher, therapeutic specialist, and assistant teacher with the globally-recognized Yoga Medicine School. She is the owner of This Land Yoga, a yoga studio located in the heart of the Paseo Arts District in northwest Oklahoma City and co-founder of Awake OKC, a nonprofit whose mission was to bring mindfulness and meditation into the community.  Shannon's twenty-plus years of practicing, studying, and teaching helps her cultivate compassionate awareness, both for herself and her students, and today, she will be sharing that same awareness with us. We have a short, but valuable conversation followed by a guided meditation intended to help us find focus.

Claudia Black is the clinical architect and actively involved in the Claudia Black Young Adult Center at The Meadows. She serves as a Senior Fellow and has been a clinical consultant at The Meadows Treatment Center in Arizona since 1998. Claudia’s seminal work with children impacted by substance abuse in the late 1970s created the foundation for the adult child movement. Today she is a renowned author and trainer internationally recognized for her pioneering and contemporary work with family systems and addictive disorders.

Elena Joy Thurston is an inspirational LGBTQ+ speaker, trainer, author and founder of the nonprofit Pride and Joy Foundation, which is dedicated to reducing the rate of suicide and homelessness in the LGBTQ+ community. A Mormon mom of four who lost her marriage, her church and her community when she came out as lesbian, her viral TEDx Talk on surviving conversion therapy has been viewed more than 45,000 times.  Elena will be a keynote speaker at this year's Zarrow Mental Health Symposium, sharing about her experiences coming out as an adult and how to support families in supporting their children and other family members that come out as queer.

Karen LaPlante is the director of education at Mental Health Association Oklahoma. She has overseen our Zarrow Mental Health Symposium for 20 years. On today's episode, learn about the event and what you can do to get involved. Learn more at https://www.zarrowsymposium.org

*WARNING* This episode contains a reference to suicide some may find triggering. If you or someone you know is struggling, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Sgt. Aaron Quinonez (Sgt. Q) is a veteran, author and speaker. After serving in the military, he struggled with mental health and nearly ended his own life. Now, he's helping others struggling with mental health and teaching others to heal through philanthropy, giving and serving others. You can learn more about him on his website at https://sgtq.net/.

In this episode, Pat Nichols, with the organization Parents Helping Parents, gives advice on how to navigate the difficult arena of helping a loved one struggling with addiction. Speaking from his own experience, he shares what he's learned and how he's now using what he went through to help others. For more information on Parents Helping Parents, click here > https://www.parentshelpingparents.info/.

Psychiatric expert Dr. Murali Krishna talks to MHAOK about mindfulness and the mind-body-spirit connection.  He also takes us through a mindfulness exercise you can do anywhere with just the tools you have within yourself. 

Business owner Eric R. talks to MHAOK about his struggles with mental health, addiction, and his suicide attempt. He shares how he overcame those challenges and how he stays motivated in life today.  This episode contains content that some may find triggering.  If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 

In this episode of the Mental Health Download, our guest host Fraz Javed interviews Associate Director Greg Shinn as they explore the intertwining of social commentary in musical genres such as jazz and hip-hop. Greg also discusses his early career in music and how it would later influence his later path as the Association’s Chief Housing Officer. In addition to being our guest host for this episode, Fraz was also one of our Bank of America Student Leaders spending the summer working for Mental Health Association Oklahoma.

Dr. Chandini Sharma, a geriatrician at Geriatric Center of Tulsa, talks with her friend and today's host, Jane Mudgett, about how food and fitness play a role in preventing dementia.

On today's Mental Health Download Podcast from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma, our guest is Claire Grace, a college student at the University of Oklahoma. Claire is a Diana Award recipient, an award presented in memory of Princess Diana. Claire’s award was given for her community service and her advocacy for inclusion and compassion through a public speaking initiative she has delivered to over 6,500 people. You can learn more about her and her nonprofit at www.clairegrace.com

On today’s episode, our guest hosts, Abigail Lara and Kelly Rojo Reyes, interview former Tulsan, Jose Emmanuel Vega, regarding the intersectionality in the Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities. Abby and Kelly both identify within the Latinx community, so they see the prominence of the so-called “machismo” culture as well as other cultural stigmas and how it hinders the advancement of the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to being our guest hosts today, Abby and Kelly are also Bank of America Student Leaders spending the summer working for Mental Health Association Oklahoma.

