No Shame On U 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 46th Podcast! Today, we had an interesting discussion with Bruce Sewick, LCPC, CADC, about the use of psychedelics and mental health. Bruce retired as the CEO of Leyden Family Service and Mental Health Center (Franklin Park), and the SHARE Program (Hoffman Estates) in July of 2022 after working there for 26 years. He is now an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the CRSS Success Grant at the College of DuPage, where he has worked for 20 years in the Human Services Department. He has been lecturing on the therapeutic use of psychedelics for over 25 years and has taught a class on Psychedelics called “Psychedelic Mindview” at the College of DuPage.
Listen as we discuss everything from the history of psychedelics to what treatment looks like.

Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a mental health professional or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your condition or mental health treatment.

http://www.brucesewick.com/

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)