This show is a story of hope, resilience, and love. Resilience is sometimes the outcome of some of the darkest moments in one’s life. My guests, a mother, Sue Borrego and her daughter, Kelsey Bunker Robertson, had very different experiences following Sue’s coming out when Kelsey was 9. Sue was occupied by the fear of losing her children and job and moving through the generational shame of her sexuality. Kelsey became a fierce advocate, proud of her parents and much less touched by the shame her mom felt. Sue gave birth to her children, Kelsey and Bryce in the 1980s. When they were toddlers, it became clear to Sue that she was a Lesbian. Nothing about her life and work had space for her truth. She was married to a man and working successfully at a Christian University. She chose to live closeted until she could no longer live so incongruously. Sue needed to find a different job and initiate divorce proceedings. Initially, Sue was not public about her sexual orientation. Ironically, Kelsey’s dad came out several months later. Together they lived as a “non-traditional” family in a very traditional town. Sue, consumed by the worldview of sexual orientation she grew up with, was terrified of costing her kids a “normal” life and losing the world she had carefully built.As an “emancipated minor” she had carefully constructed a world that she thought would protect her future. Kelsey continued to develop her sense of justice and love. She was a guest on panels, an advocate at school and an educator in her life. Today Kelsey is a mom of 6 and Bryce a father of three. Both of their parents are married to their partners and have lives filled with joy and love. There are many LGBTQ+ parents who wonder about the impact of their lives on their families and LGBTQ+ young adults who wonder about their futures. The culture wars, with vitriolic rhetoric and attacks on LGBTQ+ individuals, are taking their toll. They will share their journey of love, hope and resilience.

In Crusade to Heal America, Judy Pearson shares the never-before-told story of Mary Lasker, a woman who was savvy, steely, and deliberate, with the goal of eliminating human suffering. While scientists looked at disease as a problem to be solved, Lasker saw it as a beast to be slain. Her first step was creating, with her husband Albert, the Lasker Foundation, which bestows annual awards for medical research. Next, they reimagined—and renamed—the American Cancer Society, greatly increasing the donations. But when Lasker learned that 40% of WWII volunteers had been rejected for health reasons, she asked the question no one else had: Why wasn’t the federal government funding medical research? Proclaiming herself a “catalytic agent,” she led a ceaseless, behind-the-scenes crusade to improve the health of Americans. Lasker’s crusade transformed the National Institute of Health from a single, poorly funded entity to the greatest medical research facility on the planet. And while she counted legislators, medical experts, celebrities, and presidents as allies, she was not without naysayers and enemies who wanted to see her fail. When her beloved Albert died of cancer, Lasker doubled down on her crusade, insisting that a cure for the disease was within reach with more research money. Her crusade ultimately resulted in an extraordinary $1.3 billion for cancer research ($9.6 billion today), turning the nearly always fatal disease into one that was survivable.

As individuals committed to humanitarian work, DisasterReady is dedicated to upholding the core values of compassion for humanity. Their mission revolves around the vital aspects of preserving lives, alleviating suffering, and safeguarding the inherent dignity of all individuals affected by crises without any form of discrimination. This commitment extends not only to those we aid but also to ensuring the safety and well-being of our own dedicated workforce and volunteers. However, witnessing these principles being consistently violated in the current climate is disheartening. In these tumultuous times, marked by profound upheavals, intricate crises, and substantial transformations in both our personal and professional lives, the daily breach of these principles is a matter of grave concern. It underscores the absolute necessity of prioritizing our mental well-being and extending support to our teams and colleagues in the same regard – an unequivocal imperative. In light of these challenges, we have at our disposal a multitude of tools, models, experts, and methodologies. In the upcoming discussion, Elaine will engage with Em to explore how at DisasterReady.org, they harness the power of educational technology and collaborate with seasoned experts to offer complimentary training resources. These resources are designed to equip aid workers worldwide with essential coping mechanisms and skills to fortify their resilience. By doing so, these workers can better prepare themselves to function effectively in highly demanding and stressful environments, allowing them to maintain their well-being and continue their mission of service.

