A follow up visit with Tamara Smith-Jones to see where she is at in her mental health journey. She shares more insights and tools that can be helpful to all of us.

From Tamara: For the last decade I have had the honor of leading a non-profit named “Helping Others Maintain Earth (H.O.M.E.)” that connects underserved communities to resources like education, food, and healthcare, which are a right not a privilege. Today my immediate attention is on mental health and substance misuse recovery, self-discovery, psychological safety, whole health, and communal healing. While I genuinely enjoy working with people from all over the world, I place particular emphasis on African Ancestry/Black and faith-based communities. As a person with lived-experience in recovery, who represents both of these communities, I’m determine to dispel myths and debunk stigmas that have historically prevented us from healing our pasts to prepare our futures.

I use trauma-informed healing to help people breakthrough trauma by processing emotions, identifying language to explain them, developing tools to navigate them, and establishing healthy boundaries to maintain peace. My work with those who have lived-experience with mental health and/or substance misuse challenges entails supporting and emboldening them to embrace their stories of recovery so they can inspire hope, resilience, and perseverance in others on their journeys. Because I understand the importance of being proactive, I also work with those who have not been diagnosed to help identify early signs and symptoms leveraging the valuable information to collaborate on next steps.

I’ve partnered with National Alliance on Mental Illness San Mateo County Affiliate (NAMI-SMC) to offer a mental health recovery support group for the African Ancestry/Black community ages 18+ called “We Health Better Together”. Groups takes place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6-7:30pn PST via zoom and on the 4th Tuesday of every month 6-7:30pm PST in person.

Please join me on a journey where we take care of ourselves so we can be present for others. #HealAsWeGrow #HealingInSolidarity #WeHealBetterTogether
Disclaimer: the definition of “schizoaffective disorder” provided during this episode was as it was explained to by Tam by Provider #6 which may not present the same “signs and symptoms” for others.

When I’m not doing research and development in the behavioral health space you can find me spending time in nature with my emotional companion dog Jax (who rescued me 10 years ago!) or in the kitchen trying new recipes for both of us. I’ve been a faithful 49ers fan since the 80’s and in the last few years have found football to be very therapeutic. It’s a huge part of my wellness recovery plan.

To find out more about me and the work I do please visit:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tsmithjones or contact me at tamara@lineageandlegacy.org

Find out more about Lineage & Legacy (L&L) by visiting www.lineageandlegacy.org

Find out more about NAMI at www.nami.org, NAMI-SMC at www.namisanmateo.org or contact me at tsmithjones@namisanmateo.org

Taylor discusses the importance of creating a space for men to talk about their mental health and the importance of being able to ask about suicide.

Born and raised in the Silver State, Taylor Morgan is the Suicide Prevention Training and Outreach Facilitator for the state of Nevada after having spent 19 years in the non-profit world. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno , he is passionate about working to educate others and prevent suicide. A certified instructor in safeTALK, ASIST, Youth Mental Health First Aid, and Adult Mental Health First Aid, he had the distinct honor in 2022 of being selected National Instructor of the Year for Mental Health First Aid. Taylor is active in his community and also works on the side as a professional sports announcer in both NCAA collegiate athletics and professional baseball.
You can connect with Morgan at linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nevadamorgan/
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You can follow me on Instagram - @corner_of_hope_and_wellness (podcast) and @carriehillthrive - to work with me OR check in with me on y website: http://www.carriehill.net

Don't forget to hit the follow button for Corner of Hope and Wellness so that you never miss an episode!
If you’d like to work with me one on one or in a group setting, ask me a question, access more episodes of the podcast - go to my website carriehill.net - I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback. 
You can follow me on Instagram - @corner_of_hope_and_wellness (podcast) and @carriehillthrive - to interact and work with me

Tamara Smith-Jones:  “For the last decade I have had the honor of leading a non-profit named “Helping Others Maintain Earth (H.O.M.E.)” that connects underserved communities to resources like education, food, and healthcare, which are a right not a privilege. Today my immediate attention is on mental health and substance misuse recovery, self-discovery, psychological safety, whole health, and communal healing. While I genuinely enjoy working with people from all over the world, I place particular emphasis on African Ancestry/Black and faith-based communities. As a person with lived-experience in recovery, who represents both of these communities, I’m determine to dispel myths and debunk stigmas that have historically prevented us from healing our pasts to prepare our futures.

I use trauma-informed healing to help people breakthrough trauma by processing emotions, identifying language to explain them, developing tools to navigate them, and establishing healthy boundaries to maintain peace. For those who have lived-experience with mental health and/or substance misuse challenges, my work entails supporting and emboldening them to embrace their stories of recovery so they can inspire hope, resilience, and perseverance in others on their journeys. Recognizing that everyone is at different stages in their wellness, I also we work with individuals and groups who desire to leverage their life experiences and increase their emotional intelligence (EQ) to find their purpose, using it as a compass on the path of overall well-being and towards the betterment of society. The ultimate goal, approach each day and every situation with authenticity and intentionality, respectfully.

 When I’m not doing research and development in the behavioral health space you can find me spending time in nature with my emotional companion dog Jax (who rescued me 10 years ago!) or in the kitchen trying new recipes for both of us. I’ve been a faithful 49ers fan since the 80’s and in the last few years have found football to be very therapeutic. It’s a huge part of my wellness recovery plan!

