Resilience Matters

At 14, Bryce arrived at Starr Commonwealth after struggling with behavioral challenges, substance use, and juvenile detention. What he found was something he hadn’t experienced before: adults who saw beyond his behavior and believed in his potential. In this episode, Bryce reflects on his time in Starr’s former residential program, the mentors who changed his life, and how those experiences still...

Before we begin, please note that this episode includes discussion of a tragic event involving the loss of two young students in the central Texas floods. Listener discretion is advised. In this conversation, Linda Duran shares her journey into trauma-informed work, detailing her experiences as a counselor and the impact of trauma on children. She discusses her connection with Starr Commonwealth a...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with internationally renowned speaker and author Azim Khamisa . This forum will explore the profound impact of forgiveness as a path to unity and healing, reminding us of the shared humanity that connects us all.

In this episode of Resilience Matters , we sit down with Stefanie Lachenauer — New Jersey’s 2024-2025 State Teacher of the Year and a Starr Certified Trauma and Resilience Trainer. Stefanie shares her journey as a veteran educator leading district-wide initiatives in mindfulness, SEL, and trauma-informed practices. From building empowering programs for middle school students to advocating for equi...

In this powerful episode of Resilience Matters , we dive deep into the evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and the growing pushback against these efforts. Across the country, DEIB programs are being dismantled at the governmental level and threatened at the corporate level. Policies that once aimed to create equitable opportunities and address systemic inequali...

In this episode, Jeff Sefcik, principal of Stanton Middle School in Fox Lake, Illinois, shares his transformative journey in implementing trauma-informed education. As he prepares for retirement after 33 years in education, Jeff reflects on the power of fostering connections, reshaping disciplinary approaches, and creating a culture of resilience for students and staff. He joins Kathy Hart, Senior...

In this powerful episode of Resilience Matters, Starr President and CEO, Elizabeth Carey, is joined by Dr. Payam Akhavan, an expert in human rights and a passionate advocate for community-based resilience. Together, they explore how the collective power of ordinary people can spark profound, lasting change—especially during these turbulent times of global transition. Dr. Akhavan shares his compell...

Hear from school social worker Erika Grevelding and school psychologist Colleen Germann, creators of the Courageous Choices program, about the importance of helping students develop their social-emotional skills. By using these strategies regularly, students become more comfortable with self-regulation and emotional awareness, making it easier to apply them during stressful moments. These skills d...

In this debut episode, Dr. Caelan Soma, Chief Clinical Officer at Starr Commonwealth, talks with Amina VanderHyde, a Clinical Case Manager at Starr Behavior Health in Detroit, Michigan. With a master's in social work and extensive experience working with children, Amina shares her insights on the often hidden impacts of stress and trauma. They delve into what happens when someone experiences...