Listen to the live audio from a special media event this morning in Tulsa at Friendship Church featuring Xavier Becerra, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and local dignitaries. Together, they fought hard for voter-approved Medicaid expansion. More Oklahomans across the state will finally have health care coverage starting today, July 1. And more than 124,000 Oklahomans have already qualified for Medicaid benefits under the expansion. It's estimated that of the 200,000 Oklahomans who are now eligible for coverage, approximately 92,000 are in need of mental health and addiction treatment services.

On this episode, Matt Dean celebrates Juneteenth with his friend and guest Kenyari’ Bevan Porter. Kenyari’ means “Determined Woman.” She is passionate about body positivity and self-love. Being “teased, bullied, and told no because of her differences” propels her to knock down the man-made rules of what is normal and acceptable. Knowing that God’s banner over her is love and having a supportive family (natural and spiritual) gives her the courage to face every obstacle with a smile. To purchase "The Cards of Life," visit bookcoauthor.wixsite.com/kenyariporterauthor

At the five score anniversary [of the Tulsa Race Massacre,] let us exhale and let us breathe freely, oxygenating our efforts on three fronts. One, healing our history, Two, making an appreciative inquiry into our past. And, three, recommending to diversity, equity and inclusion. If we do this, we will have honored the memory of one of our darkest days by illuminating it with a bright new light. — Hannibal B. Johnson On today’s episode, we’re re-sharing Hannibal B. Johnson’s keynote address at the 2020 Zarrow Mental Health Symposium - Healing from Historical Trauma. In Hannibal’s keynote titled "The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and Historical Racial Trauma," he explored the history of racial historical trauma in the United States and Oklahoma and discussed how we must think critically about our strategies for addressing the present legacy of historical racial trauma in America to pursue justice and healing.

NEW EPISODE >  Help for the Healer ECHO with Comm'r Slatton-Hodges & Comm'r Frye > mhaok.org/podcast During the pandemic, health care workers have given so much to care for our communities, oftentimes at the expense of their physical and emotional health. So today, we'll explore the Help for the Healer ECHO virtual program aimed at supporting provider resiliency and caring for the caregiver, healer, and helper during COVID.   Dr. Sara Coffey and Matt Gleason interview Dr. Lance Frye, commissioner of the Department of Health, and Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges, of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. Get all the details about Help for the Healer here: https://medicine.okstate.edu/echo/help-for-the-healer-echo.html

As we continue celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month, we're spotlighting Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week and Mental Health Association Oklahoma's youth advocacy program, Empowered Voices. Join the pod's host for the day, Greyson Phipps, for an interview with Empowered Voices members Rachael Hollis and Atlas Underhill. Empowered Voices provides a safe environment for youth ages 16-24 who are passionate about improving mental health services and systems. Members of the group work together to better their community on issues they are passionate about through advocacy and community projects. Get involved by following its Instagram page at @empoweredvoicesmhaok 

On today's episode, Cynthia Mooney, the Association's children's behavioral health community coordinator, interviews three experts working in the field of infant and early childhood mental health: Ashleigh Kraft, MA, LPC-S, IMH-E® Infant Mental Health Mentor, Clinical Owner, Balanced Perspectives LLC Autumn Cooper, MBS, LPC-S, RPT-S, IMH-E® (III) Board Member of OK-AIMH Co-Founder/Co-Owner of Nurturing Mamas Network Stacey Leakey, PhD, IMH-E® Infant Mental Health Mentor O2 Consulting LLC

You’re listening to the Mental Health Download Podcast from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. I’m Whitney Cipolla, the Association’s Advocacy Specialist.  I’m joined by Dr. Rebecca Hubbard with Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences.   In this episode, we’ll interview Senate Minority Leader, Senator Kay Floyd of District 46 and Representative Jeff Boatman representing District 67.  We will be talking about mental health in schools and the legislation they’ve authored this session on this topic.

On today's Mental Health Download Podcast, Matt Gleason talks with the Association's own youth mental health advocates, Cheryl Delk and  Caroline Pollard, to explore a variety of issues related to youth mental health in Oklahoma.

Our guest is Jasha Lyons Echo-Hawk. She is a life-long justice seeker, community builder, and part-time marathoner. She is Two-spirit and a proud tribal citizen of the Seminole Nation, as well as a member of the Pawnee, Iowa, Omaha, and  Creek Nations. She carries the name Ti-tatatsiks-stariiku. Jasha’s advocacy has largely been focused in rural Oklahoma and she has organized around such issues as healthcare access, violence against women, breast/chestfeeding advocacy, body sovereignty and birth justice,  food sovereignty, gun violence prevention, criminal justice reform,  Census & Natives Vote 2020, and as a former political candidate. Jasha’s recent concentration is in the reclamation of birthkeeping and she has been honored to hold space for families and community as a trained  Birthworker and a student midwife. She has recently joined the team at the Tulsa Birth Equity Initiative as a Community-Based Doula &  Native Service Coordinator. Additionally, Jasha has also helped to found Native Breastfeeding Week and is in pursuit of a Master of Legal Studies in Indigenous People’s Law at the University of Oklahoma’s College of Law. She maintains an active lifestyle with her spouse, Bunky, and their four children.

