Awareness 2 Action

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Connie Harrington about the Murder-Suicide Loss Network, the power of community support when grieving and healing, and what it means to tell our own stories. Connie Harrington is a content strategist, mom of two, and a survivor of murder-suicide loss. She is on the leadership team of Triumph over Trauma: Northern Shenandoah Valley Resilience Initiative and on the board of the Murder-Suicide Loss Network. Referenced Resources: Murder-Suicide Loss Network: https://www.mslnetwork.org/ My Grief Connection: https://www.mygriefconnection.org/ David Kessler’s Work: https://grief.com/ Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s Work: https://www.centerforloss.com/ TAPS: https://www.taps.org/ The Perversion of Virtue by Thomas Joiner (book) Topics discussed in this episode include suicide and homicide. It may be difficult for some listeners. Help is always available- The suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by texting or calling 988. The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Sam DeMello about his app, Evive, the ways it personalizes care and generates connection for individuals redefining their relationship to gambling, and how his team is using technology to create a healthier future Drawing from his personal recovery journey from gambling addiction and with 15+ years in strategic leadership, Sam founded Evive to revolutionize gambling support. His vision combines authenticity and innovation to deliver stigma-free, accessible help when people need it most. Evive is transforming how individuals and communities address problem gambling by blending advanced technology with proven, evidence-based methods. Evive’s mission is to make healthier gambling accessible to everyone. Referenced Resources: Evive: www.getevive.com Evive in the iOS App Store Evive in the Android App Store Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health: https://rehab.chp.vcu.edu/about-us/research/vpgh/ ALL IN Podcast: https://endgamblingharm.com/all-in/ Topics discussed in this episode include problem gambling, suicide, and substance use. It may be difficult for some listeners. Help is always available- The suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by texting or calling 988. The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

S4 E5: Superintendent Clay Corbin on the Evolution of Innovative Programming On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Superintendent Clay Corbin about developing programming that supports education, empowerment, and healing. We dive into the “space and grace” required for creating something new, and the challenges and positives of leading innovation. Clay Corbin is Superintendent of the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center, where he has served in multiple roles over the past twenty three years. Superintendent Corbin is passionate about creating programming that benefits the people he serves, and committed to doing so in a collaborative, community-focused way. The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

S4 E4: Hamilton Glass on Mending Walls and Collaborative Change On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Hamilton Glass about Mending Walls RVA, the concept of project vs. process, and the many ways that creativity, connection, and collaboration can lead to change. Hamilton Glass’s career as an artist stems from his architecture and design background. Despite working in the architecture field for 7 years, his passion for public art pushed him to start a career as an artist. Public art has always been a big influence and inspiration to Hamilton, because of its power to influence and inspire the surrounding community. With every opportunity Hamilton is given to create, he tries to convey a message that connects his art to the community. Using his background in architecture, he creates images that reference architectural drafting practices, which are represented in the sharp lines, scale, and balance of the piece. The bright colors and unpredictable lines and shapes are used to convey energy and movement in each piece. Hamilton's work isn’t just a singular canvas, print, or mural. One of the things he enjoys most is creating multi-layered projects that amplify his community's voices. In 2020, Hamilton founded the Mending Walls RVA which was created to address the civil unrest and pandemic raging in our country. This was a way for Hamilton to process current events and create a platform that inspired empathy and connection through collaborative public art work. Hamilton's goal is to use his art as a healing tool to uplift and inspire his community. Referenced Resources: Mending Walls RVA: https://www.mendingwallsrva.com/ Mending Walls Documentary: https://www.vpm.org/mending-walls Mending Walls Podcast: https://mendingwallspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Rick Griffin about the ways that understanding neuroscience can transform ourselves and our relationships, the impact of community-based education, and the power of staying curious in every interaction. Rick is the Founder and CEO of the Neuro Leadership Academy, a new enterprise committed to using neuroscience to facilitate personal and professional development. Rick holds a master’s degree in education and uses his education to develop innovative content and to deliver engaging presentations. He speaks to thousands of groups from all over the country and is widely recognized for his work with trauma- informed and resilience-based practices. As the former Executive Director of a trauma-informed therapeutic residential program for struggling teens, Rick has first-hand experience with developing and implementing strategies and structures that foster resilience. His experience allows him to consult seamlessly with schools, businesses, and community organizations. Mr. Griffin continues to be on the leading edge of training design. As a Master Trainer for Community Resilience Initiative, he has developed several outstanding trauma and resilience focused programs and practices including the Certified Trauma-Informed Specialist (CTIS), a micro-credential for Occupational Therapist and other school-based mental health professionals. He has also authored several engaging eBooks, including his latest eBook, Keeping PACE With the Brain, an insightful eBook that delves into how social domains stimulate brain responses and guide our actions, emotions, and motivations. Referenced Resources: Community Resilience Initiative: https://criresilient.org/ Neuro Leadership Academy: https://neuro-la.com/about-us/ How Emotions are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett: https://lisafeldmanbarrett.com/books/how-emotions-are-made/ The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk : https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score Dr. Nadine Burke Harris Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime?subtitle=en The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