 Please join me on a journey where we take care of ourselves so we can be present for others. #HealAsWeGrow #HealingInSolidarity #WeHealBetterTogether

To find out more about me and the work I do please visit:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tsmithjones or contact me at tamara@lineageandlegacy.org

Find out more about Lineage & Legacy (L&L) by visiting www.lineageandlegacy.org
Find out more about Helping Others Maintain Earth  (H.O.M.E.) by visiting www.maintainearth.org

Don't forget to hit the follow button for Corner of Hope and Wellness so that you never miss an episode!
If you’d like to work with me one on one or in a group setting, ask me a question, access more episodes of the podcast - go to my website carriehill.net - I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback. 
You can follow me on Instagram - @corner_of_hope_and_wellness (podcast) and @carriehillthrive - to interact and work with me

Barb shares the story of how she lost her sister to gun violence - This has set her on a mission to help others be more aware of warning signs to create safety for your self as well as family and friends

Barb has traveled the world as an elite athlete, coach, broadcaster, and instructor.  As a former collegiate 3X All American, 3X National Champion and 7X Gold Medalist as a USA Softball Team member and Coach,  Barb is experienced in skilled learning and teaching.  As a victim of predatory violence and trauma, Barb channeled her experience and knowledge gained through years of athletics and coaching into studying the skills of vigilance on situational awareness and how to predict unwanted behavior.  Barb is trained in Krav Maga and her instruction provides key fundamentals with the importance of body language, using your voice and self defense techniques.  Barb is also certified in Active Shooting Training.  Always Bev provides the platform through which Barb is able to share her passion of educating others on personal safety at home, campus, work and social environments and how awareness can enable us to recognize warning signs with people or vulnerable situations. Her commitment to preventing violence and crime with her astute teaching style has captivated audiences across the country.  Barb has already positively affected many lives and she welcomes the opportunity to share her knowledge with you.
Website: www.alwaysbev.com

Don't forget to hit the follow button for Corner of Hope and Wellness so that you never miss an episode!
If you’d like to work with me one on one or in a group setting, ask me a question, access more episodes of the podcast - go to my website carriehill.net - I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback. 
You can follow me on Instagram - @corner_of_hope_and_wellness (podcast) and @carriehillthrive - to interact and work with me


Fran Garton, #1 bestselling author, speaker, Body-Positive Personal Trainer, Pain Reduction Coach and Fibromyalgia Warrior, teaches people to live pain-free. Her passion is advocating for inclusive movement practices, body acceptance, stress reduction and learning to love movement. She enjoys volunteering with donkeys, playing with kittens, watercolour painting, cross-stitching and having dance parties. Meet Fran + get ready to end your pain forever.

Links:

https://frangartoncoaching.com/
https://www.instagram.com/frangartonpaincoach/
https://www.facebook.com/fran.garton
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLgxbhYO43_1B6y77ysx8wQ
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fran-garton-4976a048/

4-Module DIY Course - focuses on triggers, inflammation reduction, negativity removal and stress management. 
https://fransacademy.thinkific.com/courses/MomentumStarter

New Book! Healing the Hurt: A Step-by-Step Guide to Alleviate and Minimize Pain. Here's the link: https://www.amazon.ca/Healing-Hurt-Step-Step-Alleviate/dp/1738822761/ref=sr_1_18?crid=3I9ZS6ZG9KSMD&keywords=healing+the+hurt&qid=1692975374&sprefix=healing+the+hurt%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-18

Yasmin shares how cultural expectations impacted her mental health and the tools she has learned to cope with anxiety.

Yasmin Irfani is a Pakistani Muslim American currently serving as Program Manager at a non-profit in Southern California. She received her M.S in College Counseling & Student Services in 2019 and has been working in the non-profit world since. She has served as Youth Programs Director at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) in San Fernando Valley, as well as Dignity Health Northridge Hospital. Yasmin is a certified instructor for Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. She is also a QPR Suicide Prevention Trainer where she certifies community members and empowers them to lean into the difficult conversations about suicide. A couple of her favorite topics to facilitate are self compassion and social emotional learning for youth.

NAMI - Look for your local NAMI Chapter: https://www.nami.org/Home
QPR: https://qprinstitute.com/
ASIST: https://livingworks.net/training/livingworks-asist

Don't forget to hit the follow button for Corner of Hope and Wellness so that you never miss an episode!
If you’d like to work with me one on one or in a group setting, ask me a question, access more episodes of the podcast - go to my website carriehill.net - I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback. 
You can follow me on Instagram - @corner_of_hope_and_wellness (podcast) and @carriehillthrive - to interact and work with me

Aaron discusses how compassion, gratitude and forgiveness of her family's patterns helped her to become  her own person.

Aaron is a licensed clinician and supervisor, providing individual counseling to residents in Texas. Aaron’s approach in therapy tends to lean into self-compassion, acceptance of self, and mindfulness based practices. She’s also a National Trainer for Mental Health First Aid with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, and an educator within her community,  She lives with her wife and their puppy Supernova, in the Austin, Texas area. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, yoga, eating amazing food, and seeing her favorite bands perform live. If you'd like to connect with Aaron, please visit her website at: www.aaronevanslpc.com

Don't forget to hit the follow button for Corner of Hope and Wellness so that you never miss an episode!
If you’d like to work with me one on one or in a group setting, ask me a question, access more episodes of the podcast - go to my website carriehill.net - I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback. 
You can follow me on Instagram - @corner_of_hope_and_wellness (podcast) and @carriehillthrive - to work with me

Final Episode of Corner of Hope and Wellness!

This week's guest, Laura Whitfield shares how the loss of her brother helped to shape her and teach the valuable lesson that life is short, take risks, dream big. She also shares how writing her memoir helped to heal her and overcome shame.

Laura's Book: Untethered: Faith, Failure and Finding Solid Ground will be available April 5th, 2022
Check out her website: https://laurawhitfield.com/
Follow on Instagram: @LauraWhitfieldwriter

Mentioned in this episode: 
Frederick Buechner - Writer and Theologian
Brene Brown: https://brenebrown.com/