No Shame On U

Talking with your young person about difficult topics can be tough! Join us for a discussion with two experts from JCFS Chicago to navigate these challenging discussions. Today, we spoke with two professionals. Alyssa Robbins (she, they) is a sexuality and reproductive health educator and Manager of Community JCFS Chicago’s Response for Teens, and Megan Lernerk (she, her, ella), LCSW, is the Director of the Kaufman Wolf Center for Trauma and Resilience at JCFS Chicago. Learn about their journies, work, and suggestions for navigating difficult conversations with your young person! JCFS Chicago - Response for Teens: https://www.jcfs.org/response JCFS Chicago - Kaufman Wolf Center for Trauma and Resilience: https://www.jcfs.org/find-help/trauma-resilience

Today, we talk with author and retired Major General Gregg Martin. Gregg F. Martin, PhD, Major General, US Army (Retired), served on active duty for 36 years, until May 2015. He is a combat veteran, Bipolar Survivor, Airborne-Ranger-Engineer qualified soldier, and Army Strategist. General Martin recently released his new book - The Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness - published by the Naval Institute Press. Learn about his struggle with mental illness, why he wrote the book, and how he manages his health today. Learn more here: https://www.generalgreggmartin.com/ Buy the book on Amazon.

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 45th Podcast! Today we spoke about early childhood mental health with expert Jen Streicher. Jen Streicher is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Assistant Director of Social Services for JCC Chicago, where she has worked for over 17 years in various capacities. Jen holds a master’s of Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago, a Master of Science in Child Development, and a post-graduate certificate in Infant Mental Health from the Erikson Institute. We talked with Jen about what mental health support looks like for early childhood-aged children, tips and tools for parents, and resources. To learn more about JCC Chicago, go to: www.jcchicago.org .45

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 44th Podcast. Today, we are meeting with Samantha Kolkey, the Executive Director of Options for College Success. Listen as Samantha describes her personal journey with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and how it fuels her passion and work for Options for College Success. Options for College Success’s mission is to support young adults with learning challenges and disabilities develop the skills and confidence to succeed academically, work productively, and live independently. We envision an inclusive future where emerging adults with disabilities have opportunities to build their own successful life. Learn more at: https://www.optionsforcollegesuccess.org/

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 43rd Podcast! Edie Freimark has had a long career in business management and is a pending certified Recovery Support Specialist. Edie works for Josselyn Center as a Peer Support Specialist in the northern suburbs of Illinois. She was recently awarded the 2023 NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) support Group facilitator of the year by NAMI Bucks County PA. At NAMI, Edie was a Support Group Facilitator for many groups and was a warm-line responder. To learn more about the program Edie participated in to become a Recovery Support Specialist, go to: Recovery Support Specialist | Elgin Community College (ECC)

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 42nd Podcast! In this episode, we have the incredible opportunity to talk with Aleksandra Muller, as she opens up about her profound journey through grief, having lost her father unexpectedly at the age of 19. Aleks is now a 22 year old grief educator on grief.com, grief advocate, and podcaster. Aleks is dedicated to helping people find light and hope while battling the journey of grief and guiding friends and family members on how to best support others who are grieving. Aleks is always on the hunt for more opportunities to educate others on grief. Find her podcast My Second Life on grief and healing on Spotify and Apple. To see the video version of the podcast, go to My Second Life on Spotify.

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 41st Podcast! Today we are meeting with mental health advocate Daniel Warshawsky. Daniel is very special to No Shame On U as he has served on our board of directors for the last several years. Enjoy our conversation about Daniel’s journey, his passion for mental health, and his experience as an individual in the LGBTQ+ community. Daniel Warshawsky is a current PsyD Student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Most recently, he worked as the Engagement Director for the Midwest branch of United Synagogue Youth (USY), the youth movement for Conservative Jewish teens in North America. In this role, he worked with professional staff and teen leaders from throughout the Midwest to create and implement innovative social, educational, and leadership programming for teens. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Jewish Studies, and Marketing from Indiana University, and recently received his master’s degree in clinical psychology.  Daniel is extremely passionate about mental health awareness and is a board member of No Shame on U, an organization dedicated to reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions. He has received certifications in Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), and has facilitated support groups for teens. He is frequently asked to speak about the topic of mental health at schools, synagogues, and community organizations in Chicago.

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 40th Podcast! Today we are meeting with author Kenneth Nixon. Kenneth just came out with an intense and meaningful memoir called Born into Crisis. Kenneth knows firsthand the impact trauma can have on a person's life and takes us on a power-powerful journey of his life. He does it uniquely where he shares tips, tools, and strategies for personal and collective change in our nation. Kenneth Nixon is a pastor, Virginia Supreme Court Certified Mediator, and mental health advocate. Kenneth speaks out about the need for reform in the mental health system and works to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness. He is a clergy leader and staff organizer with VirginiansOrganized for Interfaith Community Engagement (VOICE). Part of the reason for Kenneth writing this book is his strong belief that mental health should no longer be taboo in our society, and we must discuss it openly and honestly. This book is his attempt to take a step in that direction, He truly hopes readers take away the importance of listening to all sides to create meaningful change. We have a mental health crisis in this country, and we all need to be part of the solution.

Welcome to No Shame On U’s 39th Podcast! For close to 40 years, the Jewish chaplains and staff of the HINDA INSTITUTE have dedicated themselves to helping individuals and their families navigate the criminal justice system and re-entry to society with faith, community, and dignity. Today we speak with Abigail Rabinowitz Scheiman, Program Coordinator at the Hinda Institute. and Mary Zukowski is a registered Nurse who has serviced mental health recipients for over 30 years. She has particularly been interested in support services for patients post-discharge and, in the past, has explained similar concerns after her own family member experienced a mental health issue and subsequent incarceration. To learn more about the Hinda Institute go to: https://www.hindahelps.com/