Creating Positive Social Change with PRA

In this discussion, part of the National Center for Youth Opportunity and Justice’s (NCYOJ) school responder model podcast series, NCYOJ’s Darren Cosgrove and Catherine Kramer talk about the positive youth development framework and how this approach can be integrated into a school responder model. Moderated by Dr. Crystal Brandow, this is part one of a two-part conversation that explores strategie...

In this discussion, Dr. Crystal Brandow, from Policy Research Associates, Inc., and the National Center for Youth Opportunity and Justice (NCYOJ), talks with Jacqui Greene, NCYOJ senior advisor, about school responder models. This is part of a podcast series focused on topics that can help schools and communities successfully implement school responder models. The series was produced by NCYOJ with...

Learn about two successful strategies to engage youth in school attendance and achievement: the power of peers and the power of speaking their strengths out loud. Hear about ways that schools have bolstered support for students with mental health needs through peer education and action and the compelling story of one young person who was inspired to beat the odds and attain her diploma through one...

This episode addresses the fear and power imbalances that can impact relationships between parents and system stakeholders such as school personnel and behavioral health providers. A parent and practitioners offer concrete suggestions about how these barriers can be overcome and explain the power of authentic family engagement rooted in strong relationships, humility, and understanding. The Nation...

It can be difficult for parents to engage with schools when trying to meet the educational and mental health needs of their children. Learn about successful strategies to help both parents and school personnel bridge the gap. The National Center for Youth Opportunity and Justice (NCYOJ) originally developed and maintained this podcast. The NCYOJ was operated by Policy Research, Inc. and operated f...

This is one of a three-part wellness exercise series developed and led by Vanessa Marrufo of Solrise Wellness (https://solrisewellness.com/). In this exercise, Vanessa will help you process and release stress stored in your body through self-massage and stretching. Take 12 minutes to move to a place of calmness and ease with this exercise. If you haven’t already, please listen to the other exercis...

This is one of a three-part wellness exercise series developed and led by Vanessa Marrufo of Solrise Wellness (https://solrisewellness.com/). This exercise is designed to help you alleviate stress, by tapping key acupressure points on the body. Spend 7 minutes to bring your body and mind into a state of balance. If you haven’t already, please listen to the other exercises in our series, Body Scan...

This is one of a three-part wellness exercise series developed and led by Vanessa Marrufo of Solrise Wellness (https://solrisewellness.com/). In this exercise, you will be guided through a full-body scan to become more present, relaxed, and curious. Take 6 minutes to connect with your breath and body. If you haven’t already, please listen to the other exercises in our series, Emotional Freedom Tec...

PRA Well-Being is pleased to announce the final podcast in its four-part Mentally Healthy Workplaces series, developed in partnership with the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA). In this episode, Achieving Wellness Goals, WELCOA President Ryan Picarella gets down to the basics of wellness in a conversation with PRA's Dr. Crystal L. Brandow. Defining wellness and presenting WELCOA's definition of...

This podcast is the third in a four-part series on mentally healthy workplaces from PRA Well-Being and the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA). In New Horizons for Mental Health: Resiliency, Burnout and the Mind-Body Connection, PRA’s Dr. Crystal L. Brandow is back with WELCOA's Ryan Picarella to discuss the mind-body connection and impact of stress on our brains and our bodies. In a conversation...

This is the second podcast in a four-part series from PRA and the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) on mentally healthy workplaces. In Social Determinants of Health Part 2: The Unmentionables of Wellness, PRA's Dr. Crystal L. Brandow interviews WELCOA President Ryan Picarella about the nontraditional determinants of health. From adverse childhood experiences to caregiver stress, there are areas...

This is the first podcast in a four-part series from PRA and the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) on mentally healthy workplaces. In "Social Determinants of Health Part 1: Can the Workplace Stand in the Gap?," PRA's Dr. Crystal L. Brandow interviews WELCOA President, Ryan Picarella, on topics related to the roles organizations can occupy to support health and wellness for employees, particular...

Policy Research Associates is committed to the well-being and wellness of individuals with behavioral health conditions. To help spread information about the importance of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness in recovery, we created a podcast series to address each pillar of wellness. In this podcast, members of PRA’s Leadership Team talk about what occupational wellness means to them, and how they fo...

Policy Research Associates is committed to the well-being and wellness of individuals with behavioral health conditions. To help spread information about the importance of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness in recovery, we created a podcast series to address each pillar of wellness. In this podcast, you’ll hear PRA employees discuss how social wellness plays an integral role in their lives and overa...

Policy Research Associates is committed to the well-being and wellness of individuals with behavioral health conditions. To help spread information about the importance of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness in recovery, we created a podcast series to address each pillar of wellness. In this podcast, you’ll hear from Dr. Crystal Lee Brandow, Senior Project Associate at PRA and Betty Vreeland, as they...

Policy Research Associates is committed to the well-being and wellness of individuals with behavioral health conditions. To help spread information about the importance of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness in recovery, we created a podcast series to address each pillar of wellness. In this podcast, you’ll hear about environmental wellness from Dr. Crystal Lee Brandow, Senior Project Associate at PR...

Policy Research Associates is committed to the well-being and wellness of individuals with behavioral health conditions. To help spread information about the importance of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness in recovery, we created a podcast series to address each pillar of wellness. On this podcast, Dr. Crystal Lee Brandow, Senior Project Associate at PRA, moderates a discussion with three guests ab...

Policy Research Associates is committed to the well-being and wellness of individuals with behavioral health conditions. To help spread information about the importance of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness in recovery, we created a podcast series to address each pillar of wellness. This podcast features Allie Middleton, Founder and Principal of Integrative Leadership Practices. Allie is a leadershi...

Policy Research Associates is committed to the well-being and wellness of individuals with behavioral health conditions. To help spread information about the importance of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness in recovery, we created a podcast series to address each pillar of wellness. In this podcast, we offer our listeners a guided meditation presented by Betty Vreeland. Betty has her Master’s of Sci...

Policy Research Associates, Inc. is committed to the well-being and wellness of individuals with behavioral health conditions. To help spread information about the importance of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness in recovery, we created a podcast series to address each pillar of wellness. In this podcast, you’ll hear from Dr. Crystal Lee Brandow, Senior Project Associate at PRA and Betty Vreeland, a...

Policy Research Associates, Inc. is committed to the well-being and wellness of individuals with behavioral health conditions. To help spread information about the importance of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness in recovery, we created a podcast series to address each pillar of wellness. This podcast on physical wellness features Dr. Marc Steinberg, a clinical psychologist and Associate Professor o...