It’s National Recovery month, and in this week’s episode, we’re talking with Mandy McCarthy about the role that vulnerability plays in healing, the world’s need for storytelling, and moving upstream in prevention and wellness work. Mandy McCarthy is a Prevention and Wellness Specialist with Northwestern Community Services Board, who uses her story to help bring awareness to mental health challenges and substance use. She is the mother of an amazing 12-year-old boy, an active member of her community, and feels enthusiastic about being the change she wants to see in the world. Triumph Over Trauma: Northern Shenandoah Valley Resiliency Initiative: https://www.triumphovertraumansv.com/ Kevin Hines: https://kevinhinesstory.com/ Topics discussed in this episode include suicide, substance use, domestic violence, and sexual assault. It may be difficult for some listeners. Help is always available- The suicide and crisis lifeline can be reached by texting or calling 988. The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

We’re kicking off Season 4, joined by Chief Wayne Sager! We’re discussing Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st, what it looks like to work collaboratively within our communities to create change, and how looking locally can help us live better for longer. Born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley, Chief Wayne Sager has served the Town of Strasburg for 18 years, six of which as their Chief of Police. A 2019 graduate of the FBI National Academy and, in 2017, from the Professional Executive Leadership School at the University of Richmond, he continues to stay current on ever -changing justice reform. Being a firm believer and advocate for community collaboration, Sager serves as the Chair of the Family Youth Initiative (FYI) for Shenandoah County, the Skyline Regional Criminal Justice Academy, and the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug & Gang Task Force. He is an executive committee member for the Community Resources for Education & Wellness (CREW), Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition, Strasburg Rotary, and is an active member of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP), serving as committee members for both the Valor Awards and Professional Executive Leadership School (PELS). Chief Sager is a husband, a father of three, an avid outdoorsman, and enjoys coaching his children's little league sports. Winchester Virginia Overdose Awareness Day Event 2024: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-overdose-awareness-day-tickets-1000339521437?aff=ebdssbdestsearch CREW: https://crewva.org/ Family Youth Initiative: https://www.shenandoahfyi.com/ Strasburg Virginia: https://www.strasburgva.com/ International Overdose Awareness Day: https://www.overdoseday.com/ The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Dr. Adam Starks about breaking the cycle, reaching out to help others, the need for community, and the hope of at-promise youth. Dr. Adam Starks is a motivational keynote speaker on a variety of child welfare-related topics, ranging from foster care, child mental health issues, and trauma informed care. As a product of the foster care system who broke the cycle, he empowers audiences to uplift at-promise youth by tapping into community resources to convert youth potential into positive outcomes. He serves on his local school board and as the President of the West Virginia CASA Association board. Dr. Starks is also a multi-genre author of several books. Dr. Adam Starks’ Website: http://adamstarks.com/ Triumph Over Trauma Summit on May 15th, 2024: https://preventionandwellness.ticketleap.com/triumph-over-trauma-summit/ ‘Broken Child Mended Man’ by Dr. Adam Starks: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Broken%20Child%20Mended%20Man/_/N-w;jsessionid=6D36DFDD583D90894C94AF6B83BAC8F9.prodny_store02-atgap05 ‘Love’ by Leo F. Buscaglia: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/841125 The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Dr. Melissa Goldberg Mintz about healing, connection, and the journey of “traumatization to empowerment.” Dr. Melissa Goldberg Mintz is a psychologist, author, and mother of two. Dr. Goldberg Mintz owns a small private practice, Secure Base Psychology and holds the title of Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine. She is also the author of Has Your Child Been Traumatized? How to Know and What to do to Promote Healing and Recovery. Dr. Goldberg Mintz’s website: https://melissagoldbergmintz.com/ Has your Child Been Traumatized? Book: https://melissagoldbergmintz.com/books The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