You’re listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Our guest is Amairani Perez Chamu, Hispanic Resource Center Coordinator at Tulsa City-County Library. On today’s episode, she talks with the Download’s host for the day, Whitney Cipolla, about Latinx and Hispanic advocacy related to mental health. As the current Executive Director for Dream Action Oklahoma - Tulsa, an immigrant rights organization, Amairani spends the majority of her time  fighting for those without a voice. She has worked closely with the artist community in Tulsa to collaborate on projects centered on changing the narrative for undocumented individuals and their families. Her collaborations include performances with Living Arts of Tulsa, Taco Truck Theatre, and Black Moon Collective. Her work is inspired by her personal journey, the fight for immigrant rights, women, and people of color.

On this episode, we talk with Melissa Bernstein, of the wildly successful toy company Melissa & Doug. Melissa shares her journey with anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide. Her new book, "LifeLines: An Inspirational Journey from Profound Darkness to Radiant Light," is her publicly sharing how she has found purpose, peace, and meaning. This is a preview of Matt Gleason's Magic City Books interview with Melissa live on Tuesday, March 30 at 7:00 pm CT. on the Zoom platform and Facebook Live. To register in advance for the free event on Zoom, visit: https://magiccitybooks.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XyjuUtFzTguDa8C_TG2DMg.

You’re listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Our guest is Morgan Allen of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, home of Oklahomans for Equality. On today’s episode, Morgan talks with the Download’s host for the day, Whitney Cipolla, about LGBTQ+ advocacy related to mental health.

You’re listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Our guest is Brittany Hayes, policy director for the Healthy Minds Policy Initiative. On today’s episode, Whitney Cipolla, the Association's advocacy specialist, talks with Brittany about how exactly mental health is funded -- or not funded -- in Oklahoma.

Mental Health Download Podcast guest host, Jane Mudgett, interviews Mana Tahaie and Nick Doctor about stepping away from the pressures of work life to combat stress and burnout.

On this week's Mental Health Download Podcast, Whitney Cipolla, the Association's advocacy specialist, interviews Republican Representative Josh West from Grove, Oklahoma who represents House District Five. Joining Rep. West is Democratic Senator Julia Kirt from Oklahoma City. She represents Senate District 30. Listen to hear why legislators launched the new bipartisan Mental Health Caucus to address our state's ongoing crisis. _______________ Founding members: State Rep. Josh West, R-Grove (Chair) State Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City (Chair) State Rep. Steve Bashore, R-Miami State Rep. Meloyde Blancett, D-Tulsa State Rep. Jeff Boatman, R-Tulsa State Rep. Ty Burns, R-Tulsa State Rep. Carol Bush, R-Tulsa State Rep. Jose Cruz, D-Oklahoma City State Rep. Shelia Dills, R-Tulsa State Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City State Rep. Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow State Rep. Chris Kannady, R-Oklahoma City State Rep. Mark Lawson, R-Sapulpa State Rep. Marcus McEntire, R-Duncan State Rep. Garry Mize, R-Guthrie State Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City State Rep. Logan Phillips, R-Mounds State Rep. Randy Randleman, R-Eufaula State Rep. Eric Roberts, R-Oklahoma City State Rep. Collin Walke, D-Oklahoma City State Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa State Sen. J.J. Dossett, D-Owasso State Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow State Sen. Chris Kidd, R-Waurika State Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada State Sen. John Michael Montgomery, R-Lawton State Sen. Frank Simpson, R-Springer State Sen. Blake Stephens, R-Tahlequah State Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah State Sen. George Young, D-Oklahoma City

This Mx. Eden Nay quote says everything that needs to be said about this episode of the Mental Health Download: "Focus on Black lives. Focus on queer Black lives. That's what I'm doing." Mx. Eden Nay  (Them, They) To learn more about the Prism Project, visit http://www.ou.edu/tulsa/about/diversityandinclusion/lgbtq

You're listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Each week on the download we explore mental illness, suicide, homelessness and incarceration. We hope you listen and subscribe.