Elaine Miller-Karas, LCSW, will discuss the second edition of her book, Building Resiliency to Trauma, with Dr. Michael Sapp, the CEO of the Trauma Resource Institute. During and after a traumatic experience, survivors experience a cascade of physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, relational, and spiritual responses that can make them feel unbalanced and threatened. The second edition of Building Resilience to Trauma explains common responses from a biological perspective, reframing the human experience from one of shame and pathology to one of hope and biology. Using two evidence-informed models of intervention that are trauma-informed and resiliency-informed—the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) and the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM)—chapters distill complex neuroscience into understandable concepts and lay out a path for fostering short- and long-term healing. CRM develops natural leaders who share wellness skills throughout communities as primary prevention, and TRM focuses on training mental health professionals to reprocess traumatic experiences. Studies have demonstrated that the models’ use leads to significant reductions in depression and anxiety, and both models also increase well-being. The models restore balance after traumatic experiences and can be used as tools to cultivate well-being across cultures and abilities throughout the lifespan.

Allan Sussman, M.D. will share his new book, Saving the Art of Medicine (2023) on Resiliency Within. Many doctors have become despondent, working within a commodified system that pushes for speed and efficiency and profit over patient care. Early in his endocrinology career, Allen Sussman, MD, clinical assistant professor at the University of Washington counted himself among them. When an injury kept him from playing piano, he explored new outlets and was drawn to study meditation and the principles of Buddhism. He will share how these practices boosted his resilience and helped him to overcome the hurdles of a broken healthcare system. Saving the Art of Medicine chronicles Dr. Sussman’s journey from “bookish to mindful to heartfelt.” At the beginning of his meditation practice, his intention was to teach his patients to meditate. He soon realized that meditation benefited his patients through his inner transformation. He became more present, listened more deeply, and collaborated with his patients in their care. As a result, their health outcomes improved—and so did his satisfaction as a clinician. Hoping his peers would find similar salvation and provide more meaningful medical care, Dr. Sussman led a healthcare meditation sangha for 15 years, comprising diverse members of the medical community.

Empatico’s mission is to empower school-aged students all around the globe to form meaningful connections that foster a more empathetic world. Empathy is a critical skill that allows us to feel what others feel (emotional empathy), understand what others think and feel (cognitive empathy), and take action on those feelings and understandings (behavioral empathy). In our interconnected world, empathy is a key personal and professional skill, and its development has the following benefits for individuals and society: A more empathetic society, including more tolerance, more acts of kindness, and an expanded sense of community and connection Positive impact on mental, physical, and emotional health Improved personal relationships or friendships (especially across differences) Conflict resolution or reduction and positive intergroup relations Decreased prejudice, bias, and violence Improved workplace environments and professional relationships Better leaders and problem solvers Empatico’s product is centered around an Empathy Framework containing nine skills that promote students’ healthy growth and development across three empathy domains (emotional, cognitive, and behavioral) and levels of interaction (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and intergroup). This Framework is rooted in research from the fields of education, psychology, sociology, conflict resolution, and communication. Empatico’s research-based activities and programs create opportunities for students to learn about and practice these nine empathy-related skills individually, with in-class peers, and with partner classrooms around the globe. These skills are: mindfulness, self-awareness, self-care, emotion recognition, perspective taking, kindness, diplomacy, inclusivity, and collaboration. 1 in 5 children under age 17 in the U.S. have had a diagnosed mental or developmental health disorder, and anxiety and depression among youth have increased by nearly 50% in recent years. Empatico’s Daily Practices, such as mindful breathing exercises, can lower students’ anxiety and improve their emotion regulation, building their confidence and capacity for interaction with others. A large and increasing percentage of students feel persistently sad or hopeless, and a 2021 study showed that more than half of U.S. high school students do not feel connected to their peers. Empatico’s Classroom Activities build empathetic norms, nurture a sense of purpose, and encourage open dialogue to empower students to feel heard and be seen differently by their peers. Global conflict and violence are on the rise, and 1 in 5 U.S. students report being bullied. Empatico’s Virtual Exchanges and similar experiences that connect groups of youth across differences have been shown to reduce stereotyping and conflict and increase cooperation. To bring its mission to life, Empatico works closely with educators around the world who are committed to building a more empathetic world together.

Rev. Lesley Carroll serves as the Prison Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (NI), dedicating her life to the pursuit of peace and reconciliation. To her, this mission is a lifelong calling. Her efforts extend beyond the borders of Northern Ireland, as she has been instrumental in fostering dialogues for peace and reconciliation in regions such as Rwanda, Nigeria, Kosovo, and Croatia. In these challenging times for our global community, Rev. Carroll will generously share her insights and the valuable lessons she has acquired on her remarkable journey, which can offer guidance and inspiration for us all about how to bring peace and reconciliation to our communities worldwide. Inspired by her experiences, Rev. Carroll introduced the Community Resiliency Model to Northern Ireland. This initiative has led to the establishment of a group of Community Resiliency Model Teachers who are actively disseminating the healing skills of CRM throughout the NI community.