We are ending the year with a revisit to our first episode of 2022 by reposting our sit down with Shanza Isom to discuss holistic well-being, mindfulness, and self-care. We think this conversation is the PERFECT way to start January, at a time when we’re all considering how we can better care for ourselves, and others, in the year ahead. Shanza Isom is an assistant professor in the James Madison University department of social work, where she teaches undergraduate courses and directs field instruction. Shanza is also a facilitator and trainer, with expertise in areas of mindfulness and holistic well-being. Shanza trains and teaches educators, parents and those in helping professions in the incorporation of mindfulness in their personal and professional lives. Shanza’s Contact Information: isomsa@jmu.edu The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Jared Rowan about the tools and self-discovery found in therapy, yoga practice as a way of living, and the empowerment that can be experienced in both. Jared is a Psychotherapist on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, working with individuals across the lifespan, providing one-on-one, family, and couple's therapy, for over 13+ years. Jared is also an E-RYT 500-hr Yoga Teacher (teaching for a decade) and a Katonah Yoga Teacher in training. He aims to teach yoga as an experience and a way of living life, connecting movement, philosophy, and personal insights. Jared believes in creating an embodied experience in our practice and life, which allows us to tune into our patterns, gather insight and provide tools and techniques to help us navigate life's circumstances. Jared’s Websites: www.jaredrowan.com www.omevolve.com Jared’s Podcast, Beyond the Mat: https://linktr.ee/beyondthematpod Books Mentioned: Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele The Four Desires by Rod Stryker Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes (source of the therapy metaphor mentioned by Casey) The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re flipping the script and talking with our host Casey Dwyer about the history and evolution of the Awareness 2 Action podcast, our hopes for its future, storytelling, the importance of developing community, and staying hopeful. Along with the Northwestern Community Prevention and Wellness Services team, Casey co-developed and now hosts the Awareness 2 Action Podcast. Casey is a social worker located in Virginia, whose work is focused on substance use treatment and intervention, in addition to prevention and wellness. Casey is interviewed in this episode by Keith Cartwright, a Behavioral Health & Wellness Consultant for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services, and one of our favorite guests from Seasons 1 & 2! The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this summer’s bonus episode, the Awareness 2 Action team gathers to discuss their highlights and takeaways from Season 2. Our guests are the incredible team members who bring you this show every other week! NWCSB Prevention and Wellness Services Coordinator Shannon Urum, and Prevention and Wellness Specialists Denise Wakeman, Corialise Pence, Rebekah Schennum, and Casey Dwyer sit down to discuss this project, and the guests who made Season 2 so memorable. Stay tuned for Season 3 coming your way this September! The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Amanda Quintana & Colleen Jones, hosts of The Hidden Addiction Podcast about their work to address problem gambling, utilizing innovation & technology in human services, and connecting individuals with care. Amanda Quintana works as a Program Manager for the Mid-Hudson Problem Gambling Resource Center in New York State. She is passionate about providing support and resources to those in need and working to raise awareness of gambling addiction. Colleen Jones is a Program Manager for the Mid-Hudson Problem Gambling Resource Center in New York State. In her role she works to connect clients who have been negatively impacted by problem gambling to services and supports. TRIGGER WARNING: Problem and disordered gambling is discussed in throughout this conversation. NCPG 24 Hour Confidential National Hotline: 1-800-522-4700 New York Council on Problem Gambling: NYProblemGambling.org National Council on Problem Gambling: https://www.ncpgambling.org/ National Council on Problem Gambling, Virginia: https://www.ncpgambling.org/state/virginia/ Gam-Anon: https://www.gam-anon.org/ Mind Ride: https://mindrideny.com/ Podcasts Mentioned The Hidden Addiction Podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/midhudsonpgrc/ ALL IN The Addicted Gambler’s Podcast: https://endgamblingharm.com/all-in/ FALL IN The The Problem Gambling Podcast for Military Service Members and Veterans: https://endgamblingharm.com/fall-in/ The Broke Girl Society Podcast: https://thebrokegirlsociety.com/ The Ambitious Addicts Podcast: https://ambitiousaddicts.com/ The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Jordan Brooks about reducing the stigma associated with suicide, starting meaningful conversations, and the noteworthy resources available in our state. Jordan Brooks serves as the Regional Suicide Prevention Program Manager for DBHDS Region 1, as well as the Lock and Talk Virginia Coordinator— a comprehensive suicide prevention initiative provided across the Commonwealth. Jordan has served in the Prevention field for 4 years, with a passion for mental health education/awareness and suicide prevention. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor within the Commonwealth of Virginia and has over 12 years of experience working as a crisis clinician for both youth and adults. Jordan is a certified Instructor for training programs to include: Mental Health First Aid for Youth, Adult, Public Safety and Fire/EMS Curricula, safeTALK, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), REVIVE!, and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) for law enforcement and first responders. Jordan currently co-chairs the Suicide Prevention Awareness and Resource Council (SPARC) in Charlottesville, VA. TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide loss and suicidal ideation are discussed throughout this conversation. Jordan’s Contact Information: jordan.brooks@regionten.org Lock and Talk VA: https://lockandtalk.org Mental Health First Aid: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ SafeTALK: https://www.livingworks.net/safetalk QPR Institute: https://qprinstitute.com/ The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Stephen Hill about [expansion of epi descriptors] Stephen Hill is the founder of Speak Sobriety and a renowned national speaker on substance use prevention & mental health awareness. Stephen is also an attorney, recovery coach, and bestselling author of A Journey to Recovery: Speak Sobriety. Stephen has presented in front of thousands of people for over 300 schools, drug free community coalitions, alliances, and organizations across the country, sharing his cautionary tale of addiction to recovery and beyond, leaving people better educated, feeling hopeful, and motivated to make smart choices and positive change. Stephen’s Contact Information: stephen.hill@speaksobriety.com; 845-323-1888 Speak Sobriety: https://speaksobriety.com/ Stephen’s Book, A Journey to Recovery: https://speaksobriety.com/memoir/ The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Gail Maddox Taylor about listening to and investing in communities, building coalitions, and why prevention matters. Gail Maddox Taylor is the Director of the Office of Behavioral Health Wellness for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, also known as the NPN, where she provides leadership in Virginia’s prevention efforts. She also leads Virginia’s statewide initiatives, including Problem Gambling Prevention, Suicide Prevention, Mental Health First Aid, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Behavioral Health Equity and Disparities initiatives. Gail is the 2020 recipient of the National Association of Substance Abuse Director’s National Prevention Network Ketty Award presented annually to a current NPN who has made outstanding contributions to the NPN organization and the field of prevention and received the 2021 Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Outstanding State Award. These awards were received because of the hard work of the OBHW team, CSBs and Virginia community Coalitions. Gail has served as the NPN liaison on the Board of the Society of Prevention Research, is on CADCA’s Coalition Advisory Council (CAC), and serves as the National NPN 1st Vice-President. TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide, substance use, trauma, domestic violence, and mental health issues are discussed in broad ways throughout this conversation. Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/ The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re talking with Dorris Walker-Taylor about Thistle Farms- a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to helping women survivors recover and heal from prostitution, trafficking, and addiction. Dorris is a Senior Ambassador and a 2012 graduate from Thistle Farms. Dorris also recently authored her first book, Hope is Always Real. TRIGGER WARNING: Substance use, sexual assault, trafficking, trauma, gun violence, incarceration, and prositution. If you feel it might be best for your own mental wellness to avoid this part of the conversation, you can skip ahead to the 10 minute mark of the episode. Thistle Farms: https://thistlefarms.org/ Dorris Walker-Taylor’s Contact Information: dorris@thistlefarms.org Hope is Always Real: https://changeherstory.org/products/hope?_pos=1&_sid=206be16b4&_ss=r The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re sitting down with Laura Cross to discuss the importance of prioritizing authenticity with ourselves, what it looks like to develop community within a profession or field, and how to encourage positive workplace culture. Laura Cross is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified EFT Therapist and Supervisor and owner of a group private practice, Individual and Relationship Therapy Center (IRTC) in Denver, Colorado. Laura is also an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and Practicum Supervisor for the University of Colorado Denver’s Couple and Family Therapy program. The first 22 years of Laura’s career were spent in Washington, DC, specializing in sales and marketing in the medical device industry. During her time in this space, she gained valuable experience that continues to inform her work, and allows her to maximize each client’s engagement in their therapy journey. Individual Relationship and Therapy Center Website: https://www.individualrelationshipcenter.com/ IRTC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndividualAndRelationshipTherapyCenter/ IRTC Twitter: https://twitter.com/IRTherapyCenter The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.

On this week’s episode, we’re revisiting a conversation from Season 1 with Keith Cartwright to discuss Adverse Childhood Experiences, where prevention and health promotion should begin, and how we can build better relationships in our homes, our workplaces, and our communities. Keith Cartwright is a Behavioral Health Wellness Consultant for the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. In this role, he leads the statewide initiative to grow awareness in communities about the developmental impacts of adverse childhood experiences. To date, the initiative has trained over 200 ACE Interface trainers and presenters in Virginia. Keith also works part-time as the Alcohol and Drug Education Coordinator at Randolph-Macon College. Mentioned Resources: ACES Overview: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html Nadine Burke Harris – How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Across a Lifetime: https://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime Johann Hair’s Lost Connections: https://thelostconnections.com/mobile/ ACES Trainers across Virginia are working to raise awareness through education and connect people to helpful resources in an effort to reduce ACES and ultimately improve the health of our communities. If you are interested in scheduling a custom ACES training for your group and are located in the City of Winchester or the counties of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, or Warren, please contact Northwestern Prevention and Wellness at shannon.urum@nwcsb.com. The views and opinions expressed on Awareness 2 Action are those of the guests and host and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Prevention Department or Northwestern Community Services.