Our Story Isn't Over

Explore the realities of OCD beyond common stereotypes. One of our Youth MOVE PA Youth Advisory Council members, Ella Schimizzi, reveals how OCD affects daily life, relationships, and mental health. Learn about effective treatments like ERP and CBT, and discover how to support loved ones with understanding and empathy. This episode offers insights into OCD's complexities and highlights resourc...

Learn about the concepts of self-diagnosis in autism spectrum disorder with August, the acting secretary of the Youth MOVE PA Youth Advisory Council. Discover how his experiences with sensory challenges and masking have shaped his identity and advocacy. This episode delves into the importance of understanding and acceptance, offering insights into the diverse expressions of autism. Join us to lear...

Most youth-led initiatives are about speaking up — but this episode shows how authentic leadership grows from within. Kai Green and August Kane from Youth MOVE Pennsylvania's Advisory Council reveal how their time in their roles have transformed their confidence, advocacy skills, and sense of community. Discover how their experiences are shaping new leaders ready to tackle mental health stigma...

In this inspiring episode of Our Story Isn't Over, we sit down with Lawrence C. Harris to explore the powerful intersection of personal storytelling, resilience, and mental health advocacy. Lawrence shares his journey of overcoming adversity and the mission behind his work to empower others through authentic storytelling and community support. We delve into the importance of owning one's story and...

In this inspiring episode of  Our Story Isn't Over , we sit down with Diana Kaufman to explore the powerful intersection of creativity, resilience, and suicide prevention. Diana shares the mission behind the Hold On Campaign, a movement dedicated to spreading hope and awareness through art and advocacy. We close the episode with a moving original song co-written by Diana Kaufman and Mia Stegner, f...

In this insightful episode, hosts Elizabeth Noecker and Chandler Nolet sit down with Brittany Bodine to discuss effective ways to empower youth and young adults. They delve into practical strategies and share personal experiences on how to provide meaningful support during this critical stage of life. From fostering resilience and encouraging leadership to creating inclusive environments and offer...

Chandler and Elizabeth have an inspiring conversation with Katelyn Bender about her incredible journey to overcoming addiction. Katelyn bravely opens up about her struggles, sharing the raw and honest details of her battle with addiction. She offers profound insights and discusses the valuable lessons she's learned along the way, providing hope and encouragement to others facing similar challenges...

On this episode of "Our Story Isn't Over," we chat with Youth MOVE Revolution, a chapter of Youth MOVE National. Join Laryah, Rose, and Marc as they discuss the significance of the Catholic Youth Center and the importance of creating a space where youth feel safe, seen, and heard. Youth MOVE Revolution Website: https://ymrevolution.wildapricot.org/ Youth MOVE Revolution Linktree: youthmoverevoluti...

Conversations with Paolo del Vecchio, Director of the Office of Recovery at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), delve into various topics including his personal recovery journey, youth mental health, and the significance of peer support. Paolo elaborates on SAMSHA's key priorities concerning youth mental health. SAMHSA’s National Model Standards for Peer Sup...

In this episode we meet Mandie and Dan, two trainers from Youth MOVE PA's Sources of Strength program. Sources of Strength is a school-based upstream suicide prevention program that is evidence-based, strengths-based, and...well...just pretty based in general! Through our discussion we learn about the post-traumatic growth, the strengths wheel, and some fun stories about how Sources of Strengt...

In this episode we get to know one of Pennsylvania's coolest youth, Brody Valentin! We talk about what emotions are to us, how overwhelming emotions impact us, and shed some light on the age at which youth are beginning to understand their emotions. You don't want to miss this one! Brody is a 16-year-old 11th grader from Pennsylvania. He has struggled a lot with mental illness over the yea...

In this episode we are introduced to two of Youth MOVE PA's newer staff! We discuss who we are, how we find our identities, the complicated feeling of loneliness and what we might really mean when we say, "we hate people". This episode's guests: Tyanna Marge is Youth MOVE PA's Administrative Support Coordinator for Sources of Strength Zoe Small is Youth MOVE PA's Communit...

In this episode we geek out with Keith Karabin, a Licensed Professional Counselor with nearly 30 years of experience walking alongside people of all ages as they overcome a host of challenges. He has a passion for wellness and is known for using humor, grit and creativity to assist clients in creating their most enjoyable life possible, no matter the situation. He specializes in anxiety and stress...

In this episode we hear from Ryan Coffman about his experience in the world of Tobacco Recovery. Ryan is the Tobacco Policy and Control Program Manager for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. In this role, he oversees several tobacco control and policy initiatives within the Division of Chronic Disease Prevention.  These initiatives include the prevention of youth initiation, promoting t...

This show is here to offer you strength and hope by sharing our lived experience. We do not provide medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for professional mental health services. In this episode Kevin and Chris talk to Angel McDonnel of Angel Lea's Photography. Angel shares her story as a suicide attempt survivor who found her strength by viewing the world through the lens o...

In the first episode of our third season, I talk with Steffanie Roach, a woman who has lived experience in recovery from trauma, mental illness, and substance use. Through her resilience, Steffanie has become a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) with Forensic* Enhancement, Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS), and Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS), meaning she has channeled her life's ex...

Today's episode of Our Story Isn't Over: Join us as we talk to Nikki Weigand from NAMI Keystone and the implementation of 9-8-8. Nikki shares her knowledge of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the presentations she has been doing across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Nikki Weigand: Contact InformationPhone Number: 412-366-8788 x114Email: nweigand@namikeystonepa.org2022 Suicide Prevention Re...

Ramping up for Recovery/Suicide Prevention MonthToday's episode of Our Story Isn't Over: Join us as we introduce the "I didn't die but..." Project by PMHCA and Youth MOVE PA for Suicide Prevention Week and discuss National Recovery Month coming up in September.2022 Suicide Prevention Resource Guide988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline988 Partner ToolkitOther topics discussed in the podcast:Mental Health P...

Mental Health Awareness Month PodcastToday's episode of Our Story Isn't Over: Mental Health Awareness Month 2022 edition featured "Jax" a High School Student and member of Youth MOVE PA. Jax talks with Chris and Kevin about MHAM and about some the amazing projects/initiatives she is involved in within her community. Jax also describes what it is like growing up while navigating the mental health s...

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week - Podcast Series 6 of 6Theme - What an ideal and realistic children's mental health system looks like? Today's episode of Our Story Isn't Over: Children's Mental Health Awareness Week edition featured Christopher Lunsford as a guest. Chris is The Call for Change & Youth Coordinator at PMHCA. Chris shares his experience in our child serving system and his rol...

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week - Podcast Series 5 of 6Theme - What an ideal and realistic children's mental health system looks like? Today's episode of Our Story Isn't Over: Children's Mental Health Awareness Week edition featured Erin as a guest. Erin is Student Assistance Program (SAP) Coordinator for Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit. She shares with us the valuable insight i...

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week - Podcast Series 4 of 6Theme - What an ideal and realistic children's mental health system looks like? Today's episode of Our Story Isn't Over: Children's Mental Health Awareness Week edition had Joe and Mike as guests. Joe is a high school counselor and Mike is a high school social worker at the North Schuylkill School District. Mike also is the homeless li...

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week - Podcast Series 3 of 6Theme - What an ideal and realistic children's mental health system looks like? Please join us on "Our Story Isn't Over", as we talk to Maya Noy, a person with lived experience as well as a family member to someone with mental health concerns. She is a mom to an 18-year-old and loves her dearly. Maya's passion for bettering the mental...

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week - Podcast Series 2 of 6Theme - What an ideal and realistic children's mental health system looks like? Please join us on "Our Story Isn't Over", as we talk to Andi Buchanan, a School Counselor at Waynesburg Central Elementary School in Greene County, PA to discuss Children's Mental Health Awareness Week. Andi shares her experience of what brought her into th...

Children's Mental Health Awareness Week - Podcast Series 1 of 6Theme - What an ideal and realistic children's mental health system looks like? Please join us on "Our Story Isn't Over", as we talk to Kathy Quick the Executive Director at PMHCA about Children's Mental Health Awareness Week. Kathy shares her personal experience as a child including challenges, barriers, and successes. Moving forward...