Bo Dean, an engaged member of the New Hanover County community in North Carolina, has actively pioneered the integration of biological models such as the Community Resiliency Model. As a certified Community Resiliency Model Teacher, he has played a pivotal role in introducing these models to his community. Bo Dean will candidly recount his deeply personal journey with cancer and how he effectively harnessed his diverse skillset throughout his diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing recovery, including the use of the Community Resiliency Model. His experience has fostered a profound sense of self-compassion, which has proven invaluable in his daily work within New Hanover County. Here, he routinely confronts various crises and encounters individuals during their most vulnerable moments, allowing him to connect and support them through these challenging circumstances. This represents a remarkable level of commitment to charting a positive path forward. In the midst of Bo Dean's personal journey, our world has grappled with the COVID pandemic, political turbulence, and now faces multiple global disruptions, including war and other crises that impact not only individuals within our own communities but also challenge our ability to remain present and responsive. Bo Dean will share how he has maintained awareness of these truths and how he contributes positively to these complex situations. Bo Dean believes our compassion can extend to our capacity to generate opportunities for positive outcomes, even in the face of such adversity.

Karen LeSage empowers children and families. Her work was recently recognized for her outstanding contributions with the ChildCareBC Awards of Excellence Childcare Leadership Award in May 2023. In this episode, we will delve into Karen LeSage's early life, marked by significant adversity that ultimately led to a diagnosis of PTSD. We'll explore how she discovered inner strength and resilience through her mission of empowering others. Karen's journey will shed light on her experiences supporting families and children as a Supported Child Development Consultant in Vancouver's downtown east side. These experiences revealed to her that despite societal marginalization, individuals possess a wealth of wisdom, knowledge, and unique perspectives from which we can all benefit. Since 2020, Karen has been a certified Community Resiliency Model (CRM) teacher and has trained numerous Early Childhood Educators in British Columbia. She will share how she applies this model not only for self-healing during moments of PTSD symptoms but also in her roles as a children's yoga teacher and behavior interventionist. She aims to ensure that children and youth understand they are not alone in their struggles. Through her story, she aims to provide hope and support to those facing similar challenges.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, social workers Martha Parra and Elaine Miller-Karas will discuss how their heritage infused their work with advocacy and service. Martha's family came to California from Mexico, and Elaine's mother and grandmother came to California from El Salvador. They will share the values they learned from their families and how their rich heritage has inspired their personal and professional journeys as social workers. They will also share their families' challenges as they immigrate to a new country. They will discuss the Community Resiliency Model and the Trauma Resiliency Model and how both models have been accessible to the LatinX community. Martha pioneered the first Community Resiliency Model Teacher Training in Spanish in the pilot study through California's Mental Health Services Act and the County of San Bernardino's Department of Behavioral Health. Martha will share her work as an Immigration Evaluations Evaluator and her work with Asylum, Hardship, the Violence Against Women Act, and victims of human trafficking.

WorldBeing (formerly CorStone) is an internationally recognized nonprofit organization that conducts innovative in-school wellbeing programs to empower vulnerable and marginalized youth in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These programs help youth to re-frame their identities, unleash their potential, and transform their life trajectories. Their programming particularly focuses on gender equality and building the skills of marginalized youth, especially girls, to advocate for their rights, stay in school, and resist early marriage. Kate Sachs Leventhal and Steve Leventhal will share their experiences with WorldBeing and how WorldBeing's vision and inspired programs are changing the lives of youth. WorldBeing helps us understand that mental health concerns among LMIC youth are fueled by systems of entrenched inequities, discrimination, and resource scarcity, exacerbated by a lack of access to services. To improve mental health, WorldBeing believes it is crucial to target improving these systemic injustices and social determinants of poor mental health. WorldBeing’s Youth First and Girls First programs represent one of the first human-centered approaches to youth mental health promotion and prevention, taking injustices and social determinants seriously. The program takes a gender equity lens towards improving mental health and promoting wellbeing. Working from ‘the inside out,’ WorldBeing’s evidence-based wellbeing programs support youth to access their inner wellbeing and resilience, know their rights, and cultivate their power as change agents within their families, schools, and communities. Since 2009, WorldBeing has developed, researched, and conducted wellbeing programs for over 350,000 youth across India, Kenya, and Rwanda. Effectiveness trials of WorldBeing’s programs have provided some of the first evidence demonstrating that fostering wellbeing and resilience amongst vulnerable and marginalized youth significantly improves adolescent mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing; gender equality; and education-related outcomes. Additional impacts include improved school engagement, classroom behaviors, and relationships with teachers, and delayed marriage.

The age-old debate on whether entrepreneurs are born or made has ignited discussions and research across academic, entrepreneurial, and parenting spheres. Rajesh Nair's extensive work in underserved communities offers illuminating insights into this question. It suggests that the fundamental traits of innovators and entrepreneurs are cultivable in children and youth nationwide, a discussion of profound importance to educators, administrators, and parents. Innovators and entrepreneurs, catalysts of problem-solving and wealth creation, are pivotal in transforming communities and nations. However, the current education system, focused on producing uniform graduates, is ill-equipped to nurture future change-makers. Educators wield immense influence in shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. They possess the power to craft environments that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The integration of entrepreneurial education into the curriculum holds transformative potential. Concurrently, school and district administrators can bolster entrepreneurial endeavors by allocating resources, fostering local business partnerships, and endorsing extracurricular programs championing innovation. Parents, too, play a pivotal role in instilling entrepreneurial qualities in their children. By nurturing their interests, offering opportunities for exploration, and providing emotional support, parents can set their children on a path toward careers in innovation and entrepreneurship. In summary, Rajesh Nair's research and outreach underscore that while some may naturally exhibit entrepreneurial traits, these qualities can be developed and nurtured in children and youth. Recognizing and implementing strategies to cultivate these essential traits empowers the next generation of creative and innovative thinkers and doers. Educators, administrators, and parents all have crucial roles to play in this transformative journey.

Rev. Chrissy Ruehl and Rev. John Ruehl are dedicated ministers in Savannah, Georgia, They have a passionate commitment to serve their community. They will share their perspectives as a married couple from different faith traditions who share common goals about the possibilities of community change. They will share how they use and integrate the Community Resiliency Model and Asset-Based Community Development. Join us as we discover how you can change your community using what’s already there. Listen in and learn how one community used what they had to change the landscape for children, families, and school systems during and after the pandemic and how you can do it too!

What do resilience and leadership look like for women of color? Women of color comprise about 18 percent of the U.S. population, yet only 4 percent of C-Level positions in 2018, falling far below white men (68 percent) and white women (19 percent). Why? Rising to power is a gendered and racist journey. Women of color don’t face a glass ceiling. They face a concrete ceiling. Unlike a glass ceiling, it’s impossible to see through a concrete ceiling or envision how to get past it. Elaine and Analiza discuss what women of color face, how to bust through myths, and how to rise so we can get a seat at the table and help create a more just world.

New Hanover County faces many natural crises due to their location on the coast of North Carolina and the numerous hurricanes that have occurred over the last few years. New Hanover County adopted biologically-based resilience practices from the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) with the goal to create a trauma-informed and resiliency-focused practice toward each person in public service, sharing a common understanding of the impact of trauma and chronic stress on the nervous system. The implementation is integrated as core measures for professional development and as a means to permeate the county’s culture.  This is not only imperative in the aftermath of community disasters but also for prevention. Bo Dean and Mebane Boyd will discuss how resiliency strategies were implemented through community partnerships and in conjunction with the New Hanover County Resiliency Task Force.  They will discuss how their resiliency programs emerged throughout the county and discuss their challenges and successes.

Dr. Lise Van Susteren, a recognized authority in the realm of climate change's physiological and psychological impacts, will enlighten us about her advocacy efforts. She aims to provide insight into these incidents' cumulative effects on children and adults. Dr. Van Susteren will delve into the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences in the context of climate change, elucidating pathways for the recovery and healing of individuals. Moreover, she will share her perspectives on how we can all contribute to preventive solutions, fostering the betterment of our communities. Climate events are happening with more frequency throughout the globe. In August of 2023, children and adults witnessed a series of climate-related occurrences. These include the heatwaves along the Midwest and East Coast, a hurricane impacting the Southwest of North America, and devastating firestorms in Lahaina, Hawai'i, and Washington State. The aftermath of these events has taken a toll on the physical and mental health of children and adults. Dr. Susteren's wisdom and experience will help us all learn how to become more involved in advocacy and healing.

As a nation, we are heartbroken about the destruction of Lahaina and all the lives lost. The community of Butte County, California, experienced similar destruction and loss in 2018 as a result of the Campfire. The community mobilized and is recovering. Members of their community wanted to share what they learned and the wisdom that was gained. They hope that their discussion on Resiliency Within can help the Lahaina community's recovery process. Erin Kennedy and Scott Dinits, who were deeply embedded in the communities affected by the Camp and other fires, will share what they learned personally and professionally. They were direct responders after the 2018 Campfire that devastated Butte County Communities and the town of Paradise, California. As Boys and Girls Club employees, they will share what is important to help children and adults heal. Both Erin and Scott are trained in the Community Resiliency Model and will share how this model and other interventions helped their community. They will also address what was not helpful even though it was extended with good intentions. They will discuss the challenges, hope, and healing as they journey through the aftermath of this tragedy and destruction. Resiliency Within’s intention is to highlight their insights and lessons learned that could help the community in Lahaina, Hawai’i.

Resiliency Within celebrates in this episode the bonds of sisterhood during this National Sister Month. Today's show is dedicated to the concept of sister-friends—those special individuals who support us through life's ups and downs. Whether they share our DNA or are sisters of our choosing, these connections are invaluable. Sister-friends love us unconditionally, standing by us even when we're not at our best, and offer judgment-free support whenever we need to confide in them. These foundational relationships have the power to illuminate our lives, providing light in times of darkness. Many adults reflect on their past and may recall negative childhood experiences, often referred to as adverse childhood experiences or ACEs. Such experiences encompass physical and emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and exposure to substance abuse or violence in the home. Research conducted by Dr. Christina Bethell from John Hopkins reveals that individuals who report more ACEs are more likely to face various physical, mental, and social challenges. However, there is hope, as positive childhood experiences can act as buffers against the impact of adverse events. Dr. Bethell's research identifies seven positive childhood experiences that can make a difference: 1. The ability to openly communicate feelings with their family. 2. The feeling of unwavering support from their families during difficult times. 3. Having at least two non-parent adults who genuinely care about them. 4. Feeling safe and protected by an adult at home. 5. Being supported by friends. 6. A sense of belonging in high school. 7. Active participation in their community. Positive reports of any of these experiences correlate with lower rates of mental health problems and higher rates of having supportive adult relationships. In this episode of Resiliency Within, we delve into a personal story shared by our host, Elaine Miller-Karas. Despite growing up in a family with high ACEs, she was fortunate to have several positive childhood experiences. Among the key factors that buffered the impact of her ACES were her sister-friends. On this journey, she will be joined by her childhood friends, Mary Ann Tummillo Koue and Katie O'Neill Arken, who have been friends for over 50 years. Together, they explore the profound and caring relationships that helped mitigate the adverse childhood experiences, remaining steadfast through life's joys and challenges. The friendships forged during difficult times are examples of our adversities not defining our destiny.

Dr. Joy Miller will join Resiliency Within to talk about her remarkable work with global resilience. Miller created a new forum for training in the area of resiliency. Resiliency Productions became a gift of love to the global world, offering free access to mental health techniques for those struggling with the pandemic, loss, grief, anxiety & depression. Dedicated to offering personal empowerment & resiliency strategies to global participants, Miller created the remarkable event, Resilience 2023, bringing together global leaders to speak about resiliency. This amazing free event will take place on September 8, 2023. Her vision is joined by like-minded celebrities, global influencers, musicians, noted clinicians, and professionals who donate their time and talent, sharing their voices and messages to help our global community grow, heal and thrive. She has appeared on Oprah Winfrey, Sally Jessie Raphael, Montel Williams, Geraldo, and many radio and podcast presentations throughout the years. She hosted a mental health segment on ABC and NBC affiliates for 25 years and hosted her own radio show for four years. She will again share her wisdom about Resilience. She will share her definitions of resilience. In addition, she will share her vista about the upcoming September event and why it is essential for all of us to attend.

Vanessa Kettering and Rhonda Rodgers, co-founders of Way of Well-Being, will share their experiences with the life-changing work from the early days of the Trauma Resource Institute (TRI) to translating the skills for others in their community to find peace and resilience in a world full of heteronormative ideas and sometimes hostile or misinformed views. Their connection with TRI, tools of contemplative practice, and positive psychology have not only transformed their work in higher education and the private sector but also continued to inspire them on their personal journeys toward healing and self-acceptance. The two have been in a committed relationship for over a decade and have navigated romance, business, travel, pet parenthood